Dinner review by Editor Kris Thomas.
Perched right on the coast in Rottingdean, The White Horses offers one of the most enviable locations in Sussex. With uninterrupted views of the sea and a wide terrace that practically spills onto the beach, it’s a place that invites you to linger. The building itself has a long-standing presence in the village, but in 2024 it underwent a thoughtful refurbishment as the first addition to The Everly Hotels Collection. The result is a stylish, welcoming venue that blends heritage with modern comfort.
Art deco elegance & coastal light
Step inside and you’re greeted by a dining room that feels both refined and relaxed. The space has a subtle art-deco feel, with clean lines, soft lighting, and full-height windows on three sides that flood the room with natural light and showcase the stunning sea views. Whether you’re seated for lunch or watching the sun dip below the horizon over dinner, the vista is a constant delight.
A warm welcome & delicious food
We were greeted with friendly, attentive service that set the tone for a lovely evening. The staff were knowledgeable and relaxed, striking just the right balance between professionalism and warmth.
To start, we shared a selection of small plates that were full of flavour and texture: spicy, sweet olives and warm, salty almonds were a perfect nibble with drinks. The beetroot and feta salad, paired with blackberries and a rich jus, was fresh and vibrant. Mussels in a cream and bacon sauce were indulgent and comforting, especially when scooped up with the soft, warm garlic flatbread. The tandoori chicken skewers brought a gentle heat, while the crispy calamari and whitebait were golden and satisfying. For mains, the aubergine schnitzel was a standout vegetarian option — crunchy, flavourful, and served with a zingy salsa and peppery watercress salad. The 28-day matured ribeye steak was cooked to perfection, with a deep, savoury flavour and served alongside beef dripping chips that were crisp on the outside and fluffy inside.
Desserts were equally impressive. A trio of ice creams offered a refreshing finish, while the apple crumble, served in a dainty ramekin, was homely and comforting. The star of the show was the Chocolate Negus — rich and velvety, paired beautifully with a sharp blackcurrant sorbet and a delicate cocoa tuile. Heavenly!
Drinks, dogs & dreamy stays
The bar offers a good selection of wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options, with something to suit every taste. It’s the kind of place where you could easily settle in for a relaxed drink, especially with the sea just beyond the terrace. The White Horses is also a great spot for a coastal getaway. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, and the venue is dog-friendly, making it ideal for those who want to bring their four-legged friends along. After an indulgent breakfast, a brisk walk along the coast is the perfect way to start a weekend.
Festive offers
The White Horses is offering a three-course festive menu from £39.50 per person (18th Nov – 24th Dec). A Christmas Day bespoke three-course lunch is from £132 per person and a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner (adults only) featuring dishes such as roast venison loin, wild mushroom and tarragon pâté, fillet of beef Wellington, and salt-baked celeriac – served with a glass of fizz is from £135. Live entertainment from a jazz singer and DJ will accompany the celebrations.
Festive offers
The White Horses is offering a three-course festive menu from £39.50 per person (18th Nov – 24th Dec). A Christmas Day bespoke three-course lunch is from £132 per person and a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner (adults only) featuring dishes such as roast venison loin, wild mushroom and tarragon pâté, fillet of beef Wellington, and salt-baked celeriac – served with a glass of fizz is from £135. Live entertainment from a jazz singer and DJ will accompany the celebrations.
Get in touch
The White Horses, Marine Drive, Rottingdean, BN2 7HR | 01273 300301
www.thewhitehorseshotel-rottingdean.co.uk
New Autumn/Winter menu has recently gone live. Booking recommended, especially at weekends.
