The White Hart Bar and Dining

History

Established in 2003

The People

The White Hart, Drury Lane is a family-run pub, famous for being a local in the heart of the West End. The first pub for the father and son team, Chris and John Scott are passionate about pubs. Everything from the ground up is about exuding this spirit, from the open and light atmosphere with classic pub furniture and games, to the social relaxed vibe, down to the favourite classics on the menu, and distinctive drink selection. Designed by daughter/sister Sam Edwards, constructed by Mark, her husband, and up kept by Chris taking care of all the dirty work, The White Hart truly is a London landmark for frequenting locals and curious sightseers.

The Pub

The White Hart has stood proudly on the corner of Drury Lane and High Holborn for centuries.

The Old Bailey archives reveal this corner to be the first and oldest licensed premise in London, in 1216. ‘The Whyte Hart Public House’ has been the name of pubs on this site since the 15th century and was a legendary watering hole for London’s notorious highwaymen and rogues.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Drury lane was known as a fashionable street, with residents including the likes of The Marquess of Argyll, Oliver Cromwell and Nell Gwynne. Lavinia Fenton, afterwards Duchess of Bolton and the original Polly Peachum in the Beggar’s Opera lived in a coffee house on the lane.

However, in the 18th Century, Drury Lane became one of the worst slums in London, notable for its brawls, drunkenness, prostitutes, and gin palaces. Regular customers of The White Hart included Jack Sheppard and Rickard (Dick) Turpin, who came in for a bevy prior to his hanging in 1739. Condemned men habitually stopped in for a last drink and women’s comfort before facing the hangman’s noose.

Gay famously wrote:
O may thy virtue guard thee through the roads of Drury’s mazy courts and dark abodes.

In 2003, father and son, John and Chris Scott became the latest ‘rogues’ to call Drury Lane home. Although The White Hart will never return to its former glory, it is still a notorious watering hole for late night last calls and travellers looking for a good time.