MasterChef star William Sitwell has candidly described his recent takeover of The White Hart Hotel in Somerset as a harrowing experience. After reopening the 14-room pub last week, Sitwell outlined a series of unexpected difficulties that have overshadowed his ambitious renovation plans.
In a heartfelt opinion piece published in The Telegraph on December 12, Sitwell criticized new government business rates, claiming they have severely impacted his venture. He directed sharp words at Reeves, stating, “For doing this, Reeves is either dim or malevolent. Welcome to my sleep-deprived, energising, creative, life-enhancing, frenzied new world. Welcome to my hell.”
Despite the government’s announcement of a £4.3 billion support package intended to help pubs and restaurants—estimating an average annual saving of £4,800 for independent establishments—Sitwell’s challenges have been anything but smooth.
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He revealed that he signed the lease just three days before opening, and to his dismay, his planned sous chef pulled out at the last minute. On top of staffing issues, his food orders failed to process properly, rain leaked through a kitchen ceiling light, and the essential WiFi needed for card payments malfunctioned.
Descended from the notable Sitwell family of Barons, William Sitwell has had a dynamic career. He is also known for his outspoken political views, including a past controversial email incident that led to his resignation from Waitrose Food.