Unearth The Voyage
A winding drive through Litchfield County ends at a storied tavern where crackling fireplaces and river views meet plates that change with the seasons. The White Horse in New Preston blends British pub heart with New England harvests, crafting comfort that feels elevated yet unfussy. Locals swap stories over seasonal specials while travelers discover a destination that delivers far more than a meal.
The charm is real, the welcome warm, and the cooking worth the miles.
Riverside Patio Luncheon
The riverside patio sets a relaxed scene with wrought iron chairs, slate underfoot, and the gentle rush of the East Aspetuck River. Lunch arrives showcasing seasonal greens, heirloom tomatoes, and a cider vinaigrette that brightens like sunshine. A chicken salad sandwich appears on toasted country bread, dotted with tarragon and crisp apples.
Service keeps things calm, water glasses replenished before anyone notices. The patio umbrellas soften midday heat, creating pockets of shade perfect for lingering. Nearby, a stone wall frames potted herbs that later reappear in a lemony aioli.
Conversation settles into a mellow rhythm as the river hums, and plates clear without hurry. Dessert tempts with a maple pot de creme, balanced and silky. The lunch hour slides by easily, concluding with a last sip of iced tea and a glance toward the trail across the water.
Fireplace Supper in the Pub
Evening transforms the pub into a cocoon of amber light, the fireplace throwing a gentle glow across dark beams and well loved banquettes. The British leaning menu leans into comfort, beginning with a crock of French onion soup crowned by bronzed Gruyere. A pint arrives cold and clean, settling alongside a basket of warm soda bread.
For mains, a steak and mushroom pie steams under golden puff pastry, gravy rich with stout and thyme. Across the room, fish and chips crackle as malt vinegar wakes their edges. The staff moves smoothly, anticipating needs without hovering, and the room breathes a low contented hush.
Sticky toffee pudding closes the circle with dates, toffee sauce, and a scoop of vanilla melting into rivulets. Coats go back on reluctantly after one last look at the fire. The night outside feels colder, but the memory of that hearth follows out the door.
Seasonal Farmer Salad Showcase
A seasonal salad at The White Horse reads like a field note from nearby farms. Roasted beets lay sweet and earthy beneath a crumble of local goat cheese, their edges lacquered with maple cider vinaigrette. Heirloom tomatoes add acidity and perfume, while thin sliced fennel threads a gentle anise lift.
Textural play matters here, with toasted walnuts offering warm crunch against tender greens. A few microgreens land like confetti, and a whisper of sea salt draws the flavors forward. The plate feels both generous and restrained, clearly composed but never fussy.
As a meal, it stands on its own, though a side of warm sourdough suits the dressing perfectly. The kitchen lets produce speak in season, then steps back. Each bite mirrors the countryside just beyond the door, translating fields and orchards into bright, balanced satisfaction.
River-View Weekend Brunch
Weekend brunch at The White Horse opens with sunlight pooling across wood tables and steam curling from sturdy mugs. A short stack of pancakes arrives plush and tender, topped with local maple syrup that tastes like the nearby hills. Poached eggs sit over crispy potatoes, yolks turning everything into a silken sauce.
Smoked salmon brings a gentle brine, pairing neatly with capers and lemon. The room hums with easy conversations as windows frame the water outside. Staff moves briskly yet kindly, refilling coffee with practiced grace.
Dessert is not necessary, yet a seasonal fruit crumble makes a convincing case. Vanilla ice cream slides into the warm fruit, the contrast downright comforting. Brunch ends without hurry, a perfect sendoff for an afternoon wandering the village shops and riverside paths.
Hearty Shepherd’s Pie Classic
The shepherd’s pie arrives in a rustic crock, its potato crown burnished and flecked with chives. Underneath waits a stew of ground lamb, carrots, peas, and onions, seasoned with rosemary and a hint of Worcestershire. Each spoon breaks the crust and releases a comforting wave of savory steam.
