The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn

The restaurant is good, and there’s a sun terrace off the dining room with a view of the South Downs. It sits above a new extension with luxury rooms underneath. The High St location is handy, though there’s no parking apart from three spaces for dropping off or collecting luggage. Several small car parks are a short walk away, about £5 for the day and free overnight. The rooms are quirky and nice, but being in an ancient building means there’s no lift. The staff seemed pleasant and helpful throughout, offering to carry bags and sort out minor problems.

Harry looked after us wonderfully, a delight from beginning to end. We had dinner in the terrace room, then cocktails outside. The front has cozy historic dining rooms and a bar, while further back there’s a bright, open garden themed dining room connected to an outdoor area. Do try the breast of duck and pistachio soufflè with chocolate ice cream. We’ll be back!

We booked the Christmas Party menu for Christmas Eve, and all three courses were superb. I’m allergic to Strawberries, so the chef made a special trifle for me. That was above and beyond. Lee, our wait staff, was pleasant and attentive, and really focused on making sure we enjoyed ourselves. We use their Restaurant often, and the food and service are always brilliant. Thanks to everyone, we’ll definitely return.

We’re Lewes locals and have been regulars at the White Hart, but Friday was such a bad experience that I don’t want another evening ruined by a manager who doesn’t seem to value local customers or good service. My family and I went for an end of the week drink and enjoyed happy hour. Some tables had reserved signs, but others didn’t, so we sat at one without a sign. Once a private function started, we and a couple of other tables were told to give up our seats. Usually that wouldn’t have been a problem, but I had my 7 month old son with me and couldn’t stand at the bar with a drink I’d already bought. I asked the manager, Angelo, if there was somewhere else for my family to sit. He answered aggressively and dismissively. I explained again that I needed a seat because I had my baby with me, and he replied, ‘not my problem’. He said he’d clearly announced the private function, but none of the four adults in our party heard it, nor had the people at the other tables asked to leave. Fortunately, the function’s host saw how dismissive and horrible this was and let us stay in the area until we finished our drinks. The staff at the White Hart are normally warm and welcoming, which made the contrast all the more disappointing.