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Warm up winter at the new-look White Horse

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Regulars and new faces alike are enjoying the fresh new look and cosy atmosphere at The White Horse following its recent revamp, which has made the popular Harpenden pub an even lovelier place to enjoy good food and drink and good company.

The pub’s been constantly busy since being taken over by the award-winning Peach Pub Company eight years ago, with general manager Jon Waterhouse and his team working hard to ensure the food and atmosphere are always at their best. With so many guests beating a path through the doorway, the time had come to give the pub a new lease of life, as he explains.


“The White Horse is a really lovely, historic pub, that’s full of character and charm,” he says. “We definitely wanted to keep it that way so our new look has been carefully planned to bring out its best features whilst revitalising the interior and give it a stylish new look.

“There are lots of cosy spaces, especially the bar and the eatery beyond with its wooden rafters and stripped wooden flooring, so we’ve restored these and added elegant new furniture, furnishings, lighting and accessories to create a really smart but comfortable space,” he says.

The beautiful eatery has gorgeous sofa style seating in rich rusts and newly upholstered chairs in soft greys, rounded out by a vibrant yellow feature wall and full length curtains at one end. Natural wood and wicker give the place a warm glow, with clusters of smaller tables and one mid height table seating eight comfortably that’s already getting rapidly booked up for celebration dinners and special occasions.

The snug is decorated in rich reds and corals, with hand-printed wallpapers in nature-inspired prints softening the walls. As well as tub chairs covered in toning yellow and cream fabrics, there are new tall tables and stools in luxurious velvets creating perfect spots to sit and sip on a glass of something chilled.

The front bar, meanwhile, retains its traditional look with the wooden panelled walls painted in deep burgundy, the warm glow from copperware hung above the bar and from the original brick fireplace with its roaring fire, the perfect antidote to chillier days and evenings.

Tucked away upstairs the pub’s private dining room is freshly decorated and fitted with a new TV and laptop compatible presentation facilities, making it the ideal option for meetings and business lunches as well as for drinks and dinner parties for up to 14 guests.

Head chef Dan Kennie, who trained in Marco Pierre White restaurants, has come up with a choice of delectable new dishes for everything from light lunches to hearty suppers. Cornish Lamb Scrumpets, deliciously crisp on the outside with a filling of meltingly soft lamb inside and a punchy salsa verde make a great snack with a good pint of ale, as does potted native crab with toasted sourdough.

Mains vary from a filling free-range chicken and ham pie with silky buttered mash, greens and a rich jus to locally sourced Woburn venison haunch served with Boulangère potatoes, roasted carrots and a warming port and juniper jus. Vegan friendly Sri Lankan sweet potato and cashew curry accompanied by chapati, lime pickle and coconut sambal as well as grilled calves liver with smoked bacon, kale and mash are also going down well.

The White Horse keeps an excellent pint, like Sidepocket for a Toad from the Tring Brewery which goes with big spicy flavours as well as drinking well on its own. Seasonal guest ales make regular appearances on the bar, whilst Wolfpack Pilsner brewed by former Saracens rugby players Alistair Hargreaves and Chris Wyles is a permanent fixture.


The White Horse is also a magical place for Christmas celebrations. On the menu is bronze, free range turkey from Worcester, Cornish lamb, British beef and responsibly sourced fish. Spiced sweet potato and kale pie with spinach and wild mushrooms or fillet of sea bream with leeks, white beans, mussels and white wine make for deliciously different options alongside traditional roast turkey. With the big day less than a month away, book today and enjoy a proper feast. What’s more, for each guest who enjoys a Christmas meal, The White Horse will donate 25p to Shelter to help those affected by homelessness.

“We’re very pleased with our new look which has given the pub a new lease of life, but most importantly, so are our guests,” says Jon. “They are here with their friends and family enjoying what’s on offer and feeling right at home in our lovely, cosy pub, which is positively glowing! Come and join them by paying us a visit soon – we look forward to welcoming you.”

