The White Hart, which dates back to the 18th century, welcomed customers back through its doors on Tuesday 1 October after an extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment.
Located in the centre of the market town, the pub, which has 23 boutique rooms, has been transformed with wood panels to the front of the building and a new dining room plus a terrace to the rear.
Immensely proud
Overlooking the South Downs, the historic site, which was previously a coaching inn, will boast a seasonal and sustainably sourced menu, created in line with Heartwood’s three-star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
Steeped in history, Lewes is notably known as the home of American Founding Father and political activist Thomas Paine, who contributed to the creation of the American Declaration of Independence and frequented The White Hart, Heartwood said.
Heartwood CEO Richard Ferrier said: “We are immensely proud of the work that has gone into restoring this beautiful coaching inn which is brimming with history.
“It is not often you have the opportunity to acquire such an important slice of American history, particularly on U.K. soil, and we can’t wait to share The White Hart with locals and visitors from further afield.”
Growth plans
The Teddington headquartered firm, which won two trophies at this year’s Publican Awards, opened its first pub with rooms, The White Horse in Dorking in March this year before launching its second, The Ropemaker in Emsworth, in July.
Next to open as part of the firm’s growth plans, which include reaching 60 sites by 2027 and more than 500 rooms, will be The Coat & Bear, in Berkshire, in October followed by The Royal Forest in Greater London in December.
The growth plans are also expected to create a further 1,500 jobs, taking the total number of Heartwood employees to 2,700.
