'The Hardinge' forms part of a range of 16th century buildings known as the Four Gables. In the mid-19th century its site was occupied by a wheelwright's shop and towards the end of the century it was an un-named beer house. In the early 20th century it became a public house run by Mrs Eleanor Stafford. It is named after the family that lived in the house opposite, Kings Newton Hall. The Hardinges lived there from 1564 to 1758. The inn sign shows the coat of arms awarded to Viscount Hardinge in 1844 (the family had left by then). The Newton Wonder apple was developed by William Taylor at the back of the pub about 1880. It now has one main bar and a small restaurant.