Restaurants at White Hart Hotel in Lewes

This is such an addition to Lewes. Went on Bonfire night and staff friendly, building just fantastic, cosy in winter and lovely outside space in summer with brilliant views. Food excellent and reasonable. Would go again.

A lovely restaurant with a real buzz.Friendly attentive staff. The food was delicious and well presented...although a few of the fishes on the small side for the price. Drinks order was very slow...due to new staff.Management were prompt to resolve this and ensure the cost was removed from the bill.Most appreciated.We will definitely be returning.So pleased we have this renovated establishment in Lewes..a real treat!

Quite a surprise as it has been recently refurbished. The food was excellent as was the atmosphere and service. It still maintains the old English pub feel in the bar at the front with an airy open relaxed dining area beautifully refurbished. I will certainly go again and recommend it to my friends.

I enjoyed the Oak Smoked Pork ribeye, absolutely delicious, beautifully presented and great service - friendly, efficient yet not overbearing However - a barking dog in the bar area of the restaurant spoiled the otherwise relaxed ambiance. Why noisy dogs allowed in any fine dining restaurant is a mystery, they could be restricted to the 2 other lounge bar areas. I’ll try to remember to request a ‘dog free’ area next time I dine here.

We did not stay in the hotel but had a fantastic lunch in the restaurant. One of the better places to eat in Lewes if you want to avoid a pub lunch. Wonderful, relaxed service in a sunny restaurant area. We loved every minute and will certainly be returning soon.

My partner booked the hotel for my birthday. When we arrived the interior was stunning, with open fire and lovely wood on the walls ,. Then we checked in at reception and we was given our room key and Told that our room had stunning views of the South Downs. On the way to the room, the hotel showed itself in the true light. Carpets badly Threadbare in places. When we finally managed to find the room we had trouble with the key ( normally it’s a card not an actual key). When we got into the room we where taken back by how scruffy and dirty it was. The bathroom was so old, no toilet roll holder. The bedroom was dusty and the bed was so noisy when you sat on it that you tried not to move. The small tv was right across the room I had trouble seeing it. The two lamps above the bed had no light shades and one of the bulbs didn’t work at first. And several cracks in the ceiling. Everything in the hotel needed some attention . The swimming pool was badly maintained and again shabby. The following morning there was no cooked breakfast which in all the hotels I have stayed in have this option. There was hardly any staff. The hotel could be such a beautiful place if it was cleaned and money spent on it. would not stay there again. The only good thing was the stunning view of the South Downs from the window.

Like stepping into Harry Potter's Hogwarts! I stayed here whilst exploring Lewes. It's so comfortable. Old-fashioned - slightly threadbare but so relaxing. 100% delightful.

This visit to White Hart Hotel, Lewes has taught me to look at the room before you pay. The room (10) was disgusting, not clean, towels terrible, grey, the lace on the window was hiding the fact that a wall was outside the window, so if there had been a fire in the corridor we would not have been able to get out. The room was ancient, chair fell apart, floor not even. Breakfast awful, just a tray pre-prepared. Nothing you could eat. Finally I went onto the patio to sit down and the chair collapsed and I fell to the ground, was the final straw. I would never go back there. It is a wreck and a fire hazard and dangerous. Also this hotel has not been sanitised in any way.

Our visitor from Europe liked this genuinely old pub until the food came which was really pretty ordinary. By all means have a beer, but find somewhere better to eat,

First time I have eaten in this hotel/restaurant for years . It's not changed grotty surroundings , scruffy staff and food which was ok . For what should be the premier hotel in Lewes it's a disgrace , dirty floors with breakfast cereal not swept away and glitter from either a party or new year. Never going back .

Visited for a Annual Dinner and Dance and the food and service was very good. Organisation was impressive with over 140 people to feed and the only complaint about the food was not enough bread for the pate and not enough biscuits for the cheese and biscuits .Harveys beer ok downstairs in the dining room but much better from the main bar upstairs.

The food is delicious. The management is also very polite.. they seeve very good food.. the place is also veey great..

Very nice equiped restaurants at White Hart Hotel. Very polite staff. Delicious breakfast, suny terrace.

Un dimanche pluvieux nous avons fait au plus vite pour manger un sunday roast. Beau cadre avec leur grande véranda mais repas moyen servi sous forme de buffet. Bon choix des ingrédients traditionnels du sunday roast mais à peine chaud et desserts peu variés. Prix tout a fait correct mais sans la qualité.

