The White Hart, found just minutes off the M27, is a modern country pub with impressive food and staff that guarantee a wondrous welcome to all who pass through the doors. The well-stocked bar specialises in real ales, wines and spirits, while the food offering combines traditional classics with modern cooking techniques.
On the evening we visited, manager Sorrel seated us in the comfortable, new garden room extension, where we admired the eclectic photography as we chose our starters. My partner enjoyed roasted tomato and courgette soup infused with a delectable black olive tapenade, while I loved the generous serving of smoked salmon served with creme fraiche, honey pickled shallot rings and Melba toast.
Feeling thoroughly relaxed and well taken care of, I continued with a main course of oh-so-tender braised lamb shoulder with Dauphinoise potatoes, tasty vegetables and a red wine and rosemary reduction. My partner tucked into an ample serving of aubergine, red pepper and spinach lasagne graced with roasted cherry tomatoes. The verdict? Excellent, and
perfectly matched with a glass of French pinot noir. An utterly divine white chocolate panna cotta with strawberries concluded the meal for me, and a creative combination of sorbet flavours (that I may or may not have snuck a spoonful of) cleansed my partner’s palate for the drive home.
