Despite being only a few miles north of Bristol, The White Hart couldn’t be more detached from the hustle and bustle of city life. This tranquil pub is packed with wonderful period features, tastefully restored and cleverly arranged. My partner and I were seated in a cosy alcove next to a wood-burning stove and introduced to the menu. What struck me instantly was the focus on seasonality and local produce (the menu was even entitled ‘A Taste of Autumn’), as well as the fantastic range of suitably warming dishes like slow-cooked Somerset pork and braised red cabbage. In addition to this there was a daily specials board, so the choice was particularly extensive.

I opted for a chicken Ballantine to start. The dish was beautifully presented and the lightness of the chicken expertly complemented by an intense apple chutney. My partner opted for a classic starter of tender Cornish scallops served on black pudding. The chef gave this dish a local twist with the addition of a rich, creamy sauce of cider and wild mushrooms. Moving onto the main courses, and I chose the pan-fried Gressingham duck breast – the tender duck arrived on a bed of tangy red cabbage and crispy parmentier potatoes. The beautifully cooked meat was perfectly balanced with the spicy cabbage, and the depth of flavour in the accompanying jus was particularly satisfying. For such quality one would expect a hefty price tag, but at only £13.95 this dish was very reasonably priced. To accompany our food we opted for a traditional beer from the pub’s large selection. However, the house red at £14.25 is certainly worth exploring. I chose a seasonal favourite for dessert – fruits of the forest crumble. It came in its own mini dish, with tangy fruit syrup oozing from beneath a crunchy top and proving a surprisingly refreshing end to the meal.

The White Hart is a must for visitors intent on enjoying the charm of a rustic countryside pub without sacrificing quality dining.