The White Hart at Lydgate

We have eaten at the White Hart regularly, since my daughter's wedding reception there in 2006. They have never disappointed, and this Sunday was no exception. Arriving on a miserable wet day, without a reservation (long story), we were pleased to get a great welcome for a late lunch. One of their great strengths is their friendly helpful team, who seem genuinely determined to provide top class food and service. Lovely scallop starter followed by a perfect roast dinner made our day.

Really enjoyed my stay at the White Hart. Stayed in the Cottage, large and comfortable room. Arrived late after the kitchen had closed, but they still prepared a meal for me, just great service and great food. Was a business stay and would definitely stay again. Highly recommended.

My husband and I paid £175 for 1 night and from the website and price our expectations were high! We stayed to attend a friend’s birthday party held at the venue and so although expensive, we felt it would be a much needed treat and experience. The room was small but pleasant however the bed was the most uncomfortable both I and my husband have ever (tried) to sleep on (and my husband has travelled and stayed in hostels that he said were more comfortable)! I can describe it as a cardboard box with springs contained inside! This meant that the next day I had to assist my husband out of the bed and from chairs etc as he has physicality issues and is currently awaiting surgery. He had even attempted to sleep on top of the duvet in the hope it would protect him from the springs (it didn’t) with this then causing him to be cold all night, so no sleep at all for him! I could find one position to avoid the springs but consequently this meant I also woke with lower back pain and got limited sleep. Molton Brown toiletries are advertised on their website, I can confirm no Molton Brown were in the room or any of the other facilities. At breakfast I couldn’t even get a yogurt as they had ‘run out’ which ties in with my husband refusing to accept a double gin and tonic in a small clear plastic cup because they were ‘running low’ on glasses!! When we went to settle our bill the following morning, and having fed back our experience, you can imagine our horror to find that a buffet for 35 people at a cost of £875 had been added to our bill!!!! We don’t know how this could have happened as nothing was discussed directly with us but they said that they were ‘going on the information that they had been provided with’. How any establishment can add that amount to anyone’s bill without discussing with the bill payer is beyond me!! We are understandably very upset and disappointed. This was an exceptionally rare treat for us and so to have such an experience was beyond disappointing! I have stayed in a range of hotels etc from budget to deluxe and I have had better experiences in the cheaper hotels than this!!! Not even a complimentary shower cap and for that price for a night I’d say that’s the least you could expect! We provided our feedback on departure and my husband followed up the same day with an email and as until now they have received it (as my husband called to check as we had not received any acknowledgment) but have not yet responded and so as they are in no hurry to resolve this after over 48 hours (closer to 72 hours now), I am posting this review in the hopes it will help others. The only positive feedback I can provide was that the food was good quality and tasty.