What’s the White Hart like?
This historic coaching inn, in the heart of olde-worlde Essex town Coggeshall, dates back to the 15th Century. Think open fires, wooden beams and creaky floors and you’re pretty much on the right track. The pub, which has a number of quirky en-suite rooms, is operated by Greene King Inns.
How dog-friendly is the White Hart?
Good. Many of the rooms allow dogs and they are also welcome in the spacious bar, but not the pub restaurant. There is a large outdoor area that backs on to the car park but be aware that this is all paved and has no grassy areas. Treats are readily available behind the bar and pets can also dine from their own menu, which includes things like pigs in blankets and doggy ice cream. There is an additional charge of £10 for dogs to stay, with up to two pets allowed per room.
Tell me more about the White Hart
There are 20 en-suite rooms available at the pub. We stayed in No.18 on the first floor, which was spacious and quiet – although not exactly ideal for outdoor access with dogs. Half of the room appeared to have been refurbished, with a lovely feature wall and comfy new bed, but the rest of it felt quite tired. It was great to see the decorative cornice around the ceiling though and the tea and coffee making facilities and biscuits were very welcome. There was also a large flatscreen TV and a giant wardrobe housing lots of storage and an ironing board.
Complimentary Geneva Guild toiletries were provided in the en-suite bathroom, which was also spacious but in need of a spruce-up. There was a separate tub and shower though, which you don’t see very often in pubs with rooms. When you’re staying in a building as old as the White Hart, you expect the floors to be a bit creaky and wonky – and they are. There is a large car park directly behind the pub, which overlooks the town’s main shopping street. It also has excellent WiFi and offers an 11am check out as standard, which is great.
What’s the food like at the White Hart?
Tasty, and reasonably priced. The White Hart offers a range of pub classics from Crispy Chicken in a Basket and Scampi and Chips to burgers and steak. It also offers a separate Sunday menu and as we visited then, I couldn’t resist trying a roast. My Mushroom and Stilton Wellington, pictured above, was delicious – although as we ate quite late, the pub had unfortunately run out of most of the vegetables!
The choice of desserts, which include Bakewell Tart and Sticky Toffee and Date Pudding, offer something for everyone. And breakfast is well worth getting out of bed for too, with a great range of continental and cooked options. Vegetarians and vegans are always well catered for – and if you book your stay direct with Greene King, you will receive a code giving you 20% off all food and drink during your visit.
Are there resident dogs at the White Hart?
No, but you will probably bump into some local pooches or other visiting dogs.
Where are the best dog walks near the White Hart?
Head to the Markshall Estate, just outside Coggeshall. Here you will find a gorgeous garden and arboretum surrounded by more than 2,000 acres of ancient woodland. Dogs are welcome everywhere aside from the Walled Garden and Orchard Kitchen and there are several colour-coded walking trails to follow around the estate. Click here to see the main routes. You can also hire a secure dog field. Adult tickets to the estate cost £10.
Coggeshall itself is a lovely place to explore though, with a cute town square, lots of green space and the River Blackwater burbling nearby. This three-mile circular walk through Tudor Coggeshall will allow you to take in all the main sights, as well as the town’s two National Trust properties – Paycocke’s House and Garden and Grange Barn. Dogs are welcome outside at both properties. Entry charges apply.
What I loved about the White Hart
The relaxed atmosphere, the quiet location, the tasty food
How to book the White Hart
Overnight stays start from £65. For more information or to book a room, call 01376 561654 or visit the White Hart‘s website. It’s well worth looking out for deals, though. We made the most of Greene King’s Lazy Sunday deal, where room-only stays cost just £50.