A landmark high street hotel has reopened for bookings after a major refurbishment.

Guests can book overnight stays in one of the White Hart's 23 cosy rooms from October 1, with views of the South Downs to the rear and Lewes High Street to the front.

The Grade II listed hotel, which is opposite the courthouse, was once a coaching inn and was frequented by American founding father Thomas Paine.

It closed in November 2023 after being bought by the Heartwood Collection. The new owners have been working to restore the venue since.

An artist's impression of the new innAn artist's impression of the new inn (Image: Heartwood Collection)

Rooms are complemented by a bar to the front along with a dining room and terrace looking out over the rolling hills of the South Downs to the back of the hotel.

Prices start at £100 a night midweek with all of the luxuries included such as home-baked treats, toiletries and a rainfall shower.

Some rooms also include a coffee machine, robes and slippers.

Read more: Inside seafront hotel after major multimillion-pound transformation

In The White Hart's dining room, chefs are cooking up a seasonal menu served with local wines and beers.

The White Hart's opening marks Heartwood's third pub with rooms, joining the White Horse in Dorking and the Ropemaker in Emsworth. Two more venues in Newbury and Epping Forest will follow.

Across the business, some 175 rooms will be up for grabs each night by the end of 2024. CEO Richard Ferrier said he has high hopes of more than 500 bedrooms across 60 sites by 2027.

Mr Ferrier said: "We are delighted to be able to open The White Hart on the 1st October and to welcome guests through the doors of this historic coaching inn.

"The team are really excited to share the refurbishment of the pub with the Lewes community who have been really supportive of our endeavours and to showcase what Lewes has to offer for visitors to the area.”