The White Horse

The White Horse, Clun, Shropshire SY7 8JA

An attractive white-painted pub in the tiny square of this small South Shropshire town, once described by the poet A. E. Housman as “one of the sleepiest places under the sun”. The striking ruins of the mediaeval Clun Castle are not far away.

Internally it has been opened out somewhat over the years, to provide a rambling main bar with comfortable settles, a plainer public bar area to the rear, and a dining room on the right. There’s an extensive, reasonably-priced food menu including both full meals and snacks.

On the bar are seven or eight real ales, mostly locally sourced, with the local Clun Brewery taking pride of place. Their 4.1% Clun Pale Ale in the characteristic West Midlands/Marches style appeared to be the best seller. There are also local ciders in both real and keg form.

Perhaps not a totally unspoilt classic, but a welcoming, characterful pub serving both tourists and its local community well. The Buffalo Inn opposite retains its signage, but has been closed since 2004 and is yet to find an alternative use. The nearby Sun Inn is also worth a visit, and internally retains more historic character.

The pub’s own website is here.