The Make-over
This hostelry has been a public house for over 400 years, so it will be no surprise
that it is supposed to have a ghost. The 2005 refurbishment transformed it completely with a 'wow factor' to anyone who knew it before. First impressions were: spacious, light, modern, tidy, warm, clean, friendly and inviting. Nothing negative but the real ale didn't arrive for a couple of years. Now you can enjoy a pint of Black Sheep or Theakstons, so that box has also been ticked. An ambience of gentle background music does not overpower the general murmur of conversation.
With the addition of a new building in 2009, the 'Talbot Suite', they have been able to host events such as 'Wedding Fayres'. Now (in 2010) 'Friday Night is Music Night'. Every friday evening from about 9pm, the DJ plays 'A Blast From The Past'. Mostly 60's, 70's & 80's music. Saturday nights has live music for a relaxed atmosphere and there are various themed nights from time to time.
The pub has chunky wooden tables, plasma tvs, leather settees (I'm not posh enough to call them sofas) and comfy chairs, with a ceramic tiled floor by the bar with tiny blue lights. The quality of fixtures and fittings is very good and even the fireplaces are illuminated. The arched window, mezzanine and stairs (with an attractive spiral of little lights) are features new to the building. The stairs lead up to a dining area with another dining area underneath. The menu includes vegetarian, although the pricing policy for some meals is a bit quirky by charging for component parts of the meal. There is a high-class dining menu and a light-bite menu.
A general theme of blue lights pops up here and there and, from the outside, the place looks glorious at night with its pool of pale lighting. There is wide CCTV coverage outside and inside, including the Gent's toilet - with a wide-angle lens. Why not?
The top row of pictures starts upstairs, with the mezzanine floor, then down into the lower dining room (where a pool table used to be). First of the bottom row pictures looks through the main bar area into the lower dining room, then we have the bar and a side area. The bottom-right picture looks from the dining room into the main bar area. These pictures were taken just days after opening, with the permission of all concerned.
The staff are friendly and efficient, always with a ready smile. Apart from light snacks, I have never had a full meal there. The menu was always a bit exotic for me but there has always been a variety of vegetarian options and light bites to choose from.
The large car park is accessed through a rising barrier and it has CCTV cameras. There is a walled off area at the bottom of the car park as a beer garden (and sun-trap). On the other side of the pub, a small garden centre is accessed through a large gate. A pleasant lass from High Green helps you select from a range of potted plants and garden stuff at affordable prices.
Website: www.thewhiteheart.co.uk (photo gallery pictures are large downloads). Telephone: 01226 762843
The old White Hart
This was a warm and comfortable pub with a ready welcome for visitors. A previous
landlord named it 'The New Tavern' for a short time, to the annoyance of many, then Sam Thacker
moved in and changed it back. Sam was a landlord of great
character, unafraid of controversy. A sharp tongue but a heart of gold and a strong sense of humour. He put a great deal of work into renovating the pub. Sam's health became a problem and, for a while, he had the pub managed by a couple from Geordieland.
Various activities occurred here; pool games, karaoke, darts, quiz nights and occasional live entertainments. A bit like 'Phoenix Nights' on TV. The pub had a good range of beverages and always a lively clientele. In cold weather, a roaring fire would greet the visitor - but that visitor might have to fill the coke buckets. Sunday lunchtime was always very laid-back, with the help of old Harry's wit and wisdom. In later times, I was not able to join them and missed the fun.
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Aerial Views
Aerial
views of the White Hart (1962 and 2002) can be found on an 'old
pictures' page.