I liked this place that place much better than other places. We loved restaurant staff's, service all are fine

I was pleased to dine at the wight hart hotel with a large group of friends, we dined on 4 courses and each course was served in a very polite and friendly manor. The food was very good and the wine was also very good and at an affordable price. I do hope to dine there during September and look forward to another great evening with a number of friends

A very good restaurant here food was awsome and staffs was helpful ,parking facility was there and beautifully decorated.

The Sunday Lunch Carvery at £8.00 must be one of the best bargains in Lewes. Visiting on 24 June we were treated to a very generous portion of superbly cooked meat (Fish or vegetarian options, too), accompanied by a great selection of well-prepared vegetables, and for an extra £2.00 you can help yourself to a simple but again high quality desert or fresh fruit selection. Even the coffee was a bargain: £4 for a cafetière making 4 cups. On top you get serenaded to a medley of popular evergreen tunes by a master musician on his guitar and keyboard. If the indoors restaurant is a bit dark and dated for you, sit in the bright and airy conservatory, or on the large south-facing outside terrace. The only reasons why I have not given The White Hart Restaurant top marks are: No starter option, no frills such as a bread roll, service restricted to drinks from the bar and carvery, everything else is self-service. But then that is why they can offer a superb Sunday lunch at such a bargain price!

This historic building is on the High Street. It has a sign outside to say that Thomas Paine used to meet here and agitate on behalf of American independence. It has seen better days. BUT we popped in for a sandwich and pint and I had a great chicken, bacon and avocado concoction, which came with a generous garnish of salad and good quality crisps. Together with a pint of lager, I paid £10.05. I took the opportunity to look around the premises and noticed a rather splendid looking leisure centre and spa towards the back, which was in contrast to the run down nature of the rest of the building and its history.

Just got in from a 2 course meal to celebrate st George's day, the pie was amazing !! We're looking forward to our next meal here hopefully very soon

We had lovely carvery here,the food was tasty and good quality,also very reasonably priced.(2 courses for £10)main and desert. we did not stay here,but its defiantly worth coming here for sunday lunch

We tried the carvery on Easter Sunday. The chef serving was fantastic and the food was great. Meat was cooked perfectly and portions were very generous. Yorkies were huge and lovely, nice selection of veg too. Service on the other hand was another story, it was very poor.

A lovely and healthy lunch done in the restaurant feeling refreshed and happy to enjoy with my friends.

We ordered fish and chips for lunch, the meal was good, fish fresh with plenty of chips and peas. Service was slow, but those staff which we saw were friendly and helpful, I got the impression that more staff were needed.

My wife and i Ate here after finding the restaurant at our hotel was closed. We were surprised at the quality of the food.

Best food ever tasted in my lyf The taste was in the depth that i have no words to say about that food

Pleasant dinner,the breakfast strange, no menu , full English or ask what they had and choose from that.

No estábamos ansiosos de té después de leer algunas de las críticas, pero nos sorprendió gratamente. Tenía una bonita variedad de sándwiches, un bollo suaves sencillas y un montón de mermelada y nata. Las tartas eran un poco dulce pero estábamos demasiado lleno para comer de todos modos. Nos dieron una caja de. No usar el spa por las críticas, pero tenía buena pinta desde el exterior. Sí, las alfombras necesitan ser reemplazados, pero el lugar tiene mucho encanto. El invernadero de la parte trasera es con una bella vista sobre los acantilados de creta.

Llevé a mi amigo a este hotel por un día las niñas Spa y té por la tarde compramos en groupon como un regalo de Navidad. Por desgracia, el balneario estaban sucias y muy anticuadas instalaciones. La piscina estaba sucia y las superficies eran sucio y desconchado con alfombras manchadas. Estuvimos 5 minutos y nos fuimos como no queríamos meternos en la piscina o hacer uso de las instalaciones. No tarifa mucho mejor en el té de la tarde, el personal del restaurante parecía fuera de su profundidad con tener demasiada gente para el té de la tarde y eran incapaces de tomar las órdenes o venga a la mesa aunque no parecía tan lleno. El colmo fue el inodoros sucios que eran repugnantes y así nos fuimos sin comer. Un viaje perdido, qué pena.

Cenamos allí durante nuestra estancia en Lewes. La comida estaba bien hecha y el personal era muy amable. Recomiendo una comida allí.

Hemos venido aquí para comer durante 25 años y he visto un montón de cambios para el hotel, pero el asador (ahora sólo los domingos) sigue siendo uno de los mejores asados del domingo nunca. Yorkshires floury nonfrozen perfecta, ligeramente caramelised spuds y muy buena salsa con vino. Buena selección de verduras y salsas habituales, buen pan demasiado si has espacio para ellos.

