When eastern suburbs princesses want to "rough it and have a pub experience", they head here. The renovated setting is spiffy and the Champagne is at the ready.
A dingy watering hole in days gone by, the White Horse is now something of a sparkler in Surry Hills. This venue underwent a flashy metamorphosis a few years back, which saw it re-emerge as one of Crown Street's sexier pubs to play in.
Here, eastern suburbs beauties trot around, giggling and tipping back glasses of chilled champers while local lads kick back and relax, chugging on designer beers. A few more mature locals mill about in the background, surveying the crowd and boozing in a low-key way.
The White Horse's front bar area is decked out in polished chrome, exposed brick walls and a few scattered cushions. A central bar commands the room and serves up boutique tap beers such as Kirin, James Squire Pilsner and Heineken.
Cocktail princesses can lush it up with Espresso Martinis (vodka, a shot of espresso, Kahlua, Licor 43 and sugar syrup) before turning to some pizza and tapas for extra sustenance.
An outdoor terrace is set above the main bar, offering a place where smokers can light up and chat away while taking in a bird's eye view of Crown Street.
During the working week, the White Horse plays laidback lounge tunes which flow in a lazy kind of way. Come the weekend however, the vibe hits a near-deafening crescendo as local DJs blast funky house tunes.
Victoria Brooks
