The gorgeous pub has launched a new Surprise Tasting Menu – and I went to test it out
The large back garden at The Mutton is absolutely fabulous (Image: Laura Nightingale )
Hidden down a little winding lane, and surrounded by glorious fields, sits a countryside pub called The Mutton.
Tucked away in the quaint neighbourhood of Hazeley Heath, near the picture perfect Hampshire village of Hartley Wintney, the charming gastro spot, is more than just your typical local – it has a spectacular garden and provides an unforgettable dining experience.
No stranger to awards with two AA Rosettes under its belt, winner of many ‘best pub’ accolades and rated very highly by Tripadvisor customers, if you’ve not been there before, you can expect excellent restaurant quality food every day of the week.
This spring, The Mutton, which is a mere 14 minutes drive from Camberley, unveiled its new Surprise Tasting Menu to delight curious diners, and I was invited to test it out on a beautiful mild evening in March.
Created by the extremely talented head chef Rob Boer, the menu is curated daily to reflect the freshest ingredients and inspiration of the day, ensuring a unique experience with every visit and every table.
Highlighting British produce at its finest and showcasing the creativity and skill that has made The Mutton a destination for exceptional dining, the new tasting menu costs £70 per person and is available Tuesday to Saturday.
If it sounds tempting, my advice is to arrive hungry.
Feeling very excited to try a range of dishes I wouldn’t normally go for, my friend and I started by sharing an epic ‘nibble’ selection featuring parmesan and chive shortbread, sourdough with smoked butter, olives and handmade twiglets.
Everything looked beautiful, it was a generous size platter and the crisp freshly baked sourdough was my favourite.
I would happily graze on those nibbles again alongside a bottle of wine in the pub’s sunny garden on a lazy afternoon.
Located at the rear of the property overlooking sheep fields, there is a stunning whisteria pergola, two shepherd huts, an outside bar and plenty of seating for soaking up the spring sunshine.
Our dinner continued with peppered venison carpaccio, salt baked celeriac and pink grapefruit.
A picture on a plate, the seasonal, locally sourced ingredients were intricately positioned, varied in colours and textures and were utterly scrumptious.
Next up was grilled red mullet on a bed of comforting lentil dahl, with fresh tomato and coriander on top.
Again, the range of flavours and textures invigorated the senses, and it was a fabulous dish.
Our third course comprised of roasted teriyaki cauliflower.
Unlike any cauliflower I’ve had before, the vegetable was given a stylish upgrade and sat on cooling lime yoghurt, and topped with coriander and kimchi.
It was super fresh and I loved the Asian inspired twist.
Beginning to get very full at this stage, the main course arrived promptly, and it was the star of the show.
Asian beef short rib at The Mutton(Image: Laura Nightingale)
Also inspired by Asia, chunks of sublime beef short rib literally melted in my mouth.
Accompanied by pak choy, soy braised mooli and black garlic, it was sensational, and a little pot of braising juices to pour over, made this dish a real showstopper.
Finally dessert. We were treated to tiramisu ‘cheesecake’.
The deconstructed pud came with a dreamy coffee and marsala ice cream, fun chocolate soil and the most divine soft and warm base, which was pure heaven.
I would have squeezed it in however full I was.
We finished off our mammoth weekday supper with three petit fours each and the last of our bottle of wine, and slouched into our chairs of the cosy pub with complete satisfaction.
With an unlimited combination of dishes on offer, the tasting menu is the perfect treat, whether a special celebration, a weekend escape, or like us, a memorable midweek experience.
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century public house, The Mutton is full of charm and character and offers diners a secluded countryside retreat a short drive from Surrey.
Nibbles and bread at The Mutton in Hazeley Heath (Image: Laura Nightingale )
How to visit The Mutton
Tasting menu available: Tuesday to Saturday.Tasting menu times: Tuesday to Friday 12pm-2:30pm and 5:30pm-8.45pm and Saturday 12pm-8.45pm.Price: £70 per person.Address: Hazeley Heath, Hook, RG27 8NBBook a table: Call the pub on 01252 221090 or visit themuttonathazeleyheath.co.uk.
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