The White Horse is on Redbourn Lane, Hatching Green, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JP, minutes from Harpenden town centre. To book a table for lunch, dinner or for a Christmas celebration, please go to https://www.thewhitehorseharpenden.co.uk/booking-stage-1/, email
thewhitehorse@peachpubs.com or call 01582 469290

Deputy Editor of TrendLife Magazine. Often daydreaming, always happy. If you only do one thing today, do it more stylish than you did before.

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Eating

Ring in 2025 in Style: New Year’s Eve at Tewinbury’s Tythe Barn

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Prepare for a magical New Year’s Eve at Tewinbury’s exquisite Tythe Barn, where rustic charm meets understated luxury. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mimram Valley in Hertfordshire, this exclusive celebration promises an evening of indulgence, joy, and unforgettable memories.

The Perfect Celebration

The festivities begin with a sparkling Champagne reception, accompanied by an array of exquisite canapés. Guests will then be treated to a carefully curated four-course meal, perfectly paired with fine wine to tantalise the taste buds. The evening continues with live entertainment, providing the ideal soundtrack to dance your way into 2025 with loved ones.

As the clock approaches midnight, toast to the New Year in the enchanting ambience of Tythe Barn, a space renowned for its blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. With its exposed wooden beams and festive decor, this venue offers an intimate yet vibrant setting for a truly memorable night.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Tewinbury’s Tythe Barn with Champagne, a four-course meal, live entertainment, and rustic elegance in the heart of Hertfordshire.

About Tewinbury

Tewinbury is not just a venue; it is an experience. Located in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, this 700-acre estate provides a tranquil escape just a short journey from the hustle and bustle of London. Only 30 minutes by train from King’s Cross, Tewinbury feels a world away with its idyllic surroundings and refined country charm.

The estate is renowned for its farm-to-table dining, luxury lodges, and bespoke experiences, making it a sought-after destination for both celebrations and retreats. Tythe Barn itself is a jewel in Tewinbury’s crown, offering a beautiful setting steeped in history and brimming with character.

Whether you are a local or travelling in from further afield, Tewinbury provides the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories this New Year’s Eve.

Event Details

  • Date: 31st December 2024
  • Venue: Tythe Barn, Tewinbury, Hertford Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0JB
  • Tickets: £165 per person (includes Champagne reception, canapés, four-course meal, wine, and entertainment)
  • Time: Evening

Make Your Booking

Tickets are limited for this exclusive event, so secure your place early to avoid disappointment. Book online at tewinbury.co.uk/event/new-years-eve-at-tythe-barn or contact the team directly at 01438 717793 or reservations@tewinbury.co.uk.

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Eating

Brakspear Expands Estate with Purchase of Historic Pub in Maulden

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Henley-based WH Brakspear & Sons is thrilled to announce the purchase of The George, a charming 16th-century Grade II listed inn in the heart of Maulden.

Henley-based, WH Brakspear & Sons, is delighted to announce that it is currently purchasing the freehold interest in The George Public House, a beautiful, 16th century, Grade II listed inn located in centre of the idyllic Bedfordshire village of Maulden.

The George was taken over by Maulden villagers, Julian and Emma Smith, in 2011. The couple bought and completely refurbished the then derelict pub whilst sensitively renovating its many original architectural features using local contractors, Kingshall Estates UK Ltd.

Brakspear Expands Estate with Purchase of Historic Pub in Maulden

 

Departing owner, Emma Smith says,” The pub was a wreck when we bought it, but we replaced everything from the plumbing, electrics and the layout, built a new carpark and created a two-bed flat for a tenant. We then commissioned talented Birmingham-based, pub interior designers, Spencer Swinden, to create contemporary and cosy spaces to drink, eat and stay to a high spec.”

Now a thriving community hub, The George has a light and airy public bar, restaurant with 120 covers, a private function room seating 18-24 and seven, boutique-style, en-suite guest rooms housed in cottage style accommodation overlooking its landscaped beer garden with an attractive dining terrace, and currently has planning permission to build five additional bedrooms.

