At the Hart of the city

THE WHITE HART HOTEL HAS BEEN WELCOMING VISITORS FOR 600 YEARS

Exeter is a very diverse city full of history and heritage, from the winding underground passages to the spectacular cathedral, but its real charm can be found in more homely surroundings – to be precise, a quaint hotel.

The White Hart Hotel on South Street provides just this. The 15th century coaching inn was opened soon after the cathedral gave city status to Exeter and has been providing visitors to the area with quality food and a good night’s sleep for almost 600 years. Having just completed a full refurbishment of the hotel’s 55 bedrooms, car park and public areas, General Manager Des Downes believes the White Hart has never been in better shape and looks forward to a very busy Christmas.

“We have taken every care to make sure the original features have been lovingly restored,” said Des. “This way we can ensure the building doesn’t lose its character at the same time as freshening everything up and adding more modern facilities, including flat screen TV s and free Wi-fi, to make sure our guests have everything they need, including free car parking for guests."

“I’ve been at the hotel for seven years now and it’s never looked in better shape”

The reportedly haunted hotel certainly remains in touch with its past, with exposed beams running throughout, hidden priest holes in the chimney, a reception built within the original stables and well informed staff who are only too happy to tell you about the inn’s links with local culture.

“Guests who come and stay with us get much more than most hotels can offer.” said Des. “For visitors to the area, it is not only great to enjoy all of the history and heritage of the city itself, but to be able to live it as well by staying at the White Hart."

“It’s nice to be able to offer the added experience, and we don’t expect customers to pay extra for the privilege, our rooms start from just £63.95 including a fantastic full English and continental breakfast.”

And it’s not just the newly fitted hotel rooms and rich heritage that the White Hart prides itself on. The food and drink on offer is designed to fit the feel of the old coaching inn with a great range of traditional British cuisine including their speciality - seasonal hotpots. It also caters beyond the casual diner with extensive facilities for corporate meetings, receptions or any other kind of function. These can include anything from a simple finger buffet right up to a three-course meal prepared by the hotel’s in-house chefs.

“We may look like a small hotel from the outside, but it is all an illusion. As well as our two bars, lounge areas and restaurant there are 55 bedrooms and we also house three separate function rooms designed to cater for individual needs. There is a three-room meeting suite, perfect for holding interviews or an informal gathering, plus the more intimate Jury room holding 12 people. The main conference room itself holds up to 60 people and has 600sq ft of room space with separate toilet facilities and is available for hire from as little as £60.”

The White Hart runs bespoke packages for all functions and even offers special rates for corporate guests with bed, breakfast and an evening meal from a selected menu for just £73.95.

For more information about the White Hart or to book a room give Des and the team a call on 01392 279897 or call in and see for yourself this weekend. Alternatively, visit the website at www.whitehartpubexeter.co.uk and find out how you can experience a real piece of Exeter's history.