The White Hart Lewes has long since been an iconic figure in the historic town and has just re-opened following a multi-million pound refurbishment.
The third pub with rooms from the award-winning Heartwood Inns (part of Heartwood Collection and sister company to Brasserie Blanc), the pub sits a few miles north of Newhaven and seven miles north-east of Brighton. The White Hart Lewes offers a perfect countryside retreat to dine, drink and unwind in one of the 23 boutique bedrooms.
A Pub With A Historic Past
The White Hart is a grade II listed pub with rooms, which back in 1737 was the local pub for up-and-coming political maverick, Thomas Paine. Those with an eye for detail will spot the ‘TP’ initials on the ornate fireplace by the bar and will spot photographs of the inn from long ago dotted around.
Explore and Enjoy The White Hart Lewes
On entering The White Hart, a grand three-storey Georgian townhouse, guests are welcomed with a dedicated bar serving a curated wine list alongside local cask ales and beers from local brewery Harvey’s, including their signature Sussex Best Bitter.
Guests can choose to sit at the bar, on one of the sumptuously upholstered banquettes or lounge in an armchair watching the world go by. The bar leads into a cosy beamed snug and then into a larger bar with original panelled walls, a spectacular fireplace and high corniced ceilings.
To the rear, a gorgeous light-filled sun room takes advantage of the sweeping views over the South Downs with bifold doors leading on to a spectacular terrace. With space for up to 60 covers on the terrace, guests can enjoy a drink and dine al fresco whilst watching the sun set.
What Food Can You Expect At The White Hart Lewes?
With a three-star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, the highest rating possible, The White Hart is serving up its autumn menu full of seasonal favourites. The pub works with renowned suppliers such as Aubrey Allen, Jude’s and ChalkStream trout to change their menus quarterly in line with the seasons using the highest quality ethically sourced produce and ingredients.
To start, take your pick from a beetroot terrine with horseradish sorbet and beetroot dressing or traditional French onion soup served with lashings of gooey Gruyère and croutons. Mains include an 8 hour slow-cooked shoulder of Highland venison served with a rich Grand Veneur sauce, blackberries and mash and an artichoke and chestnut mushroom pithivier served with pickled girolles, braised baby onions, grilled leeks and accompanied by a red wine and port sauce. For dessert, indulge in the spectacular “Autumn Still Life”, a homage to the season and the joys of exploring the forest.
Children are catered for with their own dedicated menu filled with activities to keep them occupied whilst you dine with two courses for just £9.50 and three courses for £12.50. Dishes include grilled trout with homemade tomato sauce and ice cream served with the ultimate toppings platter (£2 supplement) which includes mini marshmallows, strawberries, chocolate sauce and more.
On Sundays, the pub serves a classic selection of roasts including 30 day dry-aged beef from Aubrey Allen served with all the trimmings including bottomless Yorkshires, gravy and roast potatoes.
What About The Hotel Rooms at The White Hart Lewes?
The White Hart has 23 beautifully appointed bedrooms where the attention to detail is second to none. Each unique room boasts a comfy Silentnight mattress, luxurious throws from The Secret Linen Store and duvets from The Fine Bedding Company. Guests are welcomed to their room with sweet treats and a softly playing Roberts Radio.
Designed in Heartwood’s signature warm, welcoming style with a touch of quirk, the rooms are decorated with a nod to the building’s heritage and location in the heart of Lewes. Rooms range from a Snug, perfect for the solo traveller through to Comfy, Really Comfy, Fancy, Really Fancy and four new Luxe Suites which boast roll top baths, fluffy robes and Bramley sleep spray for the perfect night’s rest. All rooms benefit from tea and coffee making facilities, rainfall showers, Bramley toiletries and smart TV’s with casting to make your stay as relaxing as possible.
A Family and Dog Friendly Lewes Establishment
The White Hart is the perfect destination for families looking to explore the South Downs. From Lewes, families can explore the woodland trails, river walks and sparkling sea views. The Arundel Wetland Centre is nearby as well as The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum for arts and crafts and even Tudor cooking demonstrations. A range of rooms are family friendly, offering trundle beds and rooms large enough to accommodate cots, each one coming with an activity-filled kids pack to keep young minds entertained.
The pub has a number of dog-friendly rooms for guests travelling with their four-legged friends. Pooches are pampered with dog beds and Bramley toiletries for a charge of £20 (total cost for the stay for up to two dogs). They also have their very own gourmet menu courtesy of Sir Woofchester’s which includes nutritious and tasty dishes such as “Fish & Chips” and “Bark Bangers”.
What Is There To Do In Lewes?
Explore Lewes with its castle, galleries, museums and festivals, range of independent shops and properties including Anne of Cleves House and the Barbican House Museum. For those travelling with children, Little Lewes, a dedicated play cafe for 0-5 year olds is a must. Just across the road from The White Hart, it’s a great spot to head for a coffee and to let your little ones play. You could do a beer tour to the many breweries and pubs, or if the weather is sunny, head to the Pells outdoor swimming pool.
London is just 1 hr 20 mins away, making it a perfect getaway for the weekend and with an array of beaches on your doorstep from Brighton (25 mins away) to Seaford (25 mins) and Eastbourne (45 mins) you really are spoilt for choice. For art and culture lovers, Lewes is perfectly placed for the opera at Glyndebourne and Charleston, home to Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, friends of Virginia Woolf and members of the renowned Bloomsbury Set.
Book A Room At The White Hart Lewes Here
Book A Table For Food Here
The White Hart
55 High Street
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1XE
