The White Hart, SE1

Tris C left this review about The White Hart

This place dates from at least 1848, though probably rebuilt in the 1930s for the Wenlock brewery, as there’s an exceptionally good example of one of their tiled fascias; however, these are the result of a sympathetic restoration in 2019 my M & B; good on them.
The interior isn’t quite so impressive, the only thing of note being the stone spittoon running around the base of the bar, which is bare wood field panelled and probably original. The bar back features metal poles with brown glazed tiles and there’s a tubular steel gantry above the bar; the etched glass snob screens to the rear are more than likely new. The floor is modern varnished and walls are either dark grey wainscotting or Anaglypta to the dado, then either bare brick or Eau de Nil to the picture rail, now back to dark grey, up to and including the Anaglypta ceiling, from which hang fluted spherical lamp clusters. Furniture is a mix of normal height and tall styles, tealights to tables, with décor comprising framed prints. To the left wall is a beer board listing so-called ‘craft’ beers – six – but not the real ales for some reason; supposing the pumps were blocked by bar hogs? Customers seemed to be locals and office workers, one swearing his head off, another, having a very noisy FaceTime conversation, shouting away, or talking, given that she was American. Also not a crowd pleaser, were the sticky, semi-dried patches of ale to tables and the annoying girl band musical banality wafting over the stereo.
There were five pumps, one unused, then Ubu, Landlord, Oakham Citra and Brew York’s X-Panda at £5.55 a pint and ok, but I’ve had better.
This pub is ok, but it needs to try harder. The more imaginative than average ale range is a plus, but the ambience isn’t good. Ultimately though, this place can’t compete with the King’s Arms across the road, but it shouldn’t be overlooked.

On 24^th November 2021 - rating: 5
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