Great Yeldham · ★★★★ 4.8 (261 reviews) 8 rooms · Gastropub dining · Village inn · Rural escape · From £130 B&B
★★★★☆ 4.0 (261 reviews) → TripAdvisor
The White Hart Inn is a stylish village gastropub with rooms in north Essex’s peaceful Great Yeldham, a 17th-century coaching inn transformed into a modern foodie haven. Surrounded by rolling fields 30 minutes from Sudbury, it’s the perfect antidote to city life, with rooms above the bustling bar and restaurant.
The 8 bedrooms are contemporary-rustic: super-king beds with Frette linens, rainfall showers, and Nespresso machines, many with views over the garden or village green. The Snug room features a freestanding bath, while the Hayloft has a private balcony. The kitchen, led by head chef Tom Curnock, earns acclaim for dishes like Suffolk Coast crab ravioli or Gigante beans with chorizo, using ingredients from the on-site herb garden and local farms. Breakfast includes smoked haddock kedgeree and homemade granola.
Ideal for couples or solo diners, it pairs with walks in Finchingfield or Audley End House visits. Free parking and dog-friendly policies (with beds provided) enhance appeal.
Pros
- Outstanding modern British cooking
- Cosy, authentic village vibe
- Excellent value for food-focused stays
- Welcoming for dogs and walkers
Cons
- Remote location (20-min drive to A131)
- Bar noise may filter upstairs on busy nights