The White Hart Inn in Colchester

Took advantage of the dinner, bed and breakfast and stayed two nights in the lovely top floor Mehalla room. The bedroom was really spacious, with a little view out to the sea. Beautifully decorated with gorgeous toiletries provided and a very comfortable bed. The church bells might keep a restless sleeper awake, but we slept very soundly. Dinner in the restaurant was superb - a whole brill to share, some very fine starters and delicious deserts. A good wine list with some interesting offers. Lots of breakfast options from continental through to a full fry-up. Service was friendly, professional and really attentive. The restaurant and bar is a big space which is really set up for the summer crowds, but there's a lovely little snug where you can settle in with a nice glass of wine and a book or board game (both provided). Highly recommended.

Fresh, warm croissants need jam - but the White Hart’s homemade marmalade was sweet, tart and flavoursome so do ask for it if it’s not on the table. Local mackerel with scrambled eggs fleshy and moist. Good to know this is open from 8.15 so handy for walkers doing the whole island circuit.

Had a lovely meal on valentine's day , Staff friendly and welcoming, Food very good , Service very good , All in all an enjoyable evening.

I have been using this Pub/Restaurant since it opened, I have never been a lover of there draft lagers, and the one lager that was half descent, disappeared and when I found out what it was replaced with, I was shocked it was zero rated beer. They did keep Moretti in bottles that also disappeared, every over pub on the Island has Stella, Moretti, Peroni, Kronenbourg they really don't seem to accommodate for Lager drinkers it's a shame because I have spent many nights having a meal and drink. The food in the Restaurant is very good they should get a descent Lager. When there are many Lagers available i.e Peroni, Stella, Moretti etc.

Went last night for a meal there were four of us the service was good the food was good the only thing I was not happy with was the service charge on my bill £32.63 didn’t realise until I got home, I thought we were supposed to be asked if we wanted to pay this

A great lunch with friends. Excellent value and a very tasty inventive menu compiled by the new chef. Beautifully presented food. Three cheers for the new chef. Also an interesting mix of quality wines at very reasonable pricing. Looking forward to returning soon. I live in Ipswich but it's worth the journey.

We make a tradition of dragging our wedding celebrations out, and making them all about what we love most in the world (food and drink) so our second anniversary celebrations were no different. Checking the tide times, we planned lunch on the Thursday afternoon before heading to Wales for a week of further indulgence. What is really super about the White Hart Inn is not just the quality of food and drink, but they are also dog friendly! So Rafa dog came and joined us. We ordered a refreshing beer to start- I opted for the local Crouch Vale Brewery beer, whilst we looked at the highly impressing wine menu. We chose half a carafe (great when they offer those!) of a local white wine, a bacchus. We started with a plate of the local Richard Hawards native oysters, which were visually and taste wise utterly stunning. We also had a plate of meats and pickle. We moved on to share a dressed cromer crab dished up shell on prawns, stunning fishcakes, chips and bread. It really was delightful. We shared a hazlenut cake with blackberries and tonka bean ice cream and enjoyed a pedro ximenenz whilst my husband had an espresso. The venue was bright and fresh and clean. The staff were really friendly. It wasn't particularly busy, so maybe Thursdays are a quieter day. Rafa wasn't the only dog there though (although all pups were well behaved). It was lovely way to kick off our anniversary celebrations, and I would visit again in a heartbeat- although I believe they own the Church Tavern and the Sun Inn, so will visit them first (they are also dog friendly!).

Another great time here...just love it.. well done The White Hart Team ..see you soon 🍾🍾 keep doing the good work.

We dropped in for a bite of lunch, not feeling very hungry, but were delighted with what we had. I would recommend the turbot dish - an imaginative combination of flavours. My wife's aubergine dish was likewise excellent. I enjoyed the local Island Bitter.

Took friends for Sunday lunch. The roast was excellent as was my Bas Collins cocktail. Staff are friendly but the service is still very slow which meant we didn't have time for dessert. The fact that they allow dogs into a certain area of the restaurant is a real annoyance as on the last two occasions we have visited dogs have been barking loudly which we didn't appreciate. This is why I have given an average score rather than very good.

