The White Hart - Southwark - Pub Reviews

The White Hart’s Victorian-era exterior with an outdoor seating area, located on Great Suffolk Street in Bankside. The White Hart is a historic pub in Southwark, London (22 Great Suffolk Street, SE1 0UG) that seamlessly blends its 19th-century heritage with a modern pub experience. Established in 1882 during the Victorian era, this Fuller’s-owned pub has retained much of its old-world charm even after a stylish refurbishment. It’s a popular spot for city workers, locals, and visitors, offering a warm welcome just a short walk from Southwark and Borough stations. The pub currently enjoys strong customer ratings (around 4.3/5 on review platforms), reflecting its positive reputation for atmosphere, food, and service. Opening hours are 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM on Sundays.

Facilities & Entertainment

The White Hart provides a comfortable setting with a range of amenities, though some traditional pub features are absent. Notably, there is no on-site parking available (only paid parking nearby), and you won’t find a dartboard or pool table here. Instead, entertainment comes in the form of big-screen sports – the pub shows live sports matches, creating a lively atmosphere during big games. Patrons can cheer on their teams on the large screens spread throughout the bar. For more low-key entertainment, The White Hart offers board games for customers to enjoy, aligning with its friendly, community vibe. This mix makes it equally suitable for a relaxed evening of games with friends or an energetic night watching football. The pub’s interior is air-conditioned and provides free Wi-Fi as well, ensuring comfort and connectivity.

Food on Offer

The White Hart’s signature fish and chips – a golden, crispy battered cod with chunky chips, peas, and tangy tartare sauce – exemplifies the pub’s refined take on classic British fare. The White Hart has earned praise for its refined take on classic pub food, featuring a menu of British favourites made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Traditional dishes are elevated with quality produce and careful preparation. A standout is their signature fish and chips, which comes as a perfectly crisp beer-battered cod (flaky inside) accompanied by thick-cut chips, peas, and homemade tartare sauce. For those visiting on a Sunday, the Sunday roast is a must-try and often sells out due to its popularity – expect slow-cooked tender meats, Yorkshire puddings, and seasonal vegetables with all the trimmings. This roast has garnered a strong reputation among patrons (one reviewer called it a “fabulous Sunday roast” in a quiet, tucked-away pub setting). Importantly, the menu is inclusive; vegetarian and vegan options are available alongside the hearty meat dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Overall, the kitchen manages to balance traditional pub fare with modern British cuisine, delivering comfort food with a touch of sophistication that appeals to both tourists and locals.

Beers on Tap

As a Fuller’s pub, The White Hart naturally serves Fuller’s own ales as staples – one can usually find classics like London Pride or ESB on tap – alongside an array of rotating guest brews. In total, there are typically two regular beers and two changing cask ales on draught at any given time, often showcasing Fuller’s seasonal offerings or hand-picked guest ales from other breweries. This means you can count on a good mix of traditional English bitters and lighter, refreshing pale ales. Beer enthusiasts appreciate that the selection caters to both casual drinkers and craft beer fans: the regular line-up provides reliable quality, while the guest taps keep the choices interesting. Ales are kept well and poured properly – the pub prides itself on a well-stocked bar of cask classics and craft options. In addition to ales, The White Hart carries the usual range of lagers, wines, and spirits, so there’s a drink for every taste. Whether you fancy a perfectly pulled pint of bitter or a crisp pint of lager, the bartenders can guide you; the staff are knowledgeable about their beers and often happy to offer recommendations.

Price Range & Value

The White Hart falls into a mid-range (££) price category, especially by central London standards. A pint of beer here costs around £5.50 on average, which is about standard for the Bankside/Southwark area. Main courses on the food menu typically range from roughly £12 to £18 for generous portions and high-quality ingredients. While it’s not the cheapest pub in town, it manages to offer good value for money given the prime location and the quality on offer. Many visitors find the prices reasonable for the quality and portion size – you’re paying for well-prepared food and well-kept drinks in a comfortable setting. Of course, those accustomed to more budget-friendly spots might find it slightly pricier, but most agree that The White Hart doesn’t compromise on quality despite its affordability. There are no hidden costs; service is not typically included on drink orders, and tipping is at patrons’ discretion. Overall, for central London, The White Hart is an affordable choice that delivers quality commensurate with its prices. In short, you get what you pay for – and here, you’re paying for a top-notch pub experience without breaking the bank.