Mientras que el personal de este hotel es su único activo, esto podría, estoy seguro de que una mina de oro. Se necesita un montón de dinero. despilfarra Puedo entender que un edificio de esa edad debe ser una pesadilla para mantener, pero tiene que empezar ahora. No parece que los propietarios tienen la pasión. Uno de nuestro grupo y mi pareja casi teníamos un contratiempo en el vetusto sillas del restaurante. La atención al detalle era muy escaso, bandejas de café a la izquierda en la terraza de un día antes. Obviamente el problema con doble acristalamiento zona de ocio como cine de proximidad entre el espesor de vidrio capaz de ver a través de sirve. Desesperado para reparaciones.

The food here is okay but nothing special, served in a restaurant in need of refurnishing and redecoration. The cooking area visible in the dining area is particularly poor and if I were the owners I would give this urgent attention. It is partly disguised by the décor but does not bear even a glancing inspection.

Beautiful view from the back window, but rude and inattentive staff, very slow service, average food (puddings in particular were disappointing) - generally lackluster. When we got to our resevered table for 8, we had to wait ten minutes as they had no chairs, table was only half set, staff were huffy when asked for drinks menus, yet could not tell us our drink options from memory, expected us to just order off the top of our heads. Calvary uninspired, overall just a depressing and annoying experience. Also, they added erroneous items to our bill. It was a terrible experience, luckily we were with good enough friends that we got through it.

We booked a meal in the conservatory for my 15th wedding anniversary, I think there were 14 of us. My dad arranged it and being quite fussy, he probably was quite hard work but the evening was fantastic. We all had starters, main and pudding which we ordered in advance and everyone said it was delicious. The conservatory was wonderful and the staff could not have been friendlier or more attentive, it made the day incredibly special, thank you

OK just... not much used by locals. Should be a goldmine and will be one day. Stay at the new Premier Inn instead and come hear for a pint and a sandwich on the fab terrace!

Three of us had lunch here recently. The White Hart is a traditional old pub in the middle of Henfield. As it was a lovely day, we sat out in the beer garden. The menu contained a good selection of classic dishes and several specials. Everything we chose was nicely cooked and delicious.

Probably the best value for money pub restaurant, the food is without doubt the very best around, and fantastic choice, very accommodating, even when busy without reservation just ask they will try to fit you in.

We stayed here for two nights. The staff were lovely, the room was clean & comfortable but we were not happy with the situation of the room. We were housed in the Annexe which was completely separate from the hotel and we had to walk down a covered path where the food is unloaded for the kitchen and parts of it were covered in birds' mess. We then had to walk in the open for a short way and had it been raining, we would have got rather wet. We won't be going back.

This pub has always been a favourite but,,,,,,the last 4 meals we have had have been dreadful - what is going on? We have actually sent 3 meals back during the 4 occasions we have visited. I could always count on a good meal at The White Hart but it has been abysmal. Get your act together guys, is Mo still in the kitchen? I hope not, because I have been visiting Giles and Mo's pubs for decades and things are seriously downhill. Mo would never have let food such as we have had be cooked even served. I hope I'm right Mo, because seriously we can't afford to eat out much and when we do we want to enjoy it. Will give it one more go because it is where I love to be, please improve........!

God awful. On entry to the place I stepped back to the sixties and seventies. Constant piano music on the speakers reminded me of a lift. My ears still hurt. Decor like the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter. The few elderly clientele had disgusting bigoted, nay racist, attitudes. Felt like an old-boy's club at times. Menu matched the decade the owner's were aiming at on entrance to the place.Food was bordering unsafe. Burgers were essentially mince and raw onion on a supermarket bap. Chicken and avocado baguette was unbaked and turned my sister-in-law to tears. Price was eye-watering too.The only plus was the pint of Harvey's best. (According to brother-in-law, sadly I was driving.)Close this place now. Awful.

