REVIEW: The White Hart, An Autumn Menu Worth Making a Meal Of

There’s something particularly satisfying about settling in for a long dinner as the evenings start to draw in, and The White Hart’s autumn menu delivered exactly that experience.

We arrived while it was still light, giving us the chance to take in the inviting outdoor seating before heading inside to the cosy, welcoming interior. By the time we left, it was pitch black outside - and after working our way through an impressive amount of food, we were more than ready for a walk home.

We started the evening with a selection of seasonal cocktails, which were refreshing and beautifully suited to the menu. Before even getting properly started, we shared the hot Scotch egg with walnut ketchup. The combination was a standout from the beginning, with the walnut ketchup adding something completely unexpected and memorable.

For starters, we opted for two very different dishes. The returning cheese soufflé was rich, comforting and beautifully executed, while the deep-fried goat’s cheese and black olive parcel offered plenty of flavour and texture.

The main event was the Pork Tomahawk. It arrived beautifully presented and was every bit as indulgent as we hoped, paired with buttered cabbage, smooth mash, pork and marjoram jus and a gooseberry compote. Alongside it, the Celeriac, artichoke and chestnut mushroom Wellington offered a delicious vegetarian option that felt just as considered as the rest of the menu.

Dessert was certainly not an afterthought. The pistachio soufflé was light and impressive, while the chocolate fondant provided the rich, indulgent finish we needed after such a feast.

But beyond the individual dishes, what really stood out was the overall experience. The White Hart manages to feel special without being overly formal, creating the kind of setting where you can settle in, order another drink and take your time over dinner.

From seasonal cocktails and clever flavour combinations to comforting autumnal dishes and a cosy atmosphere, it’s a menu that feels made for long evenings around the table.

We left completely stuffed - but very happy we’d tried a bit of everything.