Iconic East Sussex pub sold: White Hart Hotel in Lewes will cease trading in November

The iconic White Hart Hotel, which is a 16th century coaching inn, sits in the High Street and is well known for its ‘old world’ character.

Jonathan Cleaver, posting in the Lewes Present Facebook group, said on Thursday, October 26: “I can confirm The White Hart has now been sold and the last trading day will be 5th November.”

He said the hotel is set to sell everything in the property and said the open days for sales will be from Monday to Sunday, November 6-12 (10am to 5pm).

He continued: “If you would like to pop in this week or next week for your last pint, or coffee, the local support will be much appreciated. The White Hart family would like to say thank you for all the support over the last 30 years. Times have been hard with hotels and they would also like to thank Rotary, South Saxons, De Montford Lewes speakers and all the bonfire societies, especially Borough Bonfire Society, for the yearly support.”

He added: “We wish the new owners the best of luck for 2024.”

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A spokesperson for Heartwood Collection, an upscale chain brasserie, confirmed that the company now owns the White Hart. They said: “The White Hart in Lewes will become part of Heartwood Inns, a division of Heartwood Collection Group that currently operates 20 Heartwood Inns pubs and 14 Brasserie Blanc restaurants across the UK, in November.

“Famous for being the ‘cradle of American independence’, The White Hart has bags of character and has played a prominent and historic role at the centre of the community for centuries. Heartwood Inns is firmly committed in investing in The White Hart for the long term and the property will undergo an extensive and sympathetic refurbishment, with a new orangery overlooking the South Downs, 23 beautifully designed rooms and three very special suites.”

Heartwood Collection plans to reopen The White Hart in summer 2024. The company has also acquired The White Horse in Dorking, which will feature 56 bedrooms and is set to open in late February 2024.