I called in here to get a meal it was just after 6pm. Several staff were hanging around the doorway chatting. When I interrupted I was told restaurant does not start service until 6.30 bar meals start at 6. I asked to be shown to the bar. I then had to request the same person show me a menu. He then proceeded to lean on the bar, facing away from me and do something with his phone. This took all his attention for the next 15 minutes. I tried to get his attention in a polite way but he was engrossed. I left and ate elsewhere.

stay for a night in hotel and got a 3 course meal enjoyed meal and was excellent value for what we paid. Would go back

Всё понравилось. Блюда английской кухни англичане готовят здесь лучше, чем итальянцы в Италии. Факт. Быстро, оперативно, комфортно

We dropped in by chance at 2.30 0n a Sunday to find the restaurant still open. And what a restaurant in a fine old late 18th century wood pannelled room. This is going to cost an arm and a leg I thought as we were shown to our table by the dignified maitre d'hotel. I was quite wrong; although not cheap the prices were reasonable, giving excellent value for money. The food itself was perfectly cooked, tasty with generous portions. The maitre d' turned out to be a kindly man, helping us with our choice and also advising his young waiter. We will definitely not give the White Hart a miss 0on our next visit to Lewes

The food was actually not that bad, but it did not really have any presentation..poor vegetarian options and not very high standards overall.

The carpets on approach to the hotel were greasy and blackened. I am obviously disabled and on arrival I was told that my room was up some stairs and to the right - no assistance offered with bags.On entering the room, I could see how tired this was and when I opened the drawer to place clothing in it the front fell off. The room was cold and the radiator was on full so I called to reception to ask for assistance. Using the bathroom and the toilet seat fell off. A girl arrived with a piece of heating equipment that looked so old and dirty I did not want to use it and when I asked for a change of room I was offered one on the second floor which looked to be in even worse condition. I requested another room so was offered the disabled room in the annexe. I was assured it was on the level. Well - yes it was on the level... However, had I been severely disabled I would have had a problem... no shower only a bath in a bathroom with cracked tiles and yes... a broken toilet seat! I couldn't open the window as the catch was well above me and so stiff, heaven help me had I been a in a wheelchair! Upon waking was the next hurdle - breakfast. I am vegan and there was nothing for me to eat. I asked if some mushrooms could be cooked without oil or butter... I was eventually served some tinned mushrooms boiled in water and next to the pan on the open cooker was the largest container of Bisto I have ever seen... The waiting staff were very nice and helped as much as they could but even they said that the hotel was in a terrible state.Stay at your peril...if in double - sleep in the car.

Only did breakfast but it was everything you need from a "Full English" Cereal choice fruits, toast etc and to drink T & C, plus including Yummy buttery continental pastries and small roast potatoes. Hearty Breakfast might just cover it.

We had booked, fortunately, as much of the seating area was taken up with a large family gathering. We were given a table for two in the modern extension, with a view towards the sea and the curvaceous South Downs. The waiting staff were friendly, courteous, prompt and non-intrusive. The roast meats were superb and excellent value at £10 a head for a piled plate with all the trimmings - partly self-service. A piano played well-chosen selections. (My companion, a professional musician herself, was impressed) We enjoyed the atmosphere, view, conversation and music enough to linger until everyone else had gone. Good value, old-world charm and manners, the hotel is in something of a time-warp, but the food is excellent and not at all expensive,

This place is excellent. We were strolling through Lewis on a tourist trip, when we spotted this pub (not realizing it was a proper hotel restaurant deal). What enticed us is the fact that Thomas Paine used to hatch his evil plans and drink here. Now for the experience inside:We first entered the place to be greeted by a suited and booted waiter who was very kind and looked after us amazingly despite having 3 other tables on the go! He gave us some menu's and told us we could sit wherever we like. So we go exploring and find 3 areas, all of which contain Victorian style furnishings. We decide to go right to the back, where there is an observatory and find an amazing view of the South Downs. With the sun at a perfect angle and cutlery that belongs in a 1st class restaurant, we open the menu to find amazing pub prices. My partner decided to have the choice of pan seared duck breast in morello cherry jus (A french delicacy), but at a price of around £6-8! This came with vegetables as well. The waiter then checked up on us once to see how the food was (as well as asking if we wanted another drink) and again for the bill. The total cost of the dinner (2 big meals and 2 non-alcoholic beverages) was around £20. After the food we stayed for a half of lager each and headed for the road...Excellent work! Anyone looking for a cheap 1st class experience should come here and stay a couple of nights!

I had not eaten in The White Hart for many years. I found it very much improved. These days the staff are notably younger, well motivated, professional and far more welcoming. The Sunday carvery is offered in an imposing wood-panelled room with a good view of the South Downs. The serving point was manned by three chefs who were rightly proud of their work and pleased to talk about the choices. We diners agreed the food was well worth five stars. Recommended for all round quality and good value for money. The traditional roast beef with Yorkshire was one of the best I've ever had.