Tom Davies, Brakspear CEO commented, “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of The George at Maulden. It will be a fantastic addition to our estate. We don’t have many pubs in Bedfordshire, so we are really excited to be there, especially with the proposed Universal Studios development so close by.”

Having run the pub since 2016, Julian and Emma are leaving the pub in really good shape. “It’s been an amazing journey, particularly as we had no previous experience in hospitality when we started out.” says Emma. “We’ve absolutely loved every minute of our time at The George, but Julian and I are now ready to move on to our next adventure, which we’re currently deciding on. “The tenants will just be able to just jump straight in and run it with a wonderful, enthusiastic team of 40 staff ready to support them,” says Emma Smith.

Brakspear Expands Estate with Purchase of Historic Pub in Maulden

“Our vision is to retain The George as a community hub whilst also offering a wonderful place to relax, stay and dine if visiting from further afield,” says Brakspear’s Business Development director, Gerard Winder. “Brakspear is now looking for a new tenant with experience of the area and who can fit in to a local pub with a loyal following and a strong background in food and beverage to be able to operate a quality informal operation on a tenancy agreement”.

Brakspear Expands Estate with Purchase of Historic Pub in Maulden

The George lies eight miles south of Bedford and 13 miles from Luton. The market town of Ampthill is 2 miles away. Surrounded by the ancient Maulden Wood and halfway along the Greensand Ridge Walk, the area is a popular tourist destination with Centre Parcs, Woburn Safari Park, Woburn Abbey Deer Park and Woburn Golf Club close by. The proposed Universal Studios site is three miles away.  The nearest train station is Flitwick with direct mainline services to London St Pancras.

The George Inn, 6 George St, Maulden, Bedford MK45 2DF, https://www.thegeorgemaulden.com

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Events

Petrolheadonism Live: An Automotive Extravaganza at Knebworth House

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Petrolheadonism Live

As petrol heads, TrendLife Magazine is thrilled to announce the return of Petrolheadonism Live at the historic Knebworth House on September 14-15. This event is a paradise for car enthusiasts, showcasing over 1000 vehicles, including supercars, hypercars, classics, and movie-themed cars. Attendees can expect live dyno demonstrations, thrilling bike shows, and family-friendly activities.

One of the main highlights is the chance to meet automotive celebrities and influencers, with Chip Foose among the star attractions. The event also features numerous trade stands, offering everything from car accessories to merchandise.

Our Experience Three Years Ago

TrendLife Magazine had the privilege of attending Petrolheadonism Live three years ago, and it was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was electric, with car lovers from all walks of life coming together to celebrate their passion. The stunning array of vehicles, combined with live entertainment and interactive exhibits, made it a truly unique event.

 

What to Expect This Year

This year, Petrolheadonism Live promises to be even bigger and better. Here are some key attractions:

  • Supercar and Hypercar Displays: Get up close with some of the most exotic cars in the world.
  • Retro Classics: A nostalgic journey through automotive history with beautifully maintained classic cars.
  • Movie Cars: Iconic vehicles from your favorite films.
  • Live Demonstrations: Watch powerful cars in action with live dyno demos and bike shows.
  • Celebrity Meet-and-Greets: Meet automotive legends and popular influencers.
  • Family Fun: Activities and entertainment for all ages, making it a perfect family outing.

Live at Knebworth House

Don’t miss out on this incredible automotive event. Whether you’re a die-hard petrolhead or just looking for a fun day out, Petrolheadonism Live has something for everyone. Secure your tickets now and be part of a weekend filled with horsepower and excitement.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit See Tickets. Read about our previous visit here.

Event Details

  • Dates: September 14-15
  • Location: Knebworth House
  • Time: Saturday 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Sunday 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Mark your calendars and join us at Petrolheadonism Live for a weekend to remember!

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