Dartington’s White Hart welcomes new tenant and licensee

The White Hart pub and restaurant at Dartington will re-open next Wednesday, 1 April after a winter break, with chef Dan Foster taking on the venue as an independent tenant and licensee. Previously, Chef Charlotte Vincent was touted as the new head chef in 2024, however she left very shortly afterwards and is currently rattling the pans at Burgh Island.

Foster, who previously served as Head Chef from October 2024 to December 2025, is already well known to regular customers. During his earlier tenure he developed a menu that drew strong feedback from local diners and visitors, blending French‑influenced dishes with more traditional English flavours. He says the new season will introduce several additions that continue his focus on balance, technique and locally sourced ingredients.

Ahead of the reopening, Foster said he was looking forward to welcoming customers back to the 14th‑century pub and outlined plans for regular live music and themed evenings over the coming months.

Dartington Trust interim CEO Robert Fedder said Foster’s familiarity with the venue and its audience would help ensure continuity as the pub enters its next phase.

The appointment forms part of Dartington Trust’s wider partner‑operator model across its 800‑acre estate, which includes the Green Table, the Garden Café, The Space gym and the recently relaunched Cider Press Centre.