White Horse Pub & Restaurant Bermuda: Waterfront Dining & Nightlife
$$, Bermudian Cuisine
Overview & History
White Horse Pub & Restaurant sits in the heart of the historic town of St. George’s... a building with real character and a long story behind it. The structure dates to the mid-1700s, originally known as the Esten House, and in 1930 it became Ye Olde White Horse Tavern.
Over generations the building has grown, and expansions in the mid-1960s and later in the 1980s brought it right down to the water’s edge. Today it stands as one of Bermuda’s oldest and most iconic pubs, a place where both history lovers and hungry travelers feel welcomed.
Inside its weathered walls, you’ll see echoes of its past: exposed beams, timber floors, and a timeless, welcoming atmosphere that blends the old-world tavern charm with modern comforts. It’s one of those places where you sense history underneath the buzz of conversation and clinking glasses, yet with a vibe that feels fresh, relaxed, and ready for good times.
Ambience
From the moment you step through the doors, White Horse delivers warm hospitality and a relaxed seaside mood. The combination of historic architecture and waterfront setting gives it a unique charm: many tables, inside and out, offer views of the harbor, dancing waters, and gently bobbing boats.
On sunny evenings, the patio becomes a draw: breezy, casual, and ideal for people-watching or just sipping a drink and letting the island rhythm wash over you.
Indoors, the lighting is soft, and the crowd tends to be a mix of locals winding down after work, tourists soaking up Bermudian charm, and couples gathering for dinner. On any given night you might hear a bit of live music, enjoy a mellow conversation, or catch waves of laughter drifting over the wood floors.
It’s informal, welcoming, and easy to slip into - exactly the kind of place where you feel comfortable exploring the food and drinks menu without pressure.
Signature Cocktails & Food
The bar at White Horse prides itself on delivering a wide, well-curated selection. From smooth rum swizzles and frozen daiquiris to mojitos, flavorful cocktails, and a good choice of beers and wines, there’s something for every mood.
Their bartenders are experienced. If you let them know what you like (sweet, strong, citrus, easy-going), they’ll mix you something that fits the evening.
Food here reflects the pub’s laid-back but thoughtful spirit. On the menu you’ll find a mix of pub favorites and seafood that leans toward local... crispy calamari, garlic mussels, hearty salads, and generous appetizers like wings or nachos.
For mains, fresh fish dishes (rockfish, wahoo when available), burgers, steaks, and even international-style specials share space with comfort-forward options like pastas or flatbreads. Portions tend to be generous, making it easy to share between friends, especially after a few drinks.
The fish sandwiches, seafood mains, and well-seasoned appetizers are among the best value in town... tasty, filling, and served with warm, friendly service.
Nightlife Activities
White Horse isn’t just for daytime dining. Once the sun dips and evening sets in, the pub transforms into a lively nightlife spot. Their outdoor "Native Islander Bar" becomes a hotspot for music, dancing, and social mingling. Expect DJs spinning grooves (top 40s, reggae, island hits), occasional live bands, and a crowd that slowly shifts from dinner diners to late-night revelers.
During the week and especially on weekends, the bar scene often lasts late... stories from local patrons talk about music and dancing stretching into the early hours. Drink specials, giveaways, and friendly bartenders help keep the energy up, and the mix of tourists and locals gives the place a welcoming, inclusive vibe.
If you’re a sports fan, there’s also a strong draw: the pub functions as St. George’s top sports-bar spot. Multiple TVs and sports-coverage options make it great for catching games while enjoying food and drinks with friends, turning your dinner into a fun game-night hangout.
For groups, couples, or solo travelers alike, White Horse offers everything from easygoing evenings to full-blown party nights - especially if you stay past dinner, grab a drink, and get ready for music and laughter.
Service & What to Expect
White Horse offers friendly, welcoming service. Staff tend to be attentive, helpful, and used to serving a mix of tourists and locals, which means they often go the extra mile to explain the menu, suggest cocktails, or offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
Reservations are accepted (and often a good idea during peak times), though walk-ins are also welcome. On busy nights, especially when there’s live music or a sizable crowd, arriving a bit early can help secure a good table or a spot on the patio.
Payment methods are standard (cards accepted), and the vibe is smart-casual - so no need to dress up, but neat resort-casual clothing fits right in.
Special Tips for Tourists
If you can, try to get a harbor-view or waterfront-side table, especially around sunset. The golden hour light on the water plus a rum cocktail makes for a memorable beginning.
Happy hour and early evening (around 5–7 pm) can offer better value - reduced drink prices and a calmer atmosphere if you prefer a relaxed start.
For a full nightlife experience, plan to stay past dinner: live music, DJs, and a vibrant bar scene often kick in after 9 or 10 pm.
The menu is broad and friendly to different diets, including seafood, meats, and vegetarian-friendly dishes, So, if you're traveling as a group with mixed tastes, you’ll likely all find something.
If you’re around on a weekend or a night with live entertainment or DJ sets, it’s wise to reserve ahead. But if it’s not too busy, walk-ins usually get a warm welcome, especially early in the evening.
Bartenders are friendly and often willing to customize cocktails to your flavor preferences, whether you like something sweet, spicy, boozy, or easygoing.
Final Thoughts
For tourists looking to experience a slice of Bermudian hospitality, history, and nightlife all in one spot, White Horse Pub & Restaurant offers a blend that’s hard to beat.
There’s the historic charm of a centuries-old building, the relaxed spill of the waterfront, and the welcoming buzz of a pub that knows how to serve good food, good drinks, and good times.
Whether you arrive for lunch after a day of exploring St. George’s streets, return for dinner and cocktails, or stay late for music and dancing, White Horse has a way of making you feel included, comfortable, and entertained.
It’s a place where meals often turn into memories, and where a single night out can capture the best of Bermuda’s laid-back yet lively spirit.
Open Hours
Monday-Thursday, and Sunday: 11am - 10pm
Friday & Saturday: 11am - 11:30pm
Location and Contact
White Horse Pub and Restaurant, 8 Kings Square, St. George GE 05, Bermuda
You can reach Kings Square from Hamilton by bus #1, 3, 10 or 11. From dockyard, there is a direct ferry to St George (limited runs only between April to November). From St George ferry stop, it's a short walk to the restaurant.
Phone: (441) 297-1838
Road Map
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 By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj, a seasoned travel writer and Bermuda destination expert, has extensive global travel experience. This website reflects his profound insights, garnered over nearly two decades of dedicated findings and research on the island. Raj has assisted countless Bermuda-bound visitors by providing direct, personalized responses to their queries and imparting his wealth of knowledge through this platform. This site serves as an indispensable guide for those seeking informed and reliable insights into Bermuda's treasures.
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Reviews and Comments
Kathy and Tom Love (September 2017)
Folks at the White Horse Tavern were very helpful and the food was exceptionally good... as it was when we first experienced it almost 50 years ago.
Raj (bemuda-attractions.com) March 2015
Unfortunately the service quality in this great restaurant is on the decline. Nonchalance on part of the staffs and unprofessional behavior is seriously affecting the rating of this restaurant. It used to be listed as part of my Top Restaurants in Bermuda, but no longer so. Hope the management looks into the issue urgently.
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