We live in West Mersea and we walk past the White Hart at least once a day. We have been into the White Hart four times for breakfast each time. The restaurant was empty despite displaying signs outside saying they were open. They said they were fully booked and could not service us. The staff are clearly lazy and they’re not interested in building the reputation of this restaurant. The one time we have been served my wife had an omelette. You could not eat the omelette is was clearly been cooked in a fish pan from the night before and tasted strongly of fish, and had large chunks of fish scales in the omelette . Although my wife complained she still paid for the omelette because they were not happy to credit it and she didn’t want to cause a fuss. We will never go back to this restaurant again and advise people to stay away. I am very happy that my name is published so that the owners could respond if they dared.

Refurbished with vision and style. Comfortable rooms, outstanding food, all staff welcoming, friendly and helpful, led by an inspirational manager who exudes charm and efficiency. Highly recommended.

Can not fault this place, the staff, food, service, decor, ambiance everything was 5 star. We had dinner which was amazing, the food was faultless. Our waiter was engaging and chatty with local knowledge. They could not do enough for us! Would definitely come back and maybe stay over next time in one of their rooms.

Stopped of for breakfast whilst visiting West Mersea and I wish I hadn't. First of all I have never been served such a small latte in all my 63 years which was a small glass tumbler with an even smaller tumbler fitted inside where the two mouthfuls of coffee were. I would have said it wasn't much bigger than a thimble my old nan used back in the sixties.The full English was ok but nothing special, most items were Luke warm at best. For the price £17.05, I would have been better off somewhere else.

My friend and I had a lovely dinner here . The staff were all so friendly, helpful and efficient. There is a fabulous, extensive wine list and excellent cocktails. The food was of a high standard and I will definitely be returning to try out more of the menu and cocktails of course 😊

Presentation, taste and service were absolutely fabulous. They clearly care a great deal about they do. Third time eating there and all been super. Very highly recommended.

Staff friendly and place is very nice. We had a fried breakfast, which was nice. Unfortunately, the drinks not so much. We ordered a latte, which came luke warm, the sugar wouldn’t even melt. We asked for it to be heated, which they declined and...

Very nice pub. Ideal for local area and staff very helpful. Good choice of drinks and food was very good. Even when we had to move inside due to a short inclement rain shower, staff sorted it out. Looks like a nice place to stay...

Had the pleasure of dining here a few times now, and each time the food exceeds our expectations as we try new options from the menu. The food is truly exceptional. Each time we have enjoyed a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, even while the restaurant was...

We live within 10 minute walk so we call in regularly for Jack’s cocktail of the week, a casual weekday dinner or a celebratory meal with friends/family. It’s the perfect setting for any occasion. Casual but smart at the same time. Food always amazing. We...

Food was lovely, tasty and beautifully presented. Our waitress Mandy was very attentive. Nothing was too much trouble. We were very disappointed that they do not take cash.

The menu at the White Hart is interesting and varied, and staff (though not fully staffed this evening) were attentive but not intrusive. Some food takes time to prepare, and we were kept informed of this so enjoyed the leisurely meal with comfortable gaps. We...

Popped in for a drink, ordered a raspberry Bellini, bar man served what looked like just the raspberry. I asked is that it and he says yes he’d measured it out. I should have declined it but think I was in shock as to the...

5 stars doesn’t do this place justice. Shouldn’t have taken us so long to leave a review because we really have become regulars. The Sunday roasts here are fantastic, you will feel sad when you have finished! By far the best roasts we have ever...

Came as a treat after recent surgery. We chose from the set menu & all courses were delicious & beautifully presented plus excellent value. We really noticed the difference the noise baffles make since we first visited some months ago. Service was friendly but could...

Made an impromptu day trip to Mersea Island on Friday to take the dogs to the beach for a swim. Built up an appetite so went for a wander and came across The White Heart Inn. Honestly blown away by the standard, quality and presentation...

What a fantastic place, the food is so good. Great menu and every course was really tasty. Super friendly staff. Would highly recommend. Cannot wait to go back.

