The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn

Spooky and not clean. Needs a bit of a makeover

A gorgeous old inn in the beautiful town of Lewes in East Sussex, the White Hart is a charming spot to stay in. My room was large and filled with character, with a very comfy bed. I was there just one night for a wedding, and I will definitely have to return. The inn is very historic, and has strong connections to Tom Paine, one of the Founding Fathers of America. Would strongly recommend.

Firstly, the positive: Great location, well executed refurb of a 500 year old building. Picturesque dining room with impressive alfresco dining balcony and a nice looking wood-panelled bar. Aesthetically, extremely pleasing. And now, for the grisly remainder: The rate: just about 25 to 40% too high considering there is no central air, no elevator, no gym, pool, sauna or any amenity other than rooms, bar and dining. Put simply, just not worth £200 per night - at any time of the year. The room: I was shoved in room 20 in the eaves if the building with a loose toilet roll holder and some pigeons nesting directly behind the ceiling / on the roof. Cute to hear the coo-ing of baby birds waiting to be fed, but not that cute at £200 a night. The room itself was adequate, minus the bathroom which was tiny and lacked any form of shelf for toiletries etc. Odd oversight. Staff: Mainly absent from the check in desk. All very, very young. A general "deer in headlights" air pervaded once a staff member could be tracked down. Fitting, given the name of the inn. Bar and dinning: Bar is cosy with a nice fire place. Shame it closes at 10pm on a Sunday. Too early. Rear dining area is impressive; however, the traditional English breakfast was weak. Fatty bacon, 4x tiny cherry tomatoes and two pieces of dry bread where the low lights. No jam, marmalade, honey or other topping offered. Odd. Oversight? Or just poor training/service? Other amenities: none. Location: Central for the upper high street, castle etc. Would I rebook? Not on your Nelly. Good luck to the White Hart team going forward. Drop the rate and improve the service and breakfast offering. Hopefully it works out.