Both parts of the main restaurant are attractive, the inner room with wood panelling and the 'conservatory' which is pretty and has lovely views over Lewes and the South Downs. There is music played on a keyboard from about 1 o'clock.Sunday lunch is basically a carvery and the chef does know how to roast a decent joint. The crackling with the pork was crisp, the roast beef nicely pink in the centre and the turkey not over dry. The helpings were very generous. Puffy yorkshire puddings and nicely roasted potatoes let down by tasteless broccoli and cauliflower and the all purpose brown liquid that was meant to be gravy. I asked for some bread that was supposed to be supplied with my starter and when it came, it did look as if someone had already had it and sent it back with one bite taken out of it. The Eton mess dessert was not an Eton Mess which is meringue crumbled up and combined with fruit - strawberries - and whipped cream. This was a commercial meringue shell fill with cream and hardly any fruit and topped with half a strawberry. It was, on the whole, good enough and not expensive. But it could have been better with very little effort.

Food excellent and views spectacular. It would be lovely to eat on the terrace on a warm day - sit there enjoying the south downs with a glass of wine, etc.

We stayed in the hotel and part of the Groupon deal was a meal for 2.The food was good. I has soup to start, my partner had smoked salmon. Both had steak which was lovely. Came with large thick chips, mushrooms a tomato & salad. I had ice cream & my partner had the cheese board for last course.You can see the food being cooked as the kitchen forms part of the dining room.Overall I would say the meal was lovely.What did spoil the evening however, was one waitress who was clearly not enjoying her job and didn't show any people skills. Said she had worked there for 3 years, well I wouldn't want her serving my guests if owned a restaurant. Didn't give my partner a chance to ponder over the menu, said she would stand there and wait for him to order, Said we would have to wait 15 mins for a bread roll to go with the soup. Plonked the bottle of White wine down we ordered and when I asked for an ice bucket, just said there were none as they were being used in the function room. Gave us the main course and just walked off. I wanted some English mustard, but no chance to even ask. The restaurant wasn't that busy. Her attitude didn't come across as very friendly. Maybe she was just having a bad day.In spite of this, I couldn't fault the food and the other foreign waitress working that evening was lovely and helpful.We also ate in the restaurant area the following day for breakfast and the selection was amazing.This is such a lovely, traditional hotel.

Yes it was a small menu, but by no means lacking in substance, it wasn't a case of I'll have this because I don't want the other options, the chef and kitchen were in the room, the quality of the food was fantastic and waitress was stop on and very attentive without being to present. Great value for money

See main review. Chef was tops when we were there with a salmon and trout starter. Chicken dish was first class; chef told me sources from Scotland. Only cost £20 or so for two courses

Atmospheric old coaching inn in the centre of Lewes. Not busy for a Friday lunch - perhaps some of the reviews on here have put people off. We were very pleasantly surprised though. We ate in the traditional wood panelled dining room, but there is also an light and airy atrium with great views. A short "informal" lunch menu with good value mains £7.50 to £10.50 and sandwich plates also available. It looks like the menu changes regularly. Our fish and chips and ham, egg and chips were both very good. Beer from the local Harveys Brewery. The service was cheerful and efficient - presumably things have improved since earlier reviewers were there.

£10 is excellent value and nice ambiance. Service attentive and helpful on Bonfire night when all other eateries were full.

very nice dining room with a small but interesting menu.they do a fixed price menu for 2 or 3 courses which is good value for money waitress was a little brusque but efficient.

Had a lunch time snack, with friends earlier this year and food was average but service was poor. Staff need some customer service training. Would like to take friends here from out of area, but too embarrassed by service. Will not risk it again.

I cannot agree more with Byron (see his review). Food horrid, staff unpleasant and surly. They just couldn't care less. Don't touch with a bargepole.

Over the last 9 months we have held two business receptions here and on both occasions we have had excellent service. The plus point for this venue is the historic setting and rooms. The receptions were held in the 'Sheriff's Room' on the first floor which is reputed to be the room where Thomas Paine (author of 'The Rights of Man') spoke at the 'Headstrong Club in the 18th century on subjects like the American Revolution. The building was originally a town house owned by the Pelham family from Tudor times. In the 17th C they moved and the White Hart has been an inn since then. It was an important coaching inn until the railway arrived in Lewes. The former High Constable of Lewes used to hold his annual feast here.

Originally booked here but changed booking to Pelham House after reading reviews on Tripadvisor.Thought we would at least have a meal and see what we missed.Nothing is the answer.Surly staff,poor quality food and presentation and overpriced.No wonder it was empty.

