Customers enjoy relaxing pints at re-opened Sam Smith's 'flagship' pub
Thumbs up! Andy Cawood says it's nice to get back to the Angel & White Horse.
Customers are once more enjoying Tadcaster’s iconic Angel & White Horse Inn, which is back open after seven long years!
The pub is widely recognised as the ‘flagship’ in the estate owned by Sam Smith’s Brewery, which is situated right next door.
There are even stables at the back, which house the brewery’s shire horses, who make the deliveries around Tadcaster.
After a busy Friday opening, when The Press called on Monday afternoon, it was somewhat quiet.
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But it meant those present could enjoy a most relaxing pint, amid traditional surroundings, including extensive wood panelling.
The brewery's iconic shire horses are kept at the back of the pub, overlooking the beer garden.
(Image: Darren Greenwood)
As the ‘flagship’ pub, the Angel & White Horse is effectively its ‘tap room’- offering Sam Smith’s extensive range of beers, lagers and cider, including the fruit beers, bar the light mild and Sovereign Bitter.
Among the drinkers, Andy Cawood was glad to be back in the pub, which he noted shut before the pandemic.
The exterior of the Angel & White Horse, right next to the brewery in Bridge Street, Tadcaster.
(Image: Darren Greenwood)
He said: “It’s nice to get back into here. I have been going around town instead of here. This is going to be one of my locals.”
Andy used to play darts at the Angel & White Horse and added: “All the lads used to come here and have a really good night.”
Now, the brewery has recruited a general manager for the Angel & White Horse but The Press has been told he has suffered a dislocated shoulder, which will delay his arrival somewhat.
Until then, relief staff will be running the former Georgian coaching inn.
Paul Hathaway enjoying a quiet pint on a day off, as taken through the front window in accordance with brewery policy on digital devices.
(Image: Darren Greenwood)
Nonetheless, Chris Matejack, who previously ran a pub in Settle, has been recruiting for a darts league for the Angel & White Horse, as well as for other staff members.
Terence Wilson says he remembers first calling into the Angel & White Horse for several months prior to its closure, recalling an extensive range of ales.
Stood at the bar, he said: “I remember it being the flagship pub. I was gutted when it closed.
“I like the selection of beers, the chocolate stouts, the strawberry. This and one other are the only pubs in Tadcaster that sells Old Brewery Bitter.”
Sat by a table were Rachel and Ian Brown enjoying a relaxing afternoon.
“It’s great it’s back open,” said Rachel, drinking a lager. “I like a proper traditional pub. It’s part of our town.”
Ian said: “It’s been very much missed. I do like the Old Brewery Bitter. But all Sam Smith’s beers are pretty good value.”
The interior as taken through a window.
(Image: Darren Greenwood)
Further back, another couple were enjoying a quiet drink, and outside at the back is the beer garden and the stables.
The Press took a few photos through the window to show the fine interior, with its pictures and wood panelling, so as not to breach brewery policy on having digital devices inside.
Caught on camera was Paul Hathaway. He said: “I have never been here before. I’m new to town. I’m having the day off work.
“It’s lovely here, very traditional with no screens, nice and quiet, just right for a slow Monday. It’s a positive for the town.”
As for me, since I was working, I made do with getting some bottles to take home, from the brewery shop and delicatessen next door.
Have you been to the Angel & White Horse yet? What did you think? Do you know of any more pubs reopening? If so, please let us know in the comments below?