Located on the top of a hill, with magnificent views as far as the eye can see, The White Hart Inn is a pub that anyone visiting will fall in love with. Having enjoyed a rich and varied history, the pub was built-in 1788 by local landowner John Buckley and over the years has been converted into a police station, schoolhouse, weaver’s cottage and in the Second World War as a look out point. The Buckley family then sold the pub in 1921 to a brewery and it has remained brewery owned until 1987. Then in 1994, the current owner Charles Brierley bought the The White Hart Inn and lovingly renovated the property, turning it into the gorgeous boutique pub it is today.
Trust me when I say that there are some really lovely rooms here at The White Hart Inn. The main house which is a listed building was converted in to twelve luxury guest rooms back in 1997, but the really special ones are located next door in the cottage. The cottage comprises of The White Hart’s newest accommodation in the form of four beautifully decorated (and very generous) rooms – perfect for a family getaway or romantic retreat for two. All of the rooms, both the main house and cottage are AA 4 star gold standard.
Our room was Cottage C2 and I completely fell in love with it and as far as pubs with rooms go, this felt at the very top end comparing to places I’ve previously stayed in. The decor was modern, bright and airy and the room smelt glorious (think that’s the first time I’ve ever commented on the smell of a room). It was like walking into a fresh bouquet of flowers. The bed was as soft as a cloud (so were the pillows), there were complimentary home-made biscuits to welcome us and the views from the window looking out over the countryside were lovely. For those travelling with families, the room had an extra single bed, tucked away in a cubby hole.
I loved the bathroom too. Complete with freestanding bath, separate power shower and Molton Brown toiletries. Come the evening and before dinner, it was lovely soaking in this bath, letting in the cold air in through the small windows and the smell of the pubs smokey roaring fire wafting in.
As soon as we settled into our room and unpacked, we did what any respectable pub visitor should do – order a drink at the bar! I must say, the wines by the glass here are very good and although perhaps not the cheapest compared to local competition, I’d rather pay a little more for better quality. We ordered a couple of glass of the white Rioja and settled in to one of the many snugs right next to the fire. It was absolute heaven given the weather outside. We also ordered an open sandwich of toasted sourdough topped with crayfish and Marie rose sauce which was divine.
I really liked all of the different rooms in the pub to enjoy a light lunch or drink in. Two in particular next to the bar, both with their own roaring fireplaces and on the verge of sauna heating levels (but in a good way). The White Hart isn’t just a place to eat and stay, but a real locals local. It got rather busy as the afternoon went on, so I’d highly recommend arriving early, grabbing your favourite spot and settling in for the afternoon. Especially on a chilly day.
Just outside the pub is a beautiful looking (if not slightly eerie) church and being on the top of a hill, there are some magnificent views to be had and even better walks. One placed I absolutely loved and just a short drive away was Yeoman Hay Reservoir in the Peak District. An abundance of wildlife, more stunning views and a great spot for a picnic if the weather is suitable.
Come the evening, we had a lovely long relax in our room and came down for dinner. It was Sunday when we stayed which meant it was the perfect excuse to divulge on the Sunday lunch menu, priced at £27.50 for three delicious courses in the main dining room which is looked after by head chef Mike Shaw.
A lovely little amuse bouche arrived from the kitchen as we looked over the menus and shortly after did our starters. Loch Fyne smoked salmon with passion fruit and radish. As well as goats curd with beetroot and mizuma. Both simply prepared, but beautifully executed and the flavours and ingredients spoke for themselves.
Being a Sunday, we of course tucked into a Sunday roast and I went for the roast beef which was outstanding. I’ve honestly not had meat this good in a pub for quite some time. It came with cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes (which were lovely and crispy) red wine sauce – as well as some seasonal vegetables. As far as roast go, this is up their with one of my favourites. If you know me well, you’ll know I’m not the Sunday roast’s biggest fan – but I enjoyed this a lot.
To finish, a rich and decadent sticky toffee pudding which was absolute heaven. As well as a gorgeous apple crumble topped with a good helping of clotted cream. The perfect desserts to compliment any Sunday lunch.
Breakfast the next morning I thought was again absolutely excellent, perhaps even my highlight. There’s a full menu to choose from, all freshly cooked to order and I opted for the full-English (though a smaller version for me as I never have room for a full plate). As well as a Glenilen Farm yoghurt which is one of my favourites back home. Everything on the plate was locally sourced and all was absolutely delicious. I really couldn’t fault it. The room it’s served in is rather cosy too and during the Winter by the fire-place it is the perfect spot to cosy up in come a morning.
I loved our stay here at The White Hart Inn and it only reminded me that I need to stay in pubs or country inns much more often. They’re so cosy, so relaxed and more often than not surrounded by beautiful countryside scenery. Not to mention the locally sourced food which was excellent here. Would we come back? If in the area – absolutely!
NB: My stay was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.
This is just the kind of pubs we like to take snoopy and stay in!