Food was well cooked and plentiful.Excellent value.We ate smoked salmon and Soup for starters.I had lamb chops and my partner pork for mains.I had cheese board and my partner Eton Mess for dessert.No complaint and plentiful.

uneatable, best avoided if you want to live a long and healthy life. the back entrance to the kitchen looks positively dangerous

Good menu choice, well prepared, cooked and presented. Very traditional classic service style. Nice to get warm rolls, iced water without asking

A very good meal, friendly service, and an open plan service hatch in the dining room to watch the chefs preparing the meal. Better than a TV programme.

Very sorry stae this hotel and needs some attention staff poorly trained and rooms very very tired we were told we had tv in our room guess what t5here was a tv but it did not work no signal. The staff were helpful but this hotel is very very run down.

We were looking for somewhere for lunch and on passing the quaint looking White Hart we thought we would try their Sunday lunch. The food was quite good but the whole experience was spoiled by the waitresses. They were abrupt and unfriendly, not one smile during the whole two hours we were there, it felt like we were putting them out by being there. No wonder this place was almost empty! Would not recommend the White Hart.

We had lunch here on a visit to Lewes. it was pleasant ,simple ,and exactly what we wanted. The young lady who served us was helpful and pleasant . The decor was a bit in need of some TLC and the seating uncomfortable ,but if you are not lingering and simply want a light lunch it was fine.

The White Hart Inn is located in the very centre of Lewes. It is an interesting historic building. From the outside you would not know that the original building was a Tudor oak-framed construction. The dining area at the back has wonderful views across the South Downs towards the sea. We decided to try it out for dinner because friends of ours who were staying there told us that they do a marvellous breakfast. Although we live here we had only ever used it as a pub. The dining area is in a modern, mainly glass, conservatory at the rear.We went with friends for dinner. We were the only diners. I took this to indicate that they mainly cater for the hotel’s guests at breakfast. The tables were nicely laid out with crisp white linen etc. We chose the table with the best view across the Downs. The service was excellent. Both my wife and I had crab for a starter. It was delicious and definitely the best part of the meal. For a main course my wife had a Caesar Salad. It was no better than one would get in your average pub. I had Lemon Sole which came with new potatoes. This fish was very fresh, most probably local but it was not well presented. I finished with cheese. There were two decent sized pieces of cheese and some thin crackers – Stilton and some other hard cheese. I was underwhelmed. My wife had mille feuille. It was giant size. Once again, my wife said it was OK, but nothing special. I thought the bill was unreasonably large for the quality of food. There is sufficient competition around locally for us not to give the White Hart a second try, at least for some time. I can see why the restaurant was empty.

Visited this weekend and had a fantastic breakfast.... Great value, wide choice, well cooked, good quality ingredients and very helpful and kind staff. They went out of our way to make sure we had all we need. Would recommend this breakfast over the generic chain coffee shops and other expensive/busy local cafes.

Great choice. good traditional cooked breakfast polite staff no waiting cleaned up immediately. hot tea and coffee wide selection of cereals

This place is typical of English eccentricity so brilliantly illuminated by John Cleese in Fawlty Towers. This is the real life modern day version.In a strange way it is quaint and entertaining, but I think some staff are worn down by complaints from customers and they can become a little defensive. My friend stayed there a year ago and staff were actually rude to her. I only went there because there was a special offer on lunch. Otherwise it's a waste of money.

Good location and the history of the hotel is very interesting. The bedroom we were in, is in need of updating and repair. Some staff members are not as friendly as others but an amazing breakfast.

In a great location but the food is so poor - stuck in the 70s/80s and needs to get up to date. Other customers very old so maybe comfortable with that but this should be one of the best places to eat. Strange smell as well.

Had an average meal here. Nice place but just needs that bit extra attention to detail. Staff were pleasant but need a little bit more supervision and training

Two cheese & two tuna finger sandwiches (nothing special there then) followed two pieces of acceptable quality carrot cake & lemon cake & two very average scones (with far from generous servings of jam & cream!) Was it worth £24, absolutely not!The barmaid/waitress had an extremely poor attitude, and the couple across from us after waiting 45 mins for their food even confronted her as to why she had such a bad attitude!There are some very lovely tea rooms & hotels in Lewes and if I was asked I certainly would NOT recommend this one!!

