The White Hart in Aldeburgh is unashamedly bougie: people remove their Birkenstocks and slip into scuffed Blundstone boots as soon as they reach the butcher’s shop (superb sausage rolls).
This pub is the leveller. It’s where locals and second home owners collide in a flurry of Suffolk ale and spongy pizzas. Inside, a seaside pub: one ornamental room clad in wood like the hull of a ship. Outside, the meeting place: dog walkers, tourists, and fish and chips queuers congregate.
It is usually adorned with old boys in fleeces, wives and dogs in tow, all drinking the best that Adnams brewery produces — Southwold bitter is one, Ghost Ship another — one of two guest ales, bottles of prosecco and measures of rum.
The bar in the corner has all the veritable pub signage and wonderful staff. In fine weather, people congregate outside, or sit out back where the pizzas are found. They are well made, floppy numbers that aid getting home after an afternoon session.
Those who wish to stick around might dine and stay at the Suffolk, George Pell’s excellent restaurant with rooms just up the road.
222 High Street, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, IP15 5AJ, whitehartaldeburgh.co.uk/
