Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT, WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-exterior-2-1000x750.jpg" alt="The Mutton at Hazeley Heath Hook North Hampshire" class="wp-image-39865" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-exterior-2-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-exterior-2-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-exterior-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-exterior-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re the kind of diner who’d rather hand over the reins and be properly treated, the new five-course Surprise Tasting Menu at <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/review-the-mutton-at-hazeley-heath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mutton at Hazeley Heath</a> is an absolute must. Changing daily and curated by Head Chef Rob Boer, it&#8217;s a confident showcase of the kitchen’s best dishes – and it more than delivers.</p>



<p>A seriously foodie pub on the edge of Hazeley Heath Nature Reserve near Hook, The Mutton is a beautifully reimagined 19th-century local turned award-winning gastro destination, with two AA Rosettes, a string of Muddy Awards and a loyal following.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Mutton-chef-min.jpg" alt="The Mutton at Hazeley Heath Hook Hampshire Head Chef Rob Boer" class="wp-image-34624" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Mutton-chef-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Mutton-chef-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Mutton-chef-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Mutton-chef-min-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Mutton Head Chef Rob Boer brings serious pedigree to the kitchen. Having trained under Nathan Outlaw in Cornwall, he honed his craft in Hampshire at the Michelin-starred The Black Rat and The Montagu Arms. Years spent in some of the South’s most respected kitchens really shines through in his cooking, which strikes that sweet spot between refined and deeply satisfying. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-dining-room-1000x750.jpg" alt="Dining room at The Mutton at Hazeley Heath Hook North Hampshire" class="wp-image-39864" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-dining-room-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-dining-room-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-dining-room-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-dining-room.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The menus at The Mutton lean heavily on seasonal, locally sourced produce. In the case of the Surprise Tasting Menu it means that, no two visits – or tables – are quite the same. All of which adds a real sense of occasion and spontaneity to the experience. As a pescatarian, I was looked after with a thoughtful mix of fish and vegetarian courses. </p>



<p>The wine list is well-curated and refreshingly good value, with a strong French leaning. Our carafe of Picpoul de Pinet was crisp, easy-drinking, perfect for sharing. (Albeit, as the non-driver, weighted substantially in my favour).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-falafel-1000x750.jpg" alt="Falafel Sourdough The Mutton at Hazeley Heath " class="wp-image-39866" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-falafel-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-falafel-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-falafel-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-falafel.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>To start, we tuck into nibbles of crisp falafel paired with a punchy harissa sauce and warm, fresh sourdough bread – a perfect opener.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-red-mullet.jpg" alt="grilled red mullet with red lentil dhal tomato and coriander salad at The Mutton at Hazeley Heath Surprise Tasting Menu " class="wp-image-39867" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-red-mullet.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-red-mullet-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-red-mullet-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-red-mullet-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>From there, a picture-perfect procession of creative Mutton cuisine just kept impressing. A standout early dish of grilled red mullet came with a deeply comforting red lentil dhal and a fresh tomato and coriander salad – vibrant and beautifully balanced.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-mushroom-ragu.jpg" alt="mushroom ragu, parmesan choux bun and Jerusalem artichoke at The Mutton at Hazeley Heath Surprise Tasting Menu" class="wp-image-39868" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-mushroom-ragu.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-mushroom-ragu-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-mushroom-ragu-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-mushroom-ragu-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The mushroom ragu that followed, served with a parmesan choux bun and Jerusalem artichoke, was rich, indulgent and packed with umami.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-courgette-pasta.jpg" alt="Courgette and celeriac pappardelle, confit tomato and pesto pine nut crumble at the mutton at Hazeley Heath" class="wp-image-39869" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-courgette-pasta.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-courgette-pasta-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-courgette-pasta-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-courgette-pasta-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>One of the biggest surprises (and highlights) was the courgette and celeriac pappardelle, lifted by confit tomato and a pesto pine nut crumble that added just the right amount of texture and sweetness. It’s exactly the kind of dish that ordinarily I’d probably overlook – and exactly why this menu works so well.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1200" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-salmon-fillet.jpeg" alt="salmon fillet with pan-fried fishcake, spiced tomato and poached egg at The Mutton at Hazeley Health North Hampshire " class="wp-image-39870" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-salmon-fillet.jpeg 1600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-salmon-fillet-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-salmon-fillet-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-salmon-fillet-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-salmon-fillet-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



<p>Lightly smoked salmon fillet was another triumph, paired with a pan-fried fishcake, spiced tomato and a perfectly poached egg – comforting but elevated.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-rum-baba.jpg" alt="Mutton at Hazeley Heath Rum Baba poached rhubarb, stem ginger ice cream and gingernut biscuit" class="wp-image-39871" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-rum-baba.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-rum-baba-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-rum-baba-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-rum-baba-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Just when we thought we couldn’t manage another bite, along came the ‘fr’um’ baba, a delicious dessert of poached rhubarb, stem ginger ice cream and gingernut biscuit. In truth, this was another dish I probably wouldn&#8217;t have chosen myself &#8211; and all the more pleasing for it. (Petit fours also followed, though we had to admit defeat and take them home – always a good sign).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<p>The spellbinding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hart.gov.uk/hazeley-heath" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hazeley Heath Nature Reserve</a>, literally on the doorstep, is perfect for scenic jaunts,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/hazeley-heath" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird-watching</a> and peaceful walks. Just five minutes’ drive, the pretty village or Hartley Wintney has a handful of great cafés, independent boutiques and shops. Looking to stretch your legs further afield? The scenic&nbsp;<a href="https://wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellington Country Park</a> is a mere five-minute drive away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Heidi-at-the-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath.jpg" alt="Muddy Stilettos Hampshire Editor Heidi at The Mutton at Hazeley Heath" class="wp-image-39872" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Heidi-at-the-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Heidi-at-the-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Heidi-at-the-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Heidi-at-the-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Adventurous foodies, special occasions and anyone who loves seasonal, chef-led dining done brilliantly. In our meal, some of the standout dishes were ones I’d never have chosen myself.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Fussy eaters or control freaks who need to know exactly what’s on their plate in advance.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Excellent value for the quality, creativity and enjoyment factor. The Mutton at Hazeley Heath&#8217;s Surprise Tasting menu is £70pp (Tuesday–Saturday). Wines by the bottle are £31-£55; carafe £20-£25 and by the glass £5.5-£18.50. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://themuttonathazeleyheath.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mutton at Hazeley Heath</a>, Hazeley Heath, Hook RG27 8NB</em>. <em>Tel. 01252 221090</em>.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hungry-for-more">Hungry for more?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/spring-supper-hampshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spring supper clubs in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight</a></li>



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/review-the-mutton-at-hazeley-heath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review: The Mutton at Hazeley Heath, Hook</a></li>



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/sunday-roasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top spots for Sunday roasts around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight</a></li>
</ul>


Dine on: The new Surprise Tasting Menu at The Mutton at Hazeley Heath

You may also like