Superb Sunday lunch. The pork fillet was outstanding with delicious purées to accompany, and the shallot tartin was exceptional. Others in our party said the Mullet and the Plaice were absolutely excellent, as were the Sunday roasts. The deserts were also 10/10 - particularly the...

Have eaten here several times but today surpassed all expectations. Dog is always welcomed, cold water delivered without needing to ask. A fantastic nibble recommended by Jack as he has learnt what we like. The most delicious Sunday roast. Faultless.

Ate here last week had the seafood platter main for two people. What a absolute rip off. £32. On the platter were 2oysters, 1 roll mop herring cut into 4 thin slices, less than half a smoked mackerel cut into slices, 3 fish goujons ,...

This was our second visit to the white hart. The food was again excellent and staff very efficient, helpful and friendly. So happy mersea has his first class Resturant. Will definitely be going back.

Visited on Sunday (21st May) for a meal to celebrate our friends birthday. Excellent friendly welcome and service from all the staff who looked after us. It was great to visit a pub/restaurant with a menu that was much more imaginative than many other places...

Stayed for the weekend . Far exceeded our expectations , beautiful room , exquisite food and were made so welcome by Harriet and her staff . She was so friendly , informative and not just by us , you could see all locals as well...

This was our first visit to the restaurant , which we have been looking forward to for a while! All the meals were very flavoursome, especially our starters , absolutely delicious. There was a very long wait between our starters ending and our main courses...

We popped in for breakfast and the service and breakfast were superb. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. It was so good we booked for an evening meal and the slow cooked lamb was amazing. It was so good we decided to book a...

Really interesting menu , well presented with good service . It all felt a bit impersonal somehow maybe the modern interior . Quite expensive too £90 for a two course lunch for two with a couple of drinks . The food was a cut above...

Went here today for Sunday roast. We chose the 3 course menu. All 3 courses were amazing, tasty and perfectly cooked. Every course was homemade and I thought the prices were reasonable for fresh homemade food. I am a fussy eater and I can say...

Absolutely amazing food,really enjoyed this.Nice ,polite and friendly staff, highly recommending and definitely will see you guys soon again.

A lovely relaxing evening with drinks and a meal (Pork Belly) with additional greens and potato gratin and ice cream to follow. The staff were fantastic and very attentive.

Lovely and professional staff kindly fitted us at late notice for Sunday lunch. We both had the roast beef which was delicious and beautifully cooked. Also commendable that this restaurant has the ‘carafe’ option when ordering wine, just the right amount for lunch in our...

Went here today giving them benefit of doubt after eating here shortly after opening. Breakfast...asked for the smoked sea bass with scrambled eggs...to be told it was intact mackerel...huge difference, so went for the fry up. A long wait to be served cold beans, cold...

The decor is attractive and modern. We were seated in a bay for four people which was perfect for our small party. . The waitress was attentive and charming. The menu was varied and interesting and the accompanying wine list was comprehensive. The food itself...

I visited twice during the weekend. First for breakfast and the next day for Sunday lunch with the family. The food is excellent. The staff are what make it though. Friendly and keen to go the extra mile for the guests. This was the first...

Fantastic Sunday roast our first meal here and we absolutely loved it meat was beautiful such fantastic food ! ambience was great and we got to take our little dog with us. Brilliant wine menu we can’t wait to go back!

My wife and I stayed here for two nights and found the room to be excellent. Modern, comfortable and tasteful. The staff also were very friendly and helpful. We had breakfast and dinner in the restaurant and again this was of a very high quality...

We stayed for two nights in a room called Cobmarsh. Made to feel welcome and the room was divine, super comfortable bed. Proper tea and coffee plus home made chocolates in our room Beautiful Bramley bath products, soft towels, such attention to detail. All staff...

Excellent hotel, and restaurant, the evening meal and breakfast were very good. The staff were all excellent and helpful, it was nice having designated parking spaces for overnight guests

Lunch with friends yesterday and one of the best meals out I've had in a long time. The amalgamation of flavours stunning. Beautiful presentation. Highly recommend the lamb. Very good value at £30.00 for three courses with a glass of wine or coffee included. Can't...

