howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
someone told me earlier that it was closing for good on sunday, can anyone confirm or deny this?
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
I hope not - I have a meeting there on Monday!
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
I've lost count of the number of times it has 'closed for good'.
Update: just had confirmation from a Horse regular.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 711- Registered: 1 Mar 2011
- Posts: 194
Peter, are you saying that you have had confirmation that The White Horse is indeed closing for good?
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
It's closing until the owners find a new tenant or put in an interim manager.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
had a look on their facebook page, nothing about it closing - people on there clearly expecting it to be open when they visit.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
So Jeanette's called it a day - very sad for her and her supporters.
I didn't realise it wasn't doing very well - or at least well enough to keep open.
A very old pub and with all those swimmers' achievements on the walls and ceilings, it should be very popular. Maybe the owners are too greedy.
Roger
Guest 730- Registered: 5 Nov 2011
- Posts: 221
Isn't it the oldest pub in Dover, it will be very sad if it closes for good. Jeanette gave up a full time job to take that on as well I believe.
Guest 670- Registered: 23 Apr 2008
- Posts: 573
I remember saying before Jeanette took it that it could not survive in its present form, I was shouted down at the time.
My Wife and I went in there once during late Winter, there was no heat on and I know only too well how cold the building can be. The interior was covered in signatures and gave a very uninviting atmosphere, we never returned.
Guest 722- Registered: 23 Aug 2011
- Posts: 97
Oh dear what a shame. Poor Jeanette.
I'm sure I remember the fire being alight in the old days.
I agree about the signatures, it does spoil the place a bit. Channel swimmers who only ever went in there once and now it is "their" pub. I found it a bit like having a TV on in a bar. I couldn't help looking and reading even though I wasn't interested.
I wish Jeanette good luck in the future.
Judith Roberts- Registered: 15 May 2012
- Posts: 637
This is very sad news. I agree that the swimmers' signatures are distracting, but not enough to put us off going in there. I hope someone is able to take it on and make it more attractive to locals and visitors. Dover is very short of good pubs, there are some very good restaurants but not many options for a good pint of ale.
Terry Nunn
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,316
What can I say? It was a very bold step for Jeanette to take to take after managing it for a short time and then being "dropped in it". It's not just the job, it's also her home.
Bounce back Jeanette, you can do it.
Terry
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
I am also sorry to see the pub go,We did not use it in the last year or so,well we do not drink so do not go in any much.
Guest 767- Registered: 30 Aug 2012
- Posts: 458
Many years ago I worked the bar in the Horse under the gentle eye of Charlie Willet, I have known the house all my drinking life! However, it must be said the house looks tatty and rundown, why oh why do you let people who do not use the place write all over it? A face lift is needed if it is to survive.Dover castle staff had many a 'social' evening in the Horse and it holds a place in the hearts of many of us. I hope it keeps going in some way, if not then cheers to one of the last real pubs left in Dover.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
i am sure it will resurface again in some form, welcome to the forum phil.
Terry Nunn- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,316
Hello Pip, long time no see - again!
Terry
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Guest 657- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,037
That's a real pity, I like the White Horse.
Guest 644- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,214
Crumbs, am I the only person who likes the Channel swimming writing on the wall? I thought it adds a lot of character and is a great talking point. It is unique - no where else has a record like it. Ultimately the Horse is a business and the swimmers who sign their name bring in revenue over the bar via their social gatherings, to have a meal or just to celebrate their achievement. For the rest of us, it makes it a good and safe place to meet people from all over the world.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
I agree Phil. Every pub needs a unique feature to appeal to peoples' imaginations.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
i always rather liked the stuff about the channel swims, works well in the "white horse".
i would imagine that overseas visitors would have liked it as it is the most famous swim in the world.