The White Hart in Lewes has reopened following an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment by Heartwood Inns. To celebrate the opening, guests were transported back to the early days of the inn and invited to immerse themselves in the wonderful history of the building and Lewes.
The White Hart is a historic coaching inn centrally located in the market town of Lewes, East Sussex. Steeped in history, Lewes is notably known as the home of American Founding Father and political activist Thomas Paine who contributed to the creation of the American Declaration of Independence. Frequented by Thomas and his acquaintances in the Headstrong Club, The White Hart has since become known as “the cradle of American Independence”.
On arrival guests were greeted by Thomas Paine, a Founding Father of America and regular at The White Hart in the early 18th century. Interacting with William Verrall, one of the inn’s original publicans and other local characters, guests enjoyed a tasting from a specially-brewed cask of Tom Paine ale from family-owned Harvey’s brewery, 18th century music, calligraphy and more. Local clockmakers and restoration experts W.F. Bruce also helped to unveil the newly repaired and restored Holman Parliamentary clock that takes pride of place in the bar. The opening concluded with the pub being officially opened by the Mayor of Lewes, Imogen Makepeace, and Thomas Paine.
Owned and operated by Heartwood Inns, the transformed inn now has 23 beautiful boutique bedrooms for guests to stay in, including four newly created Luxe rooms, a cosy wood panelled pub to the front and a stunning dining room and terrace to the rear offering diners sweeping views of the town and the South Downs beyond.
Guests will note Heartwood’s signature quirky touches throughout the inn including Bramley toiletries, Bert & May tiles and Linwood fabrics alongside nods to the area including historic images of the pub sourced from local family-owned Edward Reeves Photography.
Guests visiting The White Hart will be able to enjoy its seasonal, sustainably sourced menu created in line with Heartwood’s three star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, the highest rating possible.
Working with U.K. suppliers such as Aubrey Allen, butcher to the royal household, guests will be able to try dishes such as 8 hour slow-cooked shoulder of Highland venison with Grand Veneur sauce, blackberries and mash or ‘Autumn Still Life’, a sweet tribute to autumn foraging in the woods.
Richard Ferrier, CEO, Heartwood Collection, said of the opening: “We are immensely proud of the work that has gone into restoring this beautiful coaching inn which is brimming with history. It is not often that you have the opportunity to acquire such an important slice of American history, particularly on U.K. soil, and we can’t wait to share The White Hart with locals and visitors from further afield.”
The White Hart is Heartwood Inns’ third pub with rooms and will be joined by two further pubs with rooms in 2024:
- The Coat & Bear, Newbury, Berkshire – opening 29th October
- The Royal Forest, Epping Forest, Greater London – opening 6th December
The Group remains on track to open more than 60 sites by 2027 with more than 500 rooms as part of its ambitious growth trajectory following its £100m investment by Alchemy Partners and already has seven locations confirmed to open in 2025.
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