The Good Hotel Guide is the leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain & Ireland, and also covers parts of Continental Europe. The Guide was first published in 1978. It is written for the reader seeking impartial advice on finding a good place to stay. Hotels cannot buy their way into the Guide. The editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels. All hotels in the Guide receive a free basic listing. A fee is charged for a full web entry.
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The White Hart Inn
Colchester, Essex
Cross the causeway at low tide to an island 'renowned for its seafood', and this gastropub-with-rooms, left empty and derelict from 2013 until Piers Baker (see The Sun Inn,Dedham), stepped in in 2021.
Good Hotel Guide Review
The hotel experts at the Good Hotel Guide
Cross the causeway to an island 'renowned for its seafood', which you can eat at this gastropub-with-rooms, left empty and derelict from 2013 until Piers Baker (see The Sun Inn, Dedham), stepped in to revamp it in 2021. Reopened in June 2022, it's in the village, with distant sea views from some rooms. While it's 'still a locals' local', our inspector says that it 'feels less like a pub than a modern restaurant, with parquet floor, wooden tables and chairs, colourful banquettes'. Six 'contemporary cool' bedrooms, 'some in jaunty colours', have 'beautiful modern bathrooms, enormous walk-in showers and Bramley products'. The food is 'definitely a highlight', with a 'surprising number of meat dishes on the seasonal menu, given the location'. 'Mersea oysters were delicious; mussels with white wine and garlic also a must.' Vegetarian options included 'divine asparagus fritter with pea aioli', the 'tempura courgette flower with basil and tofu mousse equally tantalising to the tastebuds'. The long wine list rates 'special mention'; so, unfortunately, does the 'slow service' when the pub was only a third full. Assuming staffing issues are resolved, the only way is Essex.
Hotel Details
Address
1 High Street, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8QD, England
Telephone
Bedroom
6.
Openings
all year, Wed–Sun, closed 25, 26 Dec, 1 week from 2 Jan.
Background Music
Latin jazz, Cuban, chilled in public spaces.
Children
all ages welcome, extra beds £10. Children's menu.
Dogs
allowed in 3 bedrooms (no charge unless for damage), part of main bar and restaurant.
Credit Cards
Amex, MC, Visa.
Prices
B&B doubles from £185. Set price menu £25/£30 (2/3 courses). À la carte £40.
Facilities
main bar and lounge, snug, in-room TV, EV charging, patio.