Owned & run by brothers Tom & James Bainbridge, The White Hart offers varied menus, real ales, an extensive gin range, cocktails & an exciting wine list. The White Hart dates back to 1681 and it was Welwyn’s main coaching inn. It was a popular overnight stop for travellers going north from London and at one point it offered fourteen beds for humans and stabling for thirty four horses. It was also home to the village courtroom, where petty sessions were held, when misdemeanours may have included theft and assault and, ironically, drunkenness. For lunch & dinner the restaurant offers an A la Carte menu as well as a bar snack & sharers menu. The bar is open all day where you can pop in for a pint of real ale or have cocktails & G&T’s before your meal. The extensive wine list consists of wines carefully selected by one of the brothers James who enjoys nothing more than recommending & discussing wine. The kitchen uses quality ingredients that are the drive for delicious, well thought out & creative dishes. The kitchen is run by Tom who also runs The Tilbury Kitchen which has earned and maintained two AA rosettes, The White Hart has been awarded one AA rosette for 7 years running. The hotel has 13 bedrooms including 3 boutique rooms with jacuzzi baths. The hotel has also been awarded 4 AA Stars for quality. The hotel’s hidden gem is the function space, the old court room of Welwyn. This space has a private entrance and can lead directly to the guest rooms & is ideal for special occasions, celebrations & parties. The hotel also has a variety of conference & meeting packages so you can work as well as play at The White Hart. Great service is led by Adam, Fred & James who has 3 Michelin star experience so you are sure to feel welcome.
Tom & James Bainbridge took over the White Hart in 2016 as their second venue following a successful two years of running The Tilbury in Datchworth. James has a long background in hospitality having worked in many pubs, restaurants & hotels including the role within the management team at Heston Blumenthal’s 3 Micheline star The Fat Duck at Bray. Older brother Tom is a self-taught chef and is Executive Chef for the group, Bain & Bridges as well as being Head Chef at the Tilbury. The brothers have a passion for creating the perfect environment for their guests, with unique dishes made with the best ingredients, interesting wines to excite any palate & a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere.