Customer Service

Customer reviews consistently praise The White Hart’s friendly and attentive staff. It’s a family-run style pub at heart, and the landladies and staff take pride in offering a warm welcome and fast service. On most visits, you can expect to be greeted promptly at the bar and served with a smile. The bar team is known to be efficient, handling orders swiftly even during busy spells. Staff members are knowledgeable about the menu – they can recommend a beer to pair with your meal or help navigate the specials. This knowledgeable service adds to the welcoming atmosphere and often gets a shout-out in reviews. Many patrons highlight the efficient service even during peak evening hours, which is a testament to good management and staffing.

That said, like any popular venue, The White Hart isn’t without the occasional hiccup. During peak times (for example, a Friday night or Sunday lunchtime rush), service for food orders can sometimes slow down a bit. A few customers have mentioned slightly longer waits for meals when the pub is packed. These instances appear to be the exception rather than the rule, and staff do their best to keep up during high volume periods. Overall, the hospitality is a strong point: from the bartenders to the wait staff, the team contributes greatly to the pub’s inviting vibe. Regulars and newcomers alike often comment that they feel well looked after here.

Events & Special Nights

The White Hart isn’t just a drop-in pub; it also fosters a community feel through regular events and special themed nights. One of the most popular happenings is the bi-weekly quiz night – held on the first and third Wednesday of each month – where locals and visitors gather for a friendly trivia competition. The quiz nights are known for their fun, light-hearted nature, providing great entertainment and a chance to test your knowledge (with perhaps a prize or bragging rights for the winners). These quizzes regularly draw a crowd of Southwark trivia enthusiasts, creating a lively mid-week atmosphere.

In addition to quiz nights, the pub occasionally hosts special tasting events – for example, beer tasting evenings or wine pairing nights. During these events, customers get to explore new beverages under the guidance of knowledgeable hosts, which is a fantastic way to discover Fuller’s seasonal brews or curated wines. While not on a fixed weekly schedule, such tasting events are advertised in advance (keep an eye on the pub’s notice board or social media for announcements). The White Hart also becomes a hub of excitement during major sporting events. With its big screens and ample TVs, it’s a popular place to watch football matches, rugby games, and other big sports broadcasts. During World Cup or Premier League games, for instance, the atmosphere is electric as patrons unite to cheer on their teams. The combination of good drinks, good company, and big screens makes it a go-to spot for sports fans in the neighbourhood.

Occasionally, the pub features live entertainment such as comedy nights or live music. For example, there have been stand-up comedy evenings (the pub hosted a “LOLipops New Material Comedy” night on Tuesdays), giving a platform to up-and-coming comedians and adding variety to the pub’s week. These special nights aren’t every week, but they do pop up, contributing to The White Hart’s reputation as more than just a place to drink – it’s a community gathering spot. By regularly offering events like quizzes, tastings, and screenings, The White Hart keeps its patrons engaged and coming back for new experiences.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

One of The White Hart’s greatest strengths is its inviting atmosphere. The moment you step inside, you are greeted by a cosy interior adorned with rustic decor – think exposed brick-style accents, dark wooden panels, and vintage-inspired touches that harken back to its Victorian roots. Despite a modern refurbishment, the pub has plenty of character; for example, glazed tiles and an old-fashioned island bar (a central bar counter from the turn of the century) remain focal points, lending an old-world charm to the space. Soft lighting, framed historical prints on the walls, and plush seating (including comfy sofas in some nooks) create a warm ambience. There are even labelled areas like “The Snug” – a cosy corner perfect for small groups or quiet pints. The layout is a mix of high tables, standard seating, and casual lounge corners, allowing patrons to either perch for a quick drink or settle in for a long, relaxing stay.

The vibe inside is relaxed and convivial. On weekday evenings, you’ll notice many professionals from nearby offices unwinding over a pint, giving the pub a buzzy but not rowdy after-work energy. Come the weekend, the crowd diversifies – you might see families enjoying lunch, tourists taking a break from sightseeing, and groups of friends starting their night out. The pub manages to cater to this diverse clientele without losing its identity as a classic local. Despite being relatively close to major attractions, it avoids feeling like a tourist trap. In fact, its location just off the beaten path means it retains a neighbourhood. pub feel – it’s lively but maintains a comfortable, lively-yet-laid-back balance. Conversation flows easily, and even when it’s crowded, the atmosphere tends to be friendly rather than chaotic.

Another highlight is the pub’s outdoor seating area. In warmer months, the pavement patio in front of The White Hart is filled with tables and cheerful planters, allowing patrons to enjoy their drinks al fresco. This is a fantastic spot to people-watch on a sunny afternoon or early evening. However, be advised that the outdoor seats can fill up quickly during peak hours or on the nicest days, as everyone wants to snag a spot outside. Whether indoors or out, noise levels are generally moderate – lively chatter and occasional cheers during sports events, but the pub doesn’t usually get uncomfortably loud.