After staying at the Sun Dedham last year we decided to stay at the newly acquired location here at West Mersea Was not disappointed Great food service attentive Really enjoyed our break Thank you

Absolutely love this place, it has such a lovely feel to the restaurant and outside area. Menu choice is superb - I love the fact they have interesting and varied dishes for vegetarians, really is one of the very best places to eat in Essex,...

As a Mersea resident it is great to see the White Hart open for business again. We came for the soft opening back in June which was a very good offer of 50% discount on food. We enjoyed the food but even with the discount...

We decided to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary here after hearing generally good to excellent reviews from friends. The pub has been completely revamped and now has a pleasant outside seating area and a large cavernous restaurant (and a cosy back room). First impressions were...

Booked here for a birthday treat for my husband, greeted by a friendly waitress shown to our table, the drinks & food menus were bought to us straight away, very efficient service we ordered our drinks followed by our food order, didn’t have to wait...

So glad that we were able to get a table at this new restaurant. The food was imaginative and included my favourite flavours and ingredients. The young waiting staff were pleasant and helpful. The wine list was extensive and many wines are available by the...

We booked a table with some trepidation as the reviews have been very mixed. However we were pleasantly surprised. What was good- nice outside seating area with good selection of beers and wine by the glass ( a lot locally sourced). When my husband said...

Stopped off on bike ride for a quick drink. Was very quiet. After receiving drinks went to pay but was told they don’t take cash. Rationale given was very odd, there were no signs nor was I told they had a cashless policy when ordering....

Had lunch with the family good food good value with pleasant staff. Spoke to the manager who acknowledged early issues having only opened in June but seem to be getting into their stride.

On the busiest weekend on the island my family of 3 children & 2 adults wanted to get some food. We walked past this restaurant and it looked very nice. However when walking in no one came to give a table. When we enquired at...

This was a terrible disappointment. We waited 1hr 20mins for our main course. The service was mediocre and it was very overpriced. My Goats Cheese Tart was so hard around the edges that I could not cut it. And the noise levels were such that...

Whilst on holiday my wife and I decided to try The White Hart Inn, which has recently reopened, following extensive refurbishment, after several years unoccupied. There is no denying that the interior (and exterior), look impressive. The dining room is very smart and spotlessly clean...

There was a serious variety of reviews, found out today that it’s only been open 8 weeks! It’s utterly disingenuous to castigate it just after it opens! Arrived and parked in the good sized car park and went in, passing through the nice and already...

This hotel has only just re-opened after a refit and is well worth a visit. Fantastic decor, rooms are great and superb. Service was exceptional and staff very friendly. We stayed for bed and breakfast and had dinner on our last night. Breakfast was fantastic...

Good food, modern, stylish accommodation and friendly, helpful staff. Made us very welcome and nothing was too much trouble to make our stay enjoyable.

Delicious food - especially the mussels, steak & burger! Nice atmosphere and lovely building. Huge choice of drinks. The BAVO pilsner and Mersea Island bitter went down well! Great coffee. We really love that the chefs take the trouble to make “child size” versions of...

Unorganised Mess, lacking leadership, is anyone is in charge? Rude “bartender” not welcoming what’s so ever and very slow, especially as one other lovely staff member said he was meant to be a mixologist. Iv drunk at the sun inn in Dedham with my wife...

First of all the staff were lovely. However just a few issues, I’m sure you would appreciate feedback. One of my main issues was the way the hot drinks were served right next to my baby sitting in her high chair, this was a slight...

Chose the white heart for our anniversary. Pub has been refurbished to a high standard and is really lovely. Food just delicious!! Staff were friendly & attentive and as they have not been open long were keen for feedback, which just makes us think it...

Had lunch there today. Dreadful bad service. Tables not cleared after people left. Oysters we chose for a main course, were starter size and 6 were empty. We waited 15 minutes for waitress to ask if we would like a sweet then came back and...