18th cent. thatched inn set in attractive gardens. It is set in the quiet picturesque Suffolk country village of Withersfield, with a backdrop of open fields and trees. The pub consists of an early 18th Century grade II listed thatched building, with a restaurant, catering for up to 60 people. The newly renovated bar area has an open fire and beams throughout. The pub is filled with memorabilia of the ages and particularly of Sir Donald Bradman, the Australian cricket legend. The restaurant offers breakfast for the business and leisure visitors followed by a traditional lunch menu and afternoon vintage tea service. The pub remains open through the day and the restaurant then provides an evening menu to suit all tastes. The gardens offer secure enclosed lawns and a patio for outside dining. Spacious areas are available for marquees and private functions. There is a large car park with space for all visitors. There are 5 guest rooms in a self-contained, centrally heated building.
Historic Interest
In 1861 listed as Golding Green. A report in the Bury & Norfolk Post & Suffolk Herald*** on 26 Aug in 1884 states that : Clare Licensing Session: Only 2 complaints, one against the landlord of the White Horse, Withersfield (probably Thomas Bradnam), for allowing drunkeness on the premises on a Sunday. This was the first charge against him for 30 years. The landlord attended & guaranteed that the house would be peaceably conducted in the future. In the Suffolk Free Press (on March 2nd 1898) it was reported: "Early on Monday morning fire broke out at the White Horse public house, the landlord, Mr Bradman aged 90 years & his wife aged 84 retired on Sunday night at their usual time, at about three in the morning Mrs Bradman called to their grandson, “Tommy” “we shall be suffocated”, the lad was quickly on the alert & rushed downstairs & across the road to alert the neighbours. P.C. Double & the village fire brigade were quickly on the scene, P.C. Double by keeping the place closed had avoided a serious conflagration, it appears Mr Bradman has been accustomed to getting up between 2-3 to have a look round he lit a candle & it is believed he set fire to the curtains & the bed clothing, part of his wooden bed was burnt, the poor old man was rescued by his daughter, he had his night shirt burnt & his arm was severely burnt." In Last Orders**** in Jan 1981 - the pub was reported to be having an economy drive with all beers at 40p a pint - Benskins bitter available soon in this Ind Coope pub. In Nov/Dec 1981 edition of Last Orders**** it was reported that this Ind Coope pub was closed & for sale with a license. In Apr/May 1982 edition of Last Orders**** it was reported that the pub had reopened as a Free House. Originally a staging post on Colchester to Cambridge road. Formerly the White Horse, the pub was reopened as Bradman's in September 2015, named after cricketer Sir Don Bradman whose family once owned the pub. Photographs of this pub and more historical information about it can be found at suffolk.camra.org.uk/pub/1022
This Pub serves 1 changing beer and 2 regular beers.
White Horse, Withersfield
Source: National