Importantly, The White Hart has taken steps to be accessible and inclusive. There is step-free access into the pub, making it accommodating for those using wheelchairs or strollers. The interior layout is not overly cramped, and there’s an accessible WC on the ground floor for those who need it. The staff are also attentive in this regard; they’re happy to assist anyone with mobility needs. The pub is also dog-friendly, which adds to the homely atmosphere – you might spot a few well-behaved dogs curled up at their owners’ feet, especially during quieter times. Assistance dogs are explicitly welcome as well. Little touches like the availability of board games (visible stacked in the corner, as in the photo) encourage a leisurely pace – patrons are invited to stay awhile, play a game of chess or Scrabble, and truly make themselves at home. Combined with its air conditioning, clean facilities (including baby changing stations for families), and comfortable furnishings, The White Hart earns high marks for providing a comfortable, accessible environment for all kinds of visitors.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated in the heart of London’s Bankside (Southwark), The White Hart benefits from an excellent location that’s both central and slightly tucked away. The pub is just a few minutes’ walk from major cultural landmarks, making it an ideal pit-stop during a day out in London. For art lovers, the renowned Tate Modern gallery is only about a 5-minute walk to the north-west – perfect for grabbing a pint after viewing some modern art. Foodies and tourists will be delighted to find that the famous Borough Market is also nearby (a short stroll to the east), where they can explore gourmet food stalls before or after visiting the pub. Additionally, the vibrant South Bank area along the Thames, with attractions like Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the National Theatre, is within easy reach. Despite this proximity to busy sights, The White Hart sits on a side street (Great Suffolk Street) that sees less tourist foot traffic, which means the pub can feel like a hidden gem amid the bustle.

In terms of transportation, Southwark Station (Jubilee Line) is the closest Tube stop (roughly 3-4 minutes on foot, about 276 yards away), making it very easy to reach the pub via the London Underground. Borough Station (Northern Line) is also nearby, about a 5-7 minute walk. Several bus routes run along Southwark Street and Blackfriars Road, so public transit options are plentiful. If you’re coming from the City or West End, a walk across the Millennium Bridge or Blackfriars Bridge followed by a short walk through Southwark can also be a pleasant way to arrive. The pub’s central location means that visitors exploring central London can conveniently include a stop at The White Hart without going out of their way.

For those planning local activities, The White Hart’s staff can be a good resource – they are familiar with the area and can likely point you toward other nearby pubs or attractions if asked. The pub’s placement near both cultural attractions and office buildings means it truly bridges the gap between a tourist’s itinerary and a locals after-work hangout. Notably, there is another pub named “White Hart” on Cornwall Road in the Waterloo area (not far away), but the Great Suffolk Street White Hart is distinct – often clarified as “White Hart Southwark (Bankside)” to avoid confusion. If using maps or guides, be sure to use the correct address. Once you find it, you’ll see the classic white hart (stag) emblem on the pub’s sign – a nod to the pub’s historic name – welcoming you in.

Overall Impression

Nestled in the heart of Southwark, The White Hart truly earns its reputation as a gem of a pub that successfully marries history with modern hospitality. It offers a well-rounded experience that hits all the right notes: a characterful setting, quality food and drink, and friendly service. The pub’s Victorian heritage and tasteful refurbishments give it an ambiance that feels both classic and current – you can sense the history in the walls while enjoying all the comforts of a contemporary pub. Regulars appreciate that consistency, and newcomers quickly understand why The White Hart has enduring appeal.

Of course, no venue is perfect for everyone. At the busiest times it can get a bit crowded (a testament to its popularity), and those looking for pub games or a quiet library-like pub might note the absence of certain features like a pool table or ultra-quiet corners. But these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme. The consensus among patrons is that The White Hart delivers excellent value and a memorable experience for a neighbourhood. pub in central London. The combination of a strong food menu, well-kept ales, and a sociable atmosphere keeps people coming back. Whether you’re popping in alone for a quick pint, meeting friends for a casual dinner, or joining the locals for quiz night, you’ll find a welcoming spot here.

The White Hart is well worth a visit for anyone seeking an authentic yet polished British pub experience in London. Its blend of history, character, and quality sets it apart from the run-of-the-mill. As one walks out, perhaps after polishing off a hearty Sunday roast or a couple of pints of London Pride, it’s easy to understand why this pub continues to thrive. It’s the kind of place that leaves you with a warm feeling – the memory of good food, good drink, and good cheer in a quintessential London pub setting. No matter if you’re a local or a traveller, The White Hart offers a slice of London pub culture that’s both timeless and thoroughly enjoyable, making it a standout choice in the Bankside area.