Baker Hospitality set to open its third venue

17-Jan-2022 - Last updated on 17-Jan-2022 at 16:59 GMT

Baker Hospitality to open its third site: The White Hart Inn in Mersea Island is set to open in Spring 2022

Pub operator Baker Hospitality has expanded its portfolio with a venue in Mersea Island, Essex, set to open in Spring 2022.

Work has already started at the White Hart Inn, which has been closed since 2013, on a partial rebuild and major refurbishment with a vaulted ceiling in the bar and dining room, open kitchen, an oak-panelled lounge, open fire, outdoor seating in a terraced garden and six en-suite bedrooms, some of which will have sea views.

It will be the third site operated by Baker Hospitality, which also run The Sun Inn, Dedham, and Church Street Tavern in Colchester.

Piers Baker said: “Mersea Island is a special place which deserves an independently owned pub with restaurant and rooms that welcomes locals as much as visitors.

Excited to be opening

“It has a great community many of whom are already friends and customers who have told us how much they look forward to us being there.

“I feel proud, grateful and excited to be opening in West Mersea and can’t wait to open our doors.”

The regularly changing menu will be a mix of casual bar food along with a restaurant menu using the best local ingredients, as well as roasts on Sunday’s and children’s options.

At the bar, the pub will serve real ale, craft lagers and cider, non-alcoholic options, and a wine list similar to the award-winning lists at the sister venues.

Ticking all the boxes

Baker added: “If someone told me back in March 2020, I’d be opening a new, third venture in Spring 2022, I would never have believed them.

“The turmoil of the Covid-19 pandemic, with subsequent trials and tribulations of lockdowns, reopening’s, restrictions and more lockdowns, made it impossible to look too far ahead.

“But when local businessman Lee Tyler, landlord of the White Hart Inn, approached me and was keen to work with Baker Hospitality on the basis of our reputation and local networks, I could immediately see the opportunity the site offered.

“The White Hart Inn has huge potential and ticks all the boxes we were looking for in a third site: a beautiful location close to the sea, a village feel on the high street opposite the church green, and a great island community.”