The next in our exploration around country pubs of Norfolk was the White Horse at Longham. This had one of the longest histories of any of the pubs that we visited, having been a licensed premises since the middle of the seventeenth century. As with many pubs of the time, it was linked in with another business, in this case it was for a long time also a blacksmiths.
Initially the pub was part of the Swaffham Brewery estate, before becoming part of Steward & Patteson and then Watney Mann. There was something of a modernisation before it became a Chef & Brewer and then after a short period of closure between 1977 and 1978, it became a free house. It has been run by Barry White since 1995, fortunately free of Pubco influence and interference.
A list of the landlords since 1640.
There was a homely feel when we entered, it was warm and comfortable with the TV showing films. There was a slight omission of any customers or staff, but other than that, all seemed well.
There was a bell to get the attention of a staff member and we decided that Roy was the bravest to ring it.
There were two real ales available, the Cheeky Jack from Moon Gazer and the Yardbird from Greene King. It wasn’t a difficult choice.
I went for the Cheeky Jack which tasted in fine form and it appeared to have been served from gravity which I like. It had a taste of orange with a crisp taste, very agreeable. The food pairing at this pub was with BBQ Mini Cheddars and I was pleased with my ordering combination.
The service was polite, personable and it appeared to be the landlord Barry White, who has been here since the middle of the 1990s. He’s certainly doing a fine job, the pub was spotlessly clean and we felt very welcome during the visit.
One of the two dining areas which also looked in a good state of repair. There are also three rooms upstairs for those wanting B&B, with the online reviews for these being positive. There’s also the option of camping outside and the owner welcomes camper vans as well.
This pub certainly surprised and delighted me, it was a proper survivor and I hope that it has a sustainable future. Food is served and I was pleased with how well-kept my real ale was, it all felt organised and the landlord Barry is evidently very much of a character, but for all the right reasons.