Shepherd Neame's White Horse and Bower is 'beautiful' following its £950K transformation

The White Horse and Bower may have originally opened as a pub back in 1816, but its new General Manager, Aura Bodian, believes she has a stunning pub that’s as good as new – and more!

Even better, locals are queuing to get back inside the door, following its £950,000 stunning refurbishment by owners Shepherd Neame, such is their continued love for it.

Just minutes from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, the pub reopened earlier this month with experienced General Manager Aura at the reins following a three-month transformation.

“I read about this pub and it ticked every single box I had,” she said. “I think it is the most beautiful pub I have ever seen. It has been refurbished with such care and attention to detail.

“Other work was undertaken on the building before we began the project, so the pub was actually closed for two years, but the locals were still there, just waiting for it to reopen. I have a new pub, decorated from scratch, but also with a clientele waiting for it to come back. How lucky am I?”

Aura has been working in central London pubs for just over 10 years, starting at another Shepherd Neame site, The Cheshire Cheese, before spending 10 years working with Young’s, but was looking for a pub company which had a personal touch.

“I was looking for a company that wasn’t too big, where you really feel part of a team, working to achieve success together. And I found it in Shepherd Neame – the support system is amazing, I’ve never known support like it.”

She added: “Hospitality is all about people. This is the one job where you can change a person’s life. You can make an impact on people’s lives and turn a bad day into a good day.” 

The pub’s restoration has seen its rich heritage blended with a bold, modern vision. Central to this has been a bespoke reclaimed oak bar, repositioned to ensure a open, welcoming atmosphere.

New seating in aged leather and plush velvets add comfort and character, while antique wall fittings and a hand painted traditional Lincrusta wall finish in the dining area enrich the feel of its history.

Externally, it has been carefully restored, with a new awning and bespoke hand painted swing sign featuring the pub’s eponymous white horse.

The new team have been training hard for the reopening. “They are super engaged,” said Aura. “They want it to do well so badly – I’m so lucky. I have really enjoyed training them and we are already getting great feedback from customers.”

In line with Shepherd Neame’s commitment to sustainability, the refurbishment includes energy-efficient fridges, smart cellar technology, LED lighting, and an all-electric kitchen.

The expanded kitchen is now serving a delicious new menu, which includes a selection of small plates including miso-glazed aubergine with sweet tahini yoghurt, crispy salt and pepper dusted squid with citrus mayo, and grilled lamb koftas with smoky baba ganoush.

The team will also be launching a programme of live events. It is open every day, with food served from 11am to 9pm, Monday to Tuesday; 11am to 10pm, Wednesday to Friday; 10am to 9pm on Saturday; and 10am to 8pm on Sunday. 

Find out more at www.whitehorseandbower.co.uk