The White Horse Churton – the Elite Bistros country pub worth a trip

The White Horse Churton is a beautifully restored country pub near Chester, run by the team behind Elite Bistros, and it’s quickly become one of Cheshire’s most talked-about food pubs. Combining a proper village local with serious cooking, it’s the sort of place you visit “just for a pint” and end up booking your next Sunday lunch before you’ve even left.

Whether you’re planning a special meal, a relaxed lunch after a Cheshire walk, or a stay nearby in the Chester countryside, this guide covers everything you need to know about the White Horse Churton before you go – from menus and prices to parking, opening times and insider tips.

About the White Horse Churton – a village pub with Elite Bistros polish

The White Horse sits on Chester Road in the pretty village of Churton, Cheshire (CH3 6LA), around 15 minutes’ drive south of Chester city centre.

In 2023, acclaimed restaurateur Gary Usher and the Elite Bistros team (Sticky Walnut, Hispi, Kala, Wreckfish, Burnt Truffle, Pinion) opened the White Horse as their first-ever pub, transforming a long-vacant village local into a stylish yet relaxed gastropub.

Inside, you can expect:

A spacious, sensitively renovated old hostelry with soft colours, food artwork and statement light fittings
A cosy bar with open fires for pints, cocktails and snacks
A light, airy conservatory and dining room opening onto the garden – perfect for lazy weekend lunches

The feel is “proper village pub” meets modern bistro – polished but not pretentious, with staff who clearly love what they do.

White Horse Churton opening times & how to book

Opening times for the White Horse Churton

According to recent listings, The White Horse in Churton is generally open daily from lunchtime through to late evening: typically around 12:00–22:00 Sunday–Wednesday and 12:00–23:00 Thursday–Saturday.

Times can vary slightly on bank holidays, special events and Christmas, so it’s always worth double-checking:

Website: thewhitehorsechurton.co.uk
Phone: 01829 272200

Booking a table at the White Horse Churton

You can book online via the White Horse Churton website, which links to a simple booking form, or via OpenTable where you’ll also see menu examples and reviews.

Top tip:

For Friday and Saturday nights, Guest Chef Series events and Sunday lunch, tables can go quickly – especially around key dates – so it’s wise to book well in advance.
If you just want a drink by the fire or in the bar, you can usually drop in without a booking.

White Horse Churton menu – modern bistro food in a country pub

What’s on the White Horse Churton menu?

The White Horse Churton menu is deliberately short and seasonal, with a mix of:

Small plates and snacks
“Big plates” mains
Puddings and desserts
Sunday roasts
A separate kids’ menu and dessert menu, plus drinks and allergen/dietary menus.

Dishes change regularly, but recent examples of big plates have included:

Beer-battered haddock & chips with minted peas and tartare sauce
Honey-glazed ham with fried eggs, triple-cooked chips and pineapple
Peri-Peri half chicken with baby gem, sour cream and skinny fries
Smoked fish pie with triple-cooked chips and seasonal veg
The White Horse half-pounder – two dry-aged beef patties with mature cheddar, house sauce and skinny fries
Steak frites with peppercorn sauce
Chargrilled pork collar with yoghurt, pineapple and chimichurri
Tandoori cauliflower curry with rice, cashew cream and flatbread
Pan-seared cod loin with pea and lovage risotto

Reviews also mention popular dishes such as whitebait, Korean chicken wings, pulled lamb shoulder, John Dory in tarragon beurre blanc and a handmade cheese & onion pie.

The overall style is “uncomplicated, unpretentious and delicious food” – essentially bistro cooking brought into a village pub.

White Horse Churton Sunday lunch – roasts worth travelling for

If you’re searching for a Sunday roast near Chester, the White Horse Churton Sunday lunch has become a bit of a destination. Multiple listings highlight the pub for Sunday roasts and leisurely weekend lunches, and there’s usually a dedicated Sunday menu alongside the main offering.

Expect:

Proper roast meats (often beef, pork or chicken), cooked with care
Crispy roast potatoes, seasonal veg and rich gravy
Comforting puddings to follow – think pannacotta, crème brûlée or sticky toffee-style options

If Sunday is important to you, book early – particularly for 12:00–15:00 slots.

Dietaries, kids & accessibility – who is the White Horse Churton good for?

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options

The White Horse Churton is well set up for dietary requirements, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options clearly noted on the menu and separate allergen/dietary menus available.

If you have specific needs, pop a note on your booking or speak to the team – they’re used to accommodating different diets.

Family-friendly country pub near Chester

Looking for a family-friendly pub near Chester?

There’s a kids’ menu with dishes tailored to younger diners
Highchairs are available, and the layout has plenty of space for families
The relaxed vibe makes it a nice spot for multi-generation family meals

Dog-friendly pub in Churton

Local pub listings show that dogs are welcome at the White Horse, making it a handy dog-friendly pub near Chester for walkers exploring the surrounding countryside.

It’s always worth checking the most recent dog policy (bar only vs full pub), but bringing a well-behaved pup for a post-walk drink is very much part of the White Horse’s ethos as a true village local.

Accessibility

The building is an older village pub, but:

There is off-street parking onsite
The main bar and much of the dining area are on the ground floor
Staff are attentive and happy to help with seating or access needs

If you’re visiting with a wheelchair or mobility aid, it’s a good idea to call ahead so they can advise on the best entrance and table location.

White Horse Churton bar, drinks & beer garden

You don’t have to be eating to enjoy the bar at the White Horse Churton. Many locals pop in simply for a drink and a chat.

Behind the bar you’ll find:

Well-kept cask and keg beers, plus a range of lagers and craft options
A thoughtfully chosen wine list to match the food
Classic and house cocktails
Alcohol-free options, soft drinks and decent coffee

There’s also an attractive beer garden and terrace, ideal for a summer pint near Chester or early-evening drinks before dinner.

Guest Chef Series at the White Horse Churton

One of the things that really sets the White Horse Churton apart from other country pubs is its Guest Chef Series.

Throughout the year, Elite Bistros invites high-profile chefs from across the UK to host one-off evenings at the pub, creating special tasting menus and collaborations in the White Horse kitchen.

These nights are incredibly popular and usually require:

Pre-payment to secure your spot
Booking via a dedicated link or gift-card style system on the website

If you’re a foodie, keeping an eye on the White Horse’s Instagram, Facebook and newsletter is the best way to hear about new dates before they sell out.

Prices – how much does the White Horse Churton cost?

The White Horse sits in that “special but not stuffy” bracket – more than a basic pub, but excellent value for the quality of cooking.

From recent menus:

Big plates such as fish & chips, ham & eggs, burgers or steak frites are typically around £17–£21
More premium dishes and specials (fish, slow-cooked meats, intricate veg dishes) sometimes run a little higher
Desserts usually sit in the £7–£9 range
Look out for set menu offers such as two courses for a fixed price at quieter times, which are occasionally promoted on social media

Given the provenance and style, most visitors feel it offers strong value for money, especially for celebrations or a “treat” meal.

Getting to the White Horse Churton & parking

Where is the White Horse Churton?

Address: Chester Road, Churton, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 6LA
Area: Churton is a small village a short drive south of Chester, close to Farndon and Aldford.

Driving & parking at the White Horse Churton

If you’re driving:

The pub sits directly on Chester Road (B5130)
There is free off-street parking available for customers, plus additional on-street parking in the village if needed

This makes the White Horse a convenient stop on a Cheshire countryside drive or a destination after exploring the nearby Eaton Estate and River Dee surroundings.

Public transport & taxis

Churton itself is rural, so public transport is limited, but:

Chester has good rail links, and from there you can arrange a taxi or rideshare (about 15–20 minutes)
Local taxi firms around Farndon, Aldford and Chester are used to runs to and from the pub – handy if you’re making the most of the bar

Where to stay near the White Horse Churton

While the White Horse itself focuses on food and drink rather than rooms, there are plenty of places to stay nearby, from Chester city centre hotels to country inns and B&Bs in villages like Farndon, Aldford and Tattenhall.

If you’re planning a food-focused weekend:

Stay in Chester for easy shopping, the rows and the city walls, then taxi out to the White Horse for dinner
Or combine with a Cheshire countryside break, booking a local inn or holiday cottage and using the pub as your go-to spot for long lunches and evening drinks

Who will love the White Horse Churton?

The White Horse Churton is a brilliant choice if you’re looking for:

A gastropub near Chester with genuinely good food
A cosy country pub for date nights, anniversaries or “just because” dinners
A Sunday roast destination with proper gravy and all the trimmings
A dog-friendly, family-friendly pub with a warm welcome
A venue for serious foodies, thanks to the Guest Chef Series and Elite Bistros pedigree

Insider tips for visiting the White Horse Churton

Book ahead for peak times – especially Friday/Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch
For a relaxed pint or glass of wine, grab a table in the bar by the fire
In warm weather, ask for a table near the conservatory or on the terrace to enjoy the garden
Keep an eye on social media for limited-run menus, guest chef nights and set menu offers
If you have dietary needs or accessibility questions, add a note when you book or call the team – they’re used to tailoring the experience