Food wasn't too bad but only average. The worst point was their service. We got table just 5 minutes before 15:00 and the bar staff told us that we have to order within 2 minutes as food order close 15:00 sharp. Then we waited 40 mins to get food and the staff didn't care us at all while we were waiting, rather she was quite rude and behaved as if she does not know "customer service". Waiting longer is sometimes understandable if it is very busy (but there was no other customer and we must be almost last customer for lunch), but the staff at least should know how to serve and behave if their customer had to wait such long.. Extremely unhappy experience hence we made complain to the Manager. She understood our complaint and kindly offered us full refund. As a defence for the hotel, other staff were good and friendly. We simply got wrong staff and we were unlucky in that sense. Great shame as it seems the hotel has got pretty good atmosphere.. However it is still true that we regret we chose the restaurant and ruined our day. But appreciate the manager for the refund and hope they introduce customer service training.

If you are seeking somewhere to eat other than a pub lunch then this place may be worth a try especially in summer in the conservatory. It may be a little pricey but we had a good meal and a bottle of wine and we were well served. There were also no children about so it was more of an adult surroundings

We chose this restaurant completely at random whilst out for a drive on Sunday. We had not read any reviews beforehand.The menu was a Sunday carvery so my veggie friend did not expect much choice. There was a mushroom ravioli on the menu but she was not in the mood for that so asked if their was anything else available.Without hesitation or looking at us as if we were from another planet. the maitre d' asked the chef to prepare something, which he did, and it was delicious.The service was "traditional" but in a friendly and charming kind of way. The roast beef carvery was delicious - all fresh and generous portions and only £9.95. It was much nicer and better value than I have had in trendy gastro pubs.The wine was excellent and good value. The cheese board of English cheeses was nice but lacking some quince or chutney.The atmosphere is a little stuffy and the dining room could do with some very gentle background music.The staff were great.Based on the carvery alone, I would go back to this restaurant - but I know a la carte can be a very different experience to a roast dinner. However, the chef rustled up a delicious veggie alternative so I can only judge on what we experienced - which was good.

Set menu with a reasonable choice. Just a bit ordinary, actually - salad was dull and the cheese and biscuits were Jacob's cream crackers and some rather soapy cheddar. Shame because it could be really nice with a bit more pizzazz. Good wine list.

Saturday afternoon 15:30 intending to have afternoon tea. Ignored. Found menu, attempted to order. Only one of the set teas was available (French Aftenoon Tea: croissant, butter & jam and a pot of coffee). Sandwiches were not possible for the White Hart Afternoon Tea fr Two. Cream was not available for the Aftenoon Tea for One. Tea Cake not available for the Sussex Tea for One.The shops in the town were still open. Someone could have nipped to Waitrose to buy the missing items.There was no price reduction for missing items.This is very poor if this represents Lewes. The Chamber of Commerce or whoever should try to sort this out. I left the town feeling that neither I nor my friends would return.I am attempting to give no stars in all categories.

the lite bites menu at the bar is great value and good food, the stack of onion rings were huge and tasty. its better than it looks inside. the restuarant does a three course meal for £21.50 which was fine

For a short trip and the guarrantee of a nice outlook over the South Downs, my wife and I tried the White Hart Hotel restaurant for Sunday lunch which we had enjoyed a year or so ago.. What a disappointment the latest experience was.The location is lovely and they have a useful car park but the restaurant is really just a glorified carvery - and not all that glorified.The chef who stood guard on the food - tired and washed-out looking vegtables, tepid meats and soggy "roast" potatoes, wore a world-weary look. He had lost his smile weeks earlier. There was one hard-working waitress who seemed to cover everything but yiouy could tyell she was at full stretch and afraid of management rebuke should things go wrong.Several advertised items were missing from the items we ordered. When we mentioned them, something akin to what was promised was brought to the table separately.It was also very cold (not cool) in there. I noticed as we entered that one couple (admittedly elderly) were dining with their top coats still on. The man actually wore a scarf.You can't win them all but the final disappointment was the bill. Hugely expensive for what was offered. We paids up quick and made a run for it - but not too fast to nnotice that thje whole place, once a big feature of a lovely town, looked to be in terminal decline. Obvious, realy, with it also being practically empty. Please, somebody, give it back its old heart..

What a shame to watch the continued decline of the much loved center piece to a much loved town of Lewes in the midst of the glorious South Downs National Park.The White Hart is a anachronism, part historic part gauche 60's renaissance, but now sadly in overall decline at least in the dining dept.The Conservatory Dining was closed off seemingly because so few were dining so we were directed to the ding area close to the indoor pool with the incipient smell of chlorine. The once wonderful views were partly obstructed by failed double glazing that clouded with steam and the walls and ceiling were stained and grubby.The food was excellent as was the service however I was shocked to be asked to pay a £2.95 "Administration Fee" for the use of a credit card. This was waived by use of a debit but this is extraordinary for a large hotel chain !

