A hotel and pub will close this week to undergo refurbishment after being sold.

The White Hart Hotel in Lewes, a 16th-century coaching inn, will have its last trading day on Sunday (November 5), with guests invited to visit for one last pint or coffee.

The Grade II listed hotel, acquired by Heartwood Collection, is regarded as a “cradle of American independence”, as Founding Father Thomas Paine developed his revolutionary politics at the venue during its time as an inn.

The White Hart Hotel is expected to undergo a full refurbishment, with a new orangery overlooking the South Downs and 23 rooms and suites.

The Argus understands the hotel is due to reopen next summer.

The hotel is due to sell everything in the property, with open days for sales set for November 6 to 12 from 10am to 5pm.

Jonathan Cleaver, a former general manager at the White Hart Hotel, posted on social media: “If you would like to pop for your last pint or coffee, the local support will be much appreciated.

“The White Hart family would like to say thank you for all the support over the last 30 years.

“Times have been hard with hotels and they would also like to thank Rotary, South Saxons, De Montford Lewes speakers and all the bonfire societies, especially Borough Bonfire Society, for the yearly support.

“We wish the new owners the best of luck for 2024.”

Heartwood Collection and the hotel’s current owners were contacted for comment.