Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

As a 16th century listed Inn, it is unfortunately not deemed to be an ‘accessible’ property. The property is set across 5 floors and comes with a number of stair cases and quirky nooks and crannies. We have been unable to install a lift due to the listed restrictions so we recommend you use our drop off area to the left hand side of the property to enter the property. If you are unable to use the stairs, we would recommend that you walk up the cobbled street to the side of the property to the front of the pub. If you have any questions regarding the set up of the pub to allow you to plan your arrival. Our access statement can be viewed by clicking here

Bar & restaurant

We close the bar at 11.00pm to all our guests with last orders call at 10.50pm, 10.40pm on a Sunday.

Business travel

We don’t have a published corporate rate but would be pleased to speak with you to understand your requirements. Please call us and let’s see how we can assist you.

Cancellations

Cancellation policies vary depending on the rate plan you have booked. Details of the cancellation policy can be found on your booking confirmation.

Dog friendly

Absolutely, we welcome well behaved dogs in the bar and they are welcome to stayover in a number of our bedrooms. We can accommodate up to two well behaved dogs in our dog-friendly rooms and provide a bed, food and water bowl and a treat.

General

Heartwood Inns are part of Heartwood Collection, an award winning collection of cosy pubs and atmospheric brasseries at the heart of their local communities serving great fresh, seasonal food. Heartwood Collection has a dynamic and entrepreneurial past. We’ve been welcoming guests for over 25 years. Bustling kitchens, restaurants humming with life, bars full of chatter, all brought to life by our people and guests. It is a business which has been lovingly grown over many years into the vibrant and expanding collection of premium Heartwood Inns and Brasserie Blancs. Our strength is in our enduring community of like-minded individuals; warm and genuine to our core. Unforgettable moments are rooted in our commitment to seasonality, the curiosity of our people and the pleasure of our guests.


We have a beautiful light and bright private dining room on the first floor that comes with a bar and seating that overlooks the high street. With original wooden panelling and to be the space where Thomas Paine headed up the ‘Headstrong Club’, this space can be hired for private events and parties. We can also accommodate small groups of diners in the dining room so if you have an event you have in mind, please do not hesitate to call our team who can talk you through the options and availability of our spaces.

Prices will vary but as a guide, a saloon car will cost around £85.00 from Gatwick to Lewes. From Heathrow to Dorking, again as a guide, will be around £150.


Heartwood Inns have been cashless for a number of years, but we accept card payments.

Unfortunately we do not have a car park however we do offer a drop off point to the side of the property where you can then access the building either by walking up the covered cobbled walk way to the front of the property or by accessing Station Street, walking up to the high Street and entering the Inn from High Street. There are a number of pay and display car parks within a few minutes’ walk of The White Hart, such as: The Maltings: BN7 1YT: 3 minutes’ walk. 24-hour access East Street: BN7 2NU: 4 minutes’ walk. 24-hour access Pinwell Road Car Park: BN7 2JS: 5 minutes’ walk.  24-hour access NCP Lewes Eastgate:  BN7 2LP:  6 minutes’ walk.  24-hour access

Local area

Our property overlooks the South Downs which can be found a short drive away. Southover Grange Gardens are only a few minutes walk from The White Hart too. Enjoy lush gardens full of shrubs and flowers along with the impressive Elizabethan Southover Grange that was built by William Newton in the 1500’s.

When visiting The White Hart, you have the opportunity to discover the wonderful town of Lewes, bursting with character and brimming with life. Nestled in East Sussex, Lewes is a historic town overflowing with culture, heritage, and natural beauty. Explore Lewes Castle, a 1,000-year-old fortress offering panoramic views of the South Downs, and visit Anne of Cleves House, a charming Tudor home with period furnishings and gardens. Lewes is a gateway to the South Downs National Park, perfect for hiking, cycling, and scenic walks. A 30 minute drive away from The White Hart, Cuckmere Haven offers stunning coastal views and tranquil riverside paths and art connoisseurs can visit Charleston Farmhouse, the historic home of the Bloomsbury Group, the famed English writers, intellectuals, philosophers and artists in the early 20th century. The town boasts a lively cultural scene with the Glyndebourne Opera House nearby, offering world-class performances. Lewes Farmers Market and independent shops on Cliffe High Street provide a delightful shopping experience, while local pubs and restaurants, such as The Lewes Arms and The Flint Owl Bakery, offer delicious local cuisine.

Overnight guests

Whilst lots of hotels offer this option, as a pub with rooms, we ask our guests to settle their food and drink bill on the day, in the dining room. This helps to make checking out of your room really quick and easy as there are no charges to settle and you can be certain that all your charges incurred are accurate.

We would be delighted to talk with you about a group booking for accommodation. Terms and conditions vary subject to the size of the group and as you’d expect, bookings are subject to availability. Please call us and let’s see how we can assist you.

We ask guests to vacate their room by 11.00am on the day of departure, so we can prepare them for the days arrivals. Late check out can be extended to midday at a charge of £25 per stay.

We will guarantee your room to be ready for arrival from 3.00pm, but if we can accommodate you earlier, we will, subject to availability. If you have booked directly, why not find out if your complimentary upgrade is available? Please note that this subject to availability so cannot be guaranteed.

Public transport links

Lewes has a train station that connects you directly to Gatwick in less than 40 mins. If you plan to travel to Heathrow, you will need to take the train from Lewes into London to change at Victoria to head back out to Heathrow. Depending on the time of day you plan to travel, this can take up to 2.5 hours.


Table bookings

Absolutely not. Come one, come all. The award winning Heartwood Inns are renowned for being great local pubs serving up delicious food with the warmest of welcomes. Drop in for a drink or book a table for lunch or dinner here

Yes please. Heartwood Inns Sunday Roasts are legendary! Unlimited Yorkshires, roast potatoes and gravy. You can book table by clicking here