Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Pub-Exterior1-min-min-1000x667.jpg" alt="The White Hart pub Overton Upham Inns" class="wp-image-34328" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Pub-Exterior1-min-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Pub-Exterior1-min-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Pub-Exterior1-min-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Pub-Exterior1-min-min.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sat beside the crossroads in the North Hampshire village of Overton, between Basingstoke and Winchester, the historic White Hart Inn has a real buzz. A 15th Century country pub with rooms – today part of the <a href="https://uphaminns.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upham Inns</a> stable – the medieval coaching inn is the oldest in the village and a long-standing local landmark (500+ years, in fact). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1002" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/The-White-Hart_Overton_Pub_Inn_restaurant.jpg" alt="The White Hart Overton Hampshire review Muddy Stilettos Upham Inns" class="wp-image-35496" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/The-White-Hart_Overton_Pub_Inn_restaurant.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/The-White-Hart_Overton_Pub_Inn_restaurant-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/The-White-Hart_Overton_Pub_Inn_restaurant-1000x668.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/The-White-Hart_Overton_Pub_Inn_restaurant-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Stepping through the door into a full house of locals on a busy Friday evening, we immediately struck by the White Hart&#8217;s &#8216;local pub&#8217; atmosphere and friendly vibe (everyone welcome). The menu – a combination of pub classics and seasonal dishes – is a big draw, as is the well-priced and well-stocked bar.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1002" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-Restaurant5-min-min.jpg" alt="The White Hart Overton Hampshire review Muddy Stilettos Upham Inns" class="wp-image-35497" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-Restaurant5-min-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-Restaurant5-min-min-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-Restaurant5-min-min-1000x668.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-Restaurant5-min-min-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Downstairs, the décor is cosily rustic with plain tabletops and stripped wood floors. If you&#8217;re thinking of making a night of it (recommended), boutique rooms have contemporary bathrooms, antique furniture and big comfy beds &#8211; ticking boxes for comfort and taste.</p>



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



<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/17/2024/10/The-White-Hart_Overton_Pub_Inn_tapas.jpg" alt="Tapas at The White Hart Overton Hampshire review Muddy Stilettos Upham Inns" class="wp-image-35498" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/The-White-Hart_Overton_Pub_Inn_tapas.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/The-White-Hart_Overton_Pub_Inn_tapas-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/The-White-Hart_Overton_Pub_Inn_tapas-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/The-White-Hart_Overton_Pub_Inn_tapas-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A busy pub is always a good sign. Despite having a full weekend crowd to cater for, on our visit, the food and service were all very much on-point. The menu here isn’t huge but it does have a selection of international tapas dishes to plump for as a starter or sharing feast (everything from bao buns to bratwurst as well as Mediterranean Spanish and Italian classics). </p>



<p>Mains-wise, there’s a choice of grilled meats and fish, with pick-and-mix sides and sauces. Or for the traditionalists, pub classics like pie, burgers and of course, fish and chips.</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/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-starter.jpg" alt="Garlic and chilli prawn bruschetta tapas The White Hart Overton Hampshire review Muddy Stilettos" class="wp-image-35493" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-starter.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-starter-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-starter-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-starter-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Making the most of a child-free Friday night escape, we ordered a pleasing bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and started with chilli and garlic-laden prawns served bruschetta-