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The menu is small, but the pub is growing.
Publican Andre Claassen took on The White Hart at Hampstead Norreys barely a fortnight ago after leaving The Old Boot Inn at Stanford Dingley in the capable hands of head chef Michael Stenekes.
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The White Hart has struggled to stay open these past 18 months.
But Mr Claassen has big plans to expand its culinary offerings and to transform the venue into a brighter and more spacious community hub where customers can sit and enjoy their meal, inside and out.
Of note is the Braai area, a wood or charcoal fuelled barbecue, being developed in the courtyard out back – owing to Mr Claassen’s South African heritage.
With this in mind, I visited the pub to sample its developing menu.
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I started by ordering the Homemade Soup of the Day, which was tomato, served with bread and butter (£7.50).
I detected spicy hints of turmeric, a welcome kick to warm me up; its potency finely balanced by the sweetness of tomato.
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Next, for my main, I ordered the Six Queen Prawns, butterflied and grilled in lemon and garlic butter and served with house mixed salad and fries (£28).
I must complement the portion size; the prawns were meaty and soft in texture, though I would have welcomed more seasoning.
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I concluded by ordering the Strawberry and Raspberry Cheesecake (£7.50), again well-portioned and presented, a fitting way to end.
I was glad to get in on the action early, and will be happy to venture back to the pub once it is properly up and running.