Going to the pub to get away from the wife use to be de rigueur for generations, but in Alan’s case, she’s never far away. Sitting at the bar he explains: “My wife was about 16 then, and that’s her mother in the background,” pointing to the picture by the door. “We’ve lived here all our lives.”

The picture shows a pretty young girl standing next to a horse-drawn cart, reflecting a pace of life that seems so far away. But on the Thaxted to Saffron Walden road, in the middle of Wimbish (Howlett End) is the newly refurbished White Hart Bar & Restaurant, with a standard of service and attention to detail that seems missing in so many pubs and restaurants today.

The ingeniously box-framed picture of Alan’s wife is part of a collection of over a dozen such pictures adorning the walls, all of the village, with some showing the pub as it used to be. Externally, it’s changed very little over the years, but wait until you step inside.

The front door leads to the main bar area with immaculately laid tables to the left, set around a welcoming fire; with leather easy chairs and bar stools to the right, leading to a smaller ‘snug’ area. An extensive wine list is available, along with some fine cask ales and a selection of daily newspapers for those calling in for a ‘quiet drink’, although the convivial atmosphere will soon have you chatting with staff and locals.

Beyond the bar area is the restaurant. Not one of those big, chain type restaurant areas (you know the type), but a small, informal room with six tables allowing a relaxed lunch or candlelight supper. And what about that barometer of all pubs - the loos? Quite simply, excellent, with the individual hand towels being a nice touch.

But the real treat is the mouth-watering selection of homemade English and European cuisine on offer, together with some Chef’s specials. How about whole tiger prawns in garlic butter, or smoked haddock fish cakes with sweet chilli and fresh lime to start with; followed by pan-fried breast of duck on a rosti potato with blackcurrant jus, or a grilled whole Dover sole? 

There’s plenty more happening at the White Hart with Events going on throughout the year starting with Burns Night in January an evening with a traditional piper, haggis and a four course meal.  Or for romantics Valentines at the White Hart is a special event.  Throughout the year there is live music evenings or black tie Events to look forward to, just take a look at the Events page.

The White Hart charity is the “Carver Barracks Injured Soldiers Fund”, for which an event is held every year. All monies go straight into the CBISF which working along side other charities allows our boys to get the help they need as quickly as possible.

Just call in (we're only closed on Sunday evenings and on Mondays) or call 01799 599 030 to make a reservation.

We can also recommend places to stay locally such as Newdegate House just up the road.

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