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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