I doon't know about the quality of the food. We never got any. After 45 mins waiting in an empty hotel, being told "in 5 minutes" we took our money and left. Waitress/bar person plain surly. I assume this place is owned a man who's so rich he doesn't need to make profits. It's a disgrace to Lewes.

The change in management has improved the fair of this hotel and I think over time it will improve

The White Hart is a bit faded. Staff are friendly, food plentiful but not very memorable. The hotel is historically significant.

This is the worse carvery we have ever had. Frozen veg, lumpy gravy and lukewarm not even hot. We complained to a waiter who just shrugged his shoulders.Flat coke, they had run out of beer - ended up paying half the bill but still not good value.

Dreadful smell of boiled cabbage. Food appalling, chef serving looked like he was on something. There was excrement on the mens toilet walls. Lovely, old buildin - what they have done to this lovely old hotel is criminal.

Went for coffee on SAturday and we were served by a delightful young girl,charming and helpful,were so impressed by her that despite previous disastrous visits decided to give it one more go.Big mistake.Food still inedible.Never again

This is the second time we tried the hotel restaurant and it has not got any better,grubby and dated decor for a start. We the decided to have the set meal at 15.00 , took one look at the so called salad bar it looked like it had been there for a week we decided to pass. We thought the carvery would be a safe option not so lukewarm, watery gravy and frozen roast potatoes, and then the sweet cabinet well what a choice fudge cake,fresh fruit salad{not so fresh} and mouse again it all lookes like it had been there a while.The whole experience lacked any thought or interest by the staff i can only describe as school dinners on a very bad day.I do not know if its managed or privately owned but whatever someone needs to buck there ideas up we would never eat there again.

Absolutely not worth the money. Terrible food and very cold restaurant (maybe the heating wasn't working?). Good service though. Will never go back there.

I first ate here 40 years ago when I got my parents to take me out for a posh lunch when they were visiting- and it was the first place I was angry/courageous enough to send the food back. Occasionaly I've gone back over the years to see if it had got any better and it never has. Now I confine myself to coffee on the terrace in summer. The coffee is, of course, horrible, but the view is fantastic, you can always get a seat and they don't hassle you.

The White Hart Hotel has been in Lewes for centuries. Prior to his departure from England, revolutionary Thomas Paine would attend and dominate meetings of the Headstrong Club within its lovely oak panelled walls. It was here that he thrashed out the ideas that would later be put into stunning practise in the establishment of a democratic federation across the atlantic: The building deserves the blue plaque on its front identifying it as a seat of modern democracy.A tragedy then, that it has fallen into the hands of the very worst sort of parochial english bad-management. Indifferent, unloved staff. Limp, lampwarmed carvery. Imaginationless, depressingly dated menus... On one occasion - it's second chance - we were discourteously deposited in the main restaurant - the delightful view serving largely to accentuate the grimness of the chintzy conservatory and sub bernie inn dining room - where we attempted (eventually) to order from both the Carvery and Bar menus (both contained, incidentally, in the same padded leather folder). We were told in the textbook haut-french-accent of a seventies sitcom maitre d' that, in order to do so, we would have to move from our table in the empty restaurant to another in the empty bar. We moved to a table in another restaurant.There is so much that could be done here. A permanent exhibition on its history? A new 'colonial american' menu? Monthly 'revolutionary feast' evenings? A kitchen capable of meeting the expectations of its prices? A basic overhaul of it's outdated and absurd little rules? It should be saved, someone should commandeer it and insist that it is.

First impressions on walking through the door were that it was dated, drab and sported what looked like its original wallcoverings and carpets. Didn't stay there but decided to have dinner in its conservatory restaurant, which looked more modern and reasonably welcoming. What a mistake! Passed on the carvery in favour of a la carte. Service was taciturn, but delivery mega quick, always a bad sign. Starters just about acceptable, although very ordinary. Prawn parcels which had obviously been acquired from some frozen food wholesaler, every one looking exactly the same. Whitebait covered in some kind of batter nameless and tasteless. Mains were a disaster. A "local T-bone pork chop", was tough and lukewarm, with visible white fat. Vegetables looked and tasted like they had been picked up at the carvery on the way through. The fish pie had a couple of flakes of salmon and no other discernible fish in a grey potato-ey goo.DON'T GO THERE!