staycation

We first went to Mersea Island on a day trip during lockdown We loved walking around the island and eating oysters, even if we did nearly get stranded on a broken bridge, had to wade through the sea to the other side, and then make a mad dash back to the car before the high tide swallowed the only road off the island. For our return to Mersea, we wanted things to be a little more relaxed, so we went searching for a Mersea Island hotel and checked into The White Hart Inn, a pub, restaurant and six-room hotel that opened in 2022. The White Hart sits right in the heart of West Mersea, where most of the action is, and it’s just a couple of minutes from the beach and some of the island’s best seafood spots, making it an ideal base for exploring. Downstairs, the pub and dining room is one big open space that feels bright and welcoming, with colourful artworks and old wine bottles lining the windows and shelves. There’s also a decent outdoor terrace tucked away in the walled garden. The kitchen is headed up by Essex-born chef Ed Campbell, whose CV includes time working for the Galvin brothers at Galvin Bistrot & Bar, La Chapelle and Galvin at Windows. The menu makes the most of the surrounding area, with seafood and famed Mersea oysters sitting alongside fruit and vegetables grown on the island and meat sourced from across East Anglia. We started with some local Mersea oysters, obviously, alongside snacks of smoked haddock croquettes served with horseradish, and a mini hash brown topped with mushroom parfait and black garlic. Next up was fresh Cromer crab served with watercress mayo and soda bread, and a take on prawn toast made instead with smoked mackerel. For mains we shared a monkfish tail stuffed with crab and wrapped in speck ham and served with polenta and tapenade. Don’t miss the chips, or the excellent apple Charlotte for dessert. To drink, we’d encourage anyone to try the Danbury Ridge wines, some of the finest English bottles around. The winery is based not far from Mersea Island and The White Hart has the full range on the menu, including the new Solstice fizz. There are also other excellent English wines available, including bottles from Flint and Ben Walgate, who originally founded Tillingham. Upstairs are six bedrooms, including the top room, 'Mehalah', with sweeping sea views. All rooms have super king-sized beds, contemporary local artwork and large modern en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers. Expect Sanderson and Zoffany wallpapers and fabrics, local bath products from Bramley, welcome truffles from Tosier chocolate (vegan, and so good), plus books and binoculars for watching the water. Just be aware of the church bells opposite if you’re staying over on a Sunday – the 8am ringing is quite the wake-up call. Breakfast is served downstairs each morning and is open to locals as well as guests. There’s a spread of yoghurt, cereals, fruits, and cold pressed Suffolk apple juice to help yourself to, as well as an a la carte menu of hot dishes. There’s a great smoked mackerel with eggs and avocado toast, but best of all is the fry up, with Dingley Dell sausages and local Mersea eggs. The White Hart Inn makes the perfect base for a Mersea Island stay. And if you’re wondering what else to do while you’re there, check out our guide to the island’s best walks and places to eat. Key Information Address | 1 High St, West Mersea, Colchester CO5 8QDFor more information | whitehartinnmersea.co.uk

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staycation

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