Celebrated table

White Horse

White Horse in Lincoln delivers contemporary gastropub dining with seasonal dishes, award-winning Sunday roasts, and a modern atmosphere praised by the Good Food Guide.

The story

White Horse Lincoln: Award-Winning Gastropub on Hungate

Origins and Atmosphere

White Horse brings contemporary international cuisine to Lincoln's Hungate district, where owners Dan and Jason transformed a traditional red brick pub into a deceptively spacious venue upon opening in November 2023. Under head chef Jack, the kitchen focuses on seasonal dishes crafted entirely in-house, ranging from fusion small plates to elevated pub classics. The layout offers distinct zones for every mood, including a snug area centered around a fireplace, a bright Orangery facing an urban garden, and a mezzanine Gallery suited for private gatherings. A soundtrack of obscure 60s and 70s tracks, selected by the staff, underscores the convivial energy that earned the team recognition in the recent Good Food Guide.

Standout Dishes

Inspectors highlighted the ox cheek tacos as a standout, featuring tender meat paired with crunchy cucumber salsa and a generous smear of spicy chermoula. Sweet tooth visitors often return for the warm carrot and pecan cake, which arrives with delectable beurre noisette cream cheese and vanilla ice cream. The menu rotates monthly to highlight local produce, a flexibility that extends to their praised Sunday roasts and a rotating selection of gourmet burgers. While most plates hit the mark, the kitchen balances these heartier offerings with diverting vegetarian options, reflecting the flexible nature of their international approach.

Drinks and Service

The beverage program complements the food with craft beers and hand-selected wines that sit alongside expertly mixed cocktails available throughout the evening. Regular pairing evenings invite guests to explore these drinks alongside the chefs' creations. Readers have singled out the young service staff for their enthusiasm and ability to navigate the diverse menu. This blend of refined cooking and relaxed hospitality keeps regulars returning to the Hungate spot.

Recognition

Awards & accolades

2026
The Good Food Guide
Good

Details

At a glance

The Good Food Guide 2026 — Good
Cuisines International
Services Bar, Breakfast, Catering, Cocktails, Dinner, Events, Gastropub, Lunch, Outdoor Seating, Private Chef, Private Parties, Private Room, Vegetarian

History

On the record

2026
The Good Food Guide — Good

Opened under new ownership at the end of 2023, this old red brick pub on a city-centre backstreet has a deceptively large and modern interior. For drinkers, there’s a bar and a cosy snug (along with high-quality real ales and cider on tap), while diners have various options: a section off the bar with round tables as well as seating for couples, a first-floor space (the Gallery) for private parties, and a bright ground-floor ‘Orangery’ overlooking the little urban garden. Like the decor, the food is contemporary in style – a collection of small and large plates (available all-day on Fridays and Saturdays) served by enthusiastic young staff who also get an honourable mention from readers. There’s ambition here, both in the drinks selection (pairings from the well-thought-out wine list are offered with main courses) and the food, which incorporates fusion assemblies as well as pub food of the burger/meat-platter ilk. Results can vary, with the stars at inspection being an expertly judged ‘small plate’ of three ox cheek tacos (tender meat and crunchy cucumber salsa, topped with a generous squiggle of spicy chermoula), and a moreish pudding of warm carrot and pecan cake with delectable ‘beurre noisette’ cream cheese and ice cream. Less accomplished was a ‘large plate’ of smoked tofu laksa (one of several diverting vegetarian options), where authentic Asian flavours were hard to discern among the general creaminess. A convivial hubbub and a groovy soundtrack of obscure 60s and 70s tunes (chosen by the staff) add to the vibe, and we've had abundant praise for the Sunday roasts.

Established

Location

Find us

21 Hungate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 1ES
Lincoln, United Kingdom
01522 217784
bookings@whitehorselincoln.co.uk
Visit website
Map showing White Horse