Business Details
12 Years
experience
Welcome to The White Hart in Welwyn
The White Hart in Welwyn Village is a family-run business that has grown significantly since 2014. As part of the Bain & Bridges group, we are owned and operated by brothers Tom and James Bainbridge, who bring a combined 30 years of hospitality experience to our establishment. Our 17th-century coaching inn combines historical charm with modern amenities, offering a 1 AA Rosette-awarded restaurant, 13 comfortable bedrooms, and a newly refurbished function room that was once Welwyn's courthouse. Our culinary team, led by Head Chef Charlie and Executive Chef Tom, delivers a modern British seasonal menu using locally sourced ingredients from premium suppliers. The service team, trained by James with his Michelin-star background, ensures a welcoming and knowledgeable experience for all guests.The bar area features cosy nooks, open fires, and a carefully curated selection of wines, cocktails, and real ales. Our historic venue accommodates weddings, private celebrations, and corporate events with dedicated facilities including private entrances and bars. We also offer accommodation ranging from boutique rooms with whirlpool baths to practical stable rooms with direct car park access. With our commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation, we continue to be recognised as the best pub in Welwyn by our loyal patrons.
Services
Restaurant
Accommodation
Event Hosting
Catering
Bar Services
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- Family-run business with 30 years combined hospitality experience
- Award-winning 1 AA Rosette restaurant with seasonal British cuisine
- Historic venue combining 17th-century charm with modern amenities
- Dedicated event space for weddings and corporate functions
- Sourcing ingredients from premium local suppliers
Associations and certifications
- AA Rosette
- 4 AA Star Inn
What people say
Unbelievable food
Service every time
Like home from home
Amazing experience
Best pub in Welwyn
Services
Restaurant
Our award-winning restaurant serves modern British cuisine with seasonal menus crafted by Head Chef Charlie and Executive Chef Tom. We use locally sourced ingredients from premium suppliers to create traditional and creative pub classics. The restaurant offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere with open fires and historic charm.
Accommodation
We offer 13 en-suite bedrooms including boutique rooms with whirlpool baths, four-poster beds, and practical stable rooms. All rooms feature 100% cotton linen, smart TVs, WiFi, and tea/coffee facilities. Accommodation includes breakfast options and electric car charging access.
Event Hosting
The newly refurbished Court Room provides a historic backdrop for weddings, private celebrations, and corporate events. With private entrance, bar, and toilet facilities, the space accommodates various occasions from intimate gatherings to large celebrations with bespoke catering options.
Bar Services
Our bar offers cosy nooks, open fires, and a curated selection of wines, cocktails, and real ales. Owners Tom and James Bainbridge, both Negroni connoisseurs, have created a drinks list that caters to casual drinks, special occasions, and everything in between.
Catering
Bain & Bridges Catering provides bespoke catering for events ranging from Christmas celebrations to funeral receptions. Our team creates tailored menus that reflect the occasion and season, maintaining the same quality and service standards as our restaurant offerings.
People
Tom Bainbridge
Owner & Executive Chef
Co-owner and Executive Chef Tom Bainbridge brings extensive hospitality experience, running The White Hart and its sister pub The Tilbury. With a background in Michelin-starred kitchens, he ensures culinary excellence across both establishments.
James Bainbridge
Owner
Co-owner James Bainbridge oversees operations and service training at The White Hart. His Michelin-star experience shapes our team's approach to delivering high-quality, welcoming service in this historic venue.
Charlie Ongley-Knight
Head Chef
Head Chef Charlie leads the kitchen team in creating modern British seasonal menus. Working closely with local suppliers, he ensures our dishes showcase the finest regional ingredients in both restaurant and catering offerings.
Ellen Davies
Events & Group Manager
Ellen manages our event spaces and coordinates weddings, corporate functions, and private celebrations. She works with clients to create memorable experiences in our historic Court Room and other venue spaces.
April Pledger
General Manager
General Manager April oversees daily operations at The White Hart, ensuring smooth running of restaurant, bar, and accommodation services while maintaining the high standards expected by our guests.
Questions
What are your restaurant opening hours?
We serve Wednesday 6-9pm, Thursday-Saturday 12-2:30pm & 6-9pm, and Sunday 12-5pm. The bar is open Monday-Tuesday 5pm-midnight.
Do you offer accommodation for special occasions?
Yes, our three boutique rooms with whirlpool baths are particularly popular for weekend couples and wedding preparations, with additional standard and stable rooms available.
Can I host a corporate event at The White Hart?
Our newly refurbished Court Room offers dedicated space for corporate events with easy London access via 30-minute train connections and on-site accommodation options.
Are pets allowed at The White Hart?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the bar area when kept on leads and maintained in clean condition.
Do you provide catering services for off-site events?
Through Bain & Bridges Catering, we offer bespoke catering for events at our venue or your chosen location with tailored menus and service.
What makes your Christmas celebrations special?
Our Christmas menus offer sharing, tasting, and festive options in the historic Court Room, complemented by a New Year's Eve wine dinner with a 5-course tasting menu.
Reviews (4)
Ian Sheridan
Dec 24, 2021
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Truly terrific food, gorgeous atmosphere and very friendly staff. Originally knew of this place due to the sister pub of The Tilbury. Was equally pleased, and will definitely be coming back. Brilliant and scrumptious! Thanks again :-).
Maria Ionescu
Dec 08, 2021
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Absolutely amazing restaurant, atmosphere and staff! The food was soo delicious and looking very good, top class! 5
Thank you for our brilliant Christmas dinner we had there on Friday night! We all enjoyed very much! Thank you Adam for doing us feel so welcome and we are grateful for the service and efforts of all your staff!
Thank you for our brilliant Christmas dinner we had there on Friday night! We all enjoyed very much! Thank you Adam for doing us feel so welcome and we are grateful for the service and efforts of all your staff!
Nicholas Dean
Nov 28, 2021
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Lovely breakfast very friendly & helpful staff comfortable bed all round good stay
Terry Chittenden
Oct 27, 2021
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Historic pub with immense character and comfortable accommodation. Friendliest of staff and every aspect of our stay was positive. Highly recommended.
