Pub with rooms Overton, Hampshire | The White Hart

Overview

Steeped in history, the White Hart was deserted and derelict for over four years before Upham Inns fell in love with the place and lavished money on the 500-year-old building, restoring it to its former glory and reinventing the pub as a modern-day coaching inn.

The first reference of the White Hart is in 1442 and evidence of its long history can be seen in the wide entrance hall, once the great arch where stagecoaches used to pass through. The Tudor rose engraved on the stone fireplace in the lounge dates back to Henry VII and the War of the Roses, and the elegant panelled dining room was once the local magistrates court in the early 19^th century.

Today, the rambling old inn oozes comfort, charm and informality, with a country-chic feel throughout. Head for the fabulous lounge area, all red walls, rugs on wood floor, stripey upholstered chairs either side of the wood-burner, church candles and old village photos, or one of the cosy eating areas that radiate off the central, high-ceiling bar area. Peruse the papers by the fire with a pint, enjoy hearty pub food, and stay over in comfortable bedrooms; the best being up the steep timbered staircase in the inn.

Rooms from:

12 doubles: £80

Good to know

All credit cards taken
Alfresco & private dining
Disabled access to bar, dining area & 1 room
Parking available
Dogs welcome overnight

Family favourite

There are toys and games; a children's menu with puzzles and colouring in exercises to keep little ones amused; and z-beds (£10) are available for the rooms.

Dog-friendly

You are welcome to bring your four-legged friend into the pub and there are biscuits and treats on the bar. Dogs are also allowed to stay overnight in Rooms 9 and 10.

Alfresco

Huge glass doors in the bar open out onto a super rear terrace replete with teak tables and chairs and smart brollies.

Rooms

Careful thought has been given to kitting out the 12 en suite bedrooms, ensuring some are dog and family friendly, with one also suitable for the less able traveller, and they appeal to walkers, business folk and those escaping town for a romantic night away.

Most of the rooms are in the smartly refurbished stable block, with the superior rooms in the pub offering more space and individual charm. In keeping with the pub, rooms have a stylish, contemporary country-chic feel with super comfortable beds topped with quality linen and down and bright cushions and bedspreads adding a splash of colour.

There are antique or painted furniture, and fresh, tiled bathrooms (two have tubs and big walk-in showers) with thick towels and Algotherm soaps and lotions. Also, expect good teas, fresh coffee, freeview TVs, and a good information pack.

Restaurant & bar

The kitchen team delivers good quality pub food, freshly prepared from local and quality ingredients, with the seasonal menu successfully combining pub classics with more adventurous main courses.

There's something for everyone, with sharing platters (whole baked camembert with red onion chutney), a hearty ploughman's lunch, and pub favourites like ale battered fish with hand-cut chips proving popular lunchtime meals. Alternatively, order the hearty short rib burger served with cheese, onion relish and chips, or Dukesmoor aged steaks with all the trimmings, or a fresh baked pizza with imaginative toppings. To finish, try the chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream

To quaff, there's tip-top local ales on tap, a raft of boutique gins, including Bombay Sapphire (distilled down the road), a classic cocktail, and a decent list of wines from Berry, Bros. & Rudd.

Things to do

Hampshire benefits from some very varied landscape - much of it ideal for walking - a glorious mix of classic English countryside and vast swathes of chalk downland. The North Wessex Downs is probably the most obvious choice for an invigorating hike over the downs. Elsewhere, there are many miles of footpaths and bridleways and sections of the Test Way and, in Berkshire, the Thames and Kennet & Avon towpaths to enjoy.

Awesome and full of interest, Winchester Cathedral one of Europe's finest cathedrals, with the longest of all Gothic naves, this magnificent building dominates the city's compact and fascinating medieval centre. Treasures include many rare books, notably a wonderful 12th-century illuminated Bible, some spectacular architecture, and the tombs of Jane Austen, Izaak Walton and the early English kings.

Travel by steam or heritage diesel train through 10 miles of beautiful Hampshire countryside between Alresford and Alton on the Watercress Line, a preserved steam railway. All four stations are authentically 'dressed' in period style, there's a locomotive shed and picnic area at Ropley, and special events throughout the year.