Once thought to be the oldest pub in the area, it stood at the junction of New Cross Road and Queens Road, serving generations of locals.
However, its long history came to an end in 2020, marking the loss of yet another historic London pub.
According to London’s Lost Pubs, a new book by Sam Cullen, the current building first opened in the 1860s, right next to the Toll Gate that gave New Cross Gate its name.
It was later granted Grade II listed status in the 1990s, with its “elaborate parapet” and historic interior earning recognition from CAMRA as being of special national interest.
The pub’s cast iron gold columns and original back bar mirrors were seen as particularly unique features.
Despite its long history, the White Hart saw its fair share of turbulence. In early 2009, it was controversially converted into a strip club, a change that proved short-lived.
By the summer of that year, it was back to being a traditional pub, with some speculating that its listed status made it difficult for the new venture to succeed, as blacked-out windows were not allowed.
A revival came in the mid-2010s when Patrick and Joseph Ryan took over, transforming the White Hart into a lively spot known for its extensive range of keg beers, some brewed on-site.
Live entertainment became a huge part of its appeal, with Irish folk and jazz nights, as well as DJs playing late into the night on weekends.
That resurgence came under threat in 2019 when its owners, the Wellington Pub Company, announced plans to convert the upper floors into flats.
Many feared this would lead to noise complaints and tighter licensing restrictions, putting the pub’s future at risk.
Over 3,000 people signed a petition against the proposal, and Lewisham Council initially rejected it. The campaign even led to the #SAVETHEHART message appearing online and in protest images.
Hopes were high that the decision would stand, but the owners appealed, and the planning inspector ruled in their favour, overturning the council’s rejection.
The ruling meant only acoustic music would be allowed, with performances ending by 11pm.
While the inspector believed a pub could still be viable under these conditions, the Ryans disagreed, and the White Hart closed its doors in December 2020.
The loss of the White Hart is part of a wider trend of pub closures across London and the UK. Last year alone, 412 pubs shut down, including 55 in the capital.
Despite this, London still has 3,470 pubs keeping its drinking culture alive.
The story of the White Hart is just one of many featured in Cullen’s book, which explores the history of more than 200 lost pubs.
Reflecting on his work, Cullen said: “As much as it’s sad that these pubs don’t exist any more, I wanted to make sure they are not lost to time by telling their stories, their history, and some of the quirky characters who drank in them.”