Mashed potatoes ride the line between creamy and structured, holding shape while yielding easily. A side of buttered greens adds freshness that keeps the dish lively. The portion feels generous enough to anchor an evening, especially beside a pint of dark ale.
Flavors settle into balance rather than bombast, allowing lamb to stay front and center. The dish speaks to tradition and a kitchen that respects it. By the final bite, warmth lingers long after the crock cools, exactly the feeling a pub supper should deliver.
Crisp and Golden Fish and Chips
Fish and chips at The White Horse highlight technique and restraint. The batter shatters cleanly, revealing moist, flaky fillet that tastes of the sea rather than fryer oil. Thick cut chips carry a fluffy interior with just enough exterior crunch to stand up to malt vinegar.
Tartar sauce leans herb forward with dill and capers, a bright counter to the fry. Lemon adds lift, squeezed lightly over the fish moments before the first bite. A crisp lager keeps the palate refreshed and matches the dish’s simplicity.
Served on a paper lined board, the plate nods to British roots without turning gimmicky. It is comfort fare executed with care, a benchmark for pub standards. Walking out, the memory of that clean crunch lingers like a pleasant echo.
Local Cider Braised Pork
Autumn brings cider braised pork that tastes like the season settling in. Shoulder turns fork tender after hours in local cider, thyme, and aromatics. A glossy jus carries apple sweetness balanced by vinegar’s nip, coating each shred with layered comfort.
Roasted apples and parsnips flank the meat, caramelized edges adding depth. The plate’s warmth pairs beautifully with a pour of Connecticut hard cider. Texture contrasts prick up interest, from soft pork to the chew of seared greens.
The dish honors regional producers while feeling unmistakably pub hearty. It invites slow eating, conversation stretching across the table as steam rises. By the end, the plate looks scraped clean, a quiet vote for the kitchen’s seasonal instincts.
Litchfield County Burger
The Litchfield County Burger lands tall on its brioche bun, juices glistening under a cap of aged cheddar. Thick cut bacon adds smoky heft while tomato jam brings sweet acidity. Lettuce and pickles cool the stack, keeping balance in every bite.
Fries arrive golden and seasoned, their outer crust giving way to pillowy centers. A house aioli whispers garlic without stealing the show. The burger’s grind tastes freshly handled, cooked to a blushing medium unless asked otherwise.
This is a classic made memorable by details and restraint. Nothing feels piled on for effect, and nothing feels missing. Paired with a pint or a ginger beer, it anchors a leisurely afternoon at a riverside table.
Vegetarian Garden Pot Pie
The vegetarian pot pie wears a lacquered puff pastry lid that crackles at the touch of a spoon. Inside waits a savory blend of mushrooms, carrots, celery, and potatoes in a thyme scented cream. The sauce coats without cloying, letting roots and fungi contribute distinct voices.
A side of bright greens drizzled with lemon keeps things lifted. The pie’s heat unfurls slow and steady, ideal on a cool evening near the fireplace. Texture plays well, from crisp pastry shards to soft, peppery vegetables.
Comfort comes through clearly without relying on meat for depth. It is a generous, thoughtful option that stands shoulder to shoulder with pub staples. The last spoonfuls disappear almost absentmindedly, leaving contentment in their wake.
Creamy Lobster Mac Comfort
Lobster mac arrives bubbling in cast iron, a butter crumb topping sending up toasty aromas. Beneath, tender pasta swims in a cheddar Gruyere blend that stretches in satisfying ribbons. Sweet chunks of lobster punctuate the richness, offering ocean brightness and delicate texture.
Chives add color and a faint allium pop, keeping bites from feeling heavy. A crisp white wine slices neatly through the cream. The skillet holds heat, so each forkful stays warm until the end.
This dish leans indulgent but remains balanced, never tipping into monotone. It functions as a shareable starter or a stand alone main on chilly nights. The last bite carries butter, sea, and toast in equal measure.
Seasonal Pie Flight Desserts
Dessert at The White Horse often stars a rotating cast of pies that celebrate each season. Apple crumble warms the table with cinnamon steam and a shaggy buttery top. Maple pecan adds a caramel snap that leans Connecticut through and through.
Chocolate silk offers a cool, mousse like contrast, its cocoa depth tempered by lightly sweetened cream. Portions encourage sharing, though forks tend to guard favorites quickly. Coffee service arrives hot and confident, aligning perfectly with flaky crusts.
The kitchen keeps sweetness in check, allowing fruit and nuts to lead. A pie flight makes a festive finish for groups, little wedges painting a broad flavor picture. Leaving without a slice becomes harder after just one pass by the dessert board.
Craft Beer and Cask Ales
The bar showcases a polished lineup of taps alongside a trusty hand pump for cask offerings. Pints arrive with proper temperature and confident foam, from crisp lagers to malty bitters. Seasonal rotations keep regulars engaged while travelers find a snapshot of New England brewing.
Servers steer smartly with pairing advice, matching ale to pie or stout to stew. Glassware feels cared for, clean and appropriate to style. The atmosphere invites conversation that stretches past last sips.
Non drinkers are not forgotten, with ginger beer and crafted sodas providing zingy alternatives. The bar functions as the restaurant’s social anchor, lively without turning raucous. A final ring of the bell, and another satisfying session meets the night.
Cozy Winter Date Night
Snow outside, a low fire inside, and a small table set with candles create quiet drama. A bottle of red breathes beside a platter of slow braised short rib, polenta shimmering with butter. Conversation finds its pace as the room settles into winter’s hush.
Starters lean warming, perhaps mushroom toast with a ladle of rarebit over top. Service is attentive and unhurried, tuned to the tempo of the evening. Flavors gather around herbs, stock, and time rather than flash.
Dessert might be that legendary sticky toffee pudding, spooned generously. Coats return to shoulders reluctantly after a glance at the embers. The walk to the car feels shorter, buoyed by a lingering glow that follows home.
Leaf-Peeping Lunch Stop
On peak foliage weekends, the road into New Preston turns into a tunnel of color. The White Horse catches that energy with outdoor tables draped in plaid blankets and seasonal soups. A roasted squash bisque arrives velvety, nutmeg and brown butter threading warmth through each spoonful.
Sandwiches skew hearty, like roast turkey with cranberry relish and sharp cheddar. The river glints nearby as leaves skitter across slate. Staff handles the rush with smiles that feel practiced but genuine.
After lunch, a short stroll to the stone bridge frames postcard views. The village beckons with antique shops and quiet corners. Back on the road, the drive continues, appetite satisfied and autumn firmly under the skin.
Insider Tips and Hours
The White Horse sits at 258 New Milford Turnpike in New Preston, easily reached from Litchfield County backroads. The restaurant operates most days, typically 11:30 AM to 9 PM, extending to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sundays run earlier with an 8:30 PM close, aligning with a relaxed village pace.
Reservations help on weekends, especially for patio or fireplace seating. The price range stays friendly at two dollar signs, with portions that respect value. Parking is straightforward along the property, and the river setting rewards early arrivals.
Service culture leans warm and efficient, reflecting thousands of positive reviews. Checking the website for daily specials pays off, as seasonal plates rotate frequently. A quick phone call can confirm hours during holidays and secure a favored spot.
Scenic Drive Destination
A visit to The White Horse doubles as a gentle tour of Litchfield County’s prettiest byways. Roads twist past stone walls, farm fields, and shimmering lakes before dropping into compact New Preston. The pub’s country chic style mirrors the landscape with wood, stone, and river views.
Arriving hungry is wise, since the menu balances classics and seasonal inspirations. Plates feel rooted in place, from cider scented mains to pies that taste like the orchard. Staff fields questions easily, offering tips for post meal wandering.
After lunch or dinner, the village offers galleries and tucked away shops worth a linger. The return drive feels shorter, buoyed by warmth and a full stomach. The memory that remains is simple and strong: good food, honest welcome, and a road worth taking again.
