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Picture source: Hania Franek

The White Horse was situated at 155 Potter Street (ex-Old Road). This pub was present by 1848. It lost its licence in 2020 following a drugs raid by police.

Local newspaper review by John Cutting, 1960s

There is evidence to show that, in Saxon times, Old Road Harlow was a track which led to a place of worship on the high ground above where Marigolds is now situated. Certainly in the 18th Century coaches from Norwich bowled along the road which took them through Churchgate Street and Harlow Common on their journey to London. To-day the road is again becoming popular as motorists, wishing to avoid the over-crowded A11, seek alternative routes

The White Horse may not be very old but it has an honourable lineage through Hawkes and Benskins to the present brewers. Great changes have been made in the area around the inn within the past few years but when Fred and Norah Cirkett first took over, it was a small beer house in open country near a gravel pit. Once there was a wonderful cellar which extended under some cottages which have now been demolished to make room for Old Peoples' Bungalows. To-day the beer is chilled, cabined and kegged.

An old photograph shows the inn as it was and Fred and Norah feelingly describe the harsh conditions which existed in the past. Large black spittoons were essential requisites in the bar where the furniture consisted of long white forms and a scrubbed barrack room table. Lighting was by oil lamp and the only toilet facilities were provided by elsan closets. To-day the White Horse has been renovated and extended and the Ladies' Powder Room, with its tartan decor, is reputed to be the finest in Harlow.

The River Stort is but two minutes' walk across the marsh and, in the old days, barges loaded with grain or timber used to moor by Harlow Mill. The bargees would assemble in the White Horse before continuing their journey to Sawbridgeworth or Bishop's Stortford. The inn was also the centre for fishermen who travelled out from North London for a day's sport. THe chief decoration in the bar, at one time, was a huge pike, the pride and joy of a customer and certainly 'esox lucius' was accorded the respect due to him.

Fred Cirkett was originally a bricklayer and used to come out to Harlow from Enfield Lock on business. It was not his original intention to enter the Trade but he was persuaded to do so by Norah who, from childhood, had lived at the Bull and Horseshoes. Thirty one years ago Fred was asked to take over the White Horse for a trial period of six months. The atmosphere of the inn, however, appealed to both of them so much that there has never been any question of leaving.

The finest character that Fred and Norah have met was Ned Loram who died not so long ago at the ripe age of 86. Even without any teeth in his later years he thrived on a diet of cheese and onions well spiced with colne springs.

Customers who they first met in the early days still come to the inn and many now bring their children. A whole generation has indeed grown up since Fred and Norah first moved to the White Horse.

Brewers: Ind Coope (East Anglia) Ltd

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