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Award-winning food at one of the best places to eat in Essex

Our 15th century coaching inn has been nourishing visitors with hearty dishes for centuries and continues to be recognised as one of the best places to eat in Essex having been awarded 2 AA Rosettes and accolades from Essex Life Awards too.

Menus are brimming with meat, game and vegetables sourced from local suppliers, and our drinks menu is no different. Sample local ales from the Pumphouse Community Brewery, a chilled glass of wine from nearby Toppesfield Vineyard or something a little stronger from the English Spirit Distillery – distilled less than a mile from The White Hart.

Grab a light bite or classic dish from our pub menu or settle down in our charming oak beamed restaurant to eat from our a la carte menu.

The White Hart serves food between 12pm - 3pm then 6pm - 9.30pm, Monday - Saturday. On Sundays we serve from 12pm - 7pm.

Cozy restaurant interior with rustic wooden beams, green carpet, elegant chairs, set tables, large windows with green curtains, and a well-lit wine display cabinet.

A cozy rustic restaurant interior with exposed wooden beams, brick walls, soft lighting from a wall lamp, and tables set with wine glasses and cutlery.

Our Restaurant

Oak panelling, wooden beams and open fireplaces create an inviting setting for a delicious lunch or dining experience at The White Hart one of the best dining experiences in Essex. Eat from our ever-changing a la carte menu, crafted using local and seasonal ingredients.

Our restaurant

Sunday Dining in Essex

For us, no Sunday is complete without a hearty pub lunch or dinner. As one of the best places to eat in Essex, we think our Sunday menu is hard to beat. It changes with the seasons but will always offer a choice of local meats, pub classics and tasty vegetarian options.

Sunday menu

Traditional English countryside building with outdoor seating and lush greenery

Rustic bar area with wooden beams, cozy armchairs, and a well-stocked bar

The Garden & Bar

Dine al fresco in our welcoming garden or hunker down inside our 15th-century bar, complete with oak beams and a great atmosphere.

The White Hart is a great place to kick back with friends over something refreshing from our well-stocked bar. Our menus bring out the best of the season, where you'll always find something to tantalise your tastebuds.

View menus

A plate of fish and chips with a jar of tartar sauce and lemon wedge, alongside another plate with layered potatoes and meat in the background.

Our Menus

Join us at our historic coaching inn for delicious, local food and drink all year-round. Tuck into a hearty dish from our pub classics and garden menu. Round off your perfect Sunday with a roast lunch or dinner. Indulge in our a la carte menu or Pursuit of the White Stag dining menu.

A close-up of a neatly set dining table by a window, featuring a wine glass, water glass, silverware, a plate with a butter knife, a folded white napkin, and a small lamp.

Book a Table

The White Hart serves food between 12pm - 3pm then 6pm - 9.30pm, Monday - Saturday. On Sundays we serve from 12pm - 7pm. These times are when the kitchen closes, you're welcome to carry on the conversation over a glass of wine or drink from the bar.

Use our online booking form to book your table at our award-winning restaurant. For tables of 7 or more, please call us on 01787 237 250.

Entrance to a historic timber-framed building with a view of a vintage office desk inside.

Takeaway

You can enjoy our delicious food from the comfort of your own home with our takeaway service, available Friday - Sunday. Simply make your choices, give us a call to place your order ready for collection.

Opening hours

Monday – Saturday: 12pm - 3pm then 6pm - 9.30pm (kitchen closes at 9:30pm)

Sunday: 12pm - 7pm (kitchen closes at 7:00pm)

Our bar area and garden is open all day from 12pm

Traditional English cottage with timber framing and lush greenery climbing the walls

A cozy restaurant setting with wooden tables set for two, featuring striped cushioned chairs, glassware, napkins, and cutlery, on a wood floor with rustic wooden beams in the foreground.

Outdoor seating at a traditional cottage with timber framing and ivy-covered walls.

Cozy rustic lounge area with wooden beams, plush sofas, and a brick fireplace adorned with awards and framed pictures.

Great historical hotel, food and friendly staff

Had an excellent overnight, dinner bed and breakfast at the white hart yesterday. The room was spacious and comfortable, the evening meal was excellent. I had the sea bass , husband had the calves liver and our friends had burgers all of which were of a high standard.

However the breakfast was the best scrambled and poached eggs that we’ve had in a long while. I would thoroughly recommend this hotel, the friendly staff and great food.

TripAdvisor Review | 05 / 2025

Family Sunday Lunch

Had a fantastic Sunday lunch, 6 adults and 4 children. Staff were very attentive and food was delicious. We were seated in a private room which made the experience even more relaxed! Would highly recommend. Thanks to all the staff.

TripAdvisor Review | 05 / 2025