INGATESTONE.

The White Hart is about 250 years old and moved to the present site from about 300 yards to the North East. It is known locally as Tigers Island. The 'Island' derived from the fact that when the river Wid flooded and the water rose it never quite reached as high as the pub. The 'Tigers' were the railway builders last century who got dressed up to visit the pub each weekend, and sometimes resolved their disputes in the pub precincts. The White Hart Inn was built in the 16th Century as a private house, later becoming a pub at the turn of the Century in order to cater to the workers building the Chelmsford Railway. Apart from the ale, the pub became infamous for regular prize-fights and patriots became known as the 'Tigers' for their fighting ability. In the late sixties the pub consisted of just the little central building. With the arrival of new owners in the seventies great changes were made. The building was substantially extended, including a large kitchen which to this day enables food to be prepared promptly, a source of great pride, and there is a good choice of items on the menu. A family room has been added to the rear of the building for eating in comfort in a non-smoking environment. There ia always a warm welcome at the White Hart. They offer an extensive menu daily of reasonably priced freshly cooked food (12-2, 6.30-9 [9.30 Sat, 12-5, 6.30-8.30 Sun]) in addition to a selection real ales (Adnams Bitter, Broadside and Mighty Oak IPA being the regulars). for the childrenm there is aplay area with a Pets' Corner (birds goats and Guinea Pigs), and a large duck pond. The White Hart also holds an annual Beer Festival.