White Hart

The White Hart has the feel of a genuine old pub and hotel in Exeter. Staff were friendly, polite, and efficient, the food was cooked well and tasty, and ordering by QR code was easy. Booking online was straightforward too. The one downside is the car park. It's run by a private company and is very expensive. They used to reimburse you inside, but don't anymore, which is a real shame.

We stayed in the cromwell suite, and I'd book it again in a heartbeat. It has loads of character, exposed beams, a sloping floor leading towards a window with views of the cathedral spires, a spacious bathroom, and a four posted bed. The building itself is a treasure, with exposed beams, quirky floors, and stairs going every which way. Walking in from the easy-to-find car park, with lots of spaces, is a lovely sight. Book parking with the hotel staff inside, as it's much cheaper than the price on the board. The service was wonderful from the start. Everyone was cheerful, helpful, kind, and made us feel welcome. We had dinner there too, with plenty of choice on the menu. We chose the three-course meal: hot honey wings to start, which really warmed up the mouth and body, steak cooked perfectly for the main, then sundaes for dessert. The waiting staff were attentive and helped with anything we needed. The location is great, just a stone's throw from the quay and cathedral, with plenty of shops, amenities, and sights nearby. This is now one of my favourite places to stay, and I'll use the White Hart often in future. Great food, a remarkable old building, and wonderful staff. Thank you.

The food was lovely, but the service was poor. They offer a special for two at £15, with a starter and main or a main and pudding. When I ordered and paid, I asked the server at the till if we could have the pudding later after choosing the main and pudding deal. They said yes, no problem. After we'd eaten, we asked for pudding and were charged full price. The server said I hadn't asked for the special, but I had. I may be old, but I'm not thick. I asked for the manager, who said we needed to order pudding at the same time. I asked what difference that made when we'd chosen two specials with a main and pudding. The kind manager discounted the pudding, but I wasn't impressed. Same.

The comfortable atmosphere and attentive, polite staff made a good impression. Everything was clean, cosy, and tidy, and it's clear the hotel is well maintained. I came away with only positive impressions and would be happy to return.