about US

Family Run Business, growing since 2014

Award winning 1 AA rosette pub, The White Hart in Welwyn Village is a 17th century coaching inn with 13 bedrooms, restaurant & an extensive bar offering. It is also home to Welwyn’s former court house, which is now a multi use function room with its own private entrance, toilet facilities & bar. This space is the perfect backdrop for weddings, private celebrations & corporate events & was fully refurbished in October 2024.

The White Hart is part of the Bain & Bridges group, which is owned & operated by brothers Tom & James Bainbridge, who took over the establishment in 2016. The duo have worked in the hospitality industry for a combined 30 years, bringing a wealth of experience to the business, ensuring you receive first class hospitality.

We serve an exciting modern British seasonal menu, which includes traditional & creative pub classics. The menu celebrates both seasonal & local ingredients, sourcing products from some of the countries finest suppliers. The kitchen is led by Head Chef Charlie & co-owner & Executive Chef Tom, who also runs sister pub The Tilbury, a 2 AA rosette pub in Datchworth.

Service is at the helm of what we do here at The White Hart. Our teams are trained by co-owner James, who with previous 3 Michelin star experience has crafted a team that delivers high quality, yet unpretentious, welcoming & knowledgable service.

Our all-day bar area is full of cosy nooks, offering a selection of bar snacks & sandwiches & serving a bit of everything from real ales to cocktails to expertly picked wines. Your furry friends are more than welcome too!

A little bit of history:

Dating back to 1675, when it was Welwyn’s main coaching inn, The White Hart once offered overnight accommodation for travellers heading north from London, as well as stabling 34 horses too. It was also the village courtroom, where petty theft, assault & ahem… drunkenness were dealt with!

the team

Tom Bainbridge
Owner & Executive Chef

James Bainbridge
Owner

Adam Msetfi
Operational Manager

Charlie Ongley-Knight
Head Chef

awards

1 AA Food Award

4 AA Star Inn

The National Pub & Bar Award

Charles Wells GM of the Year

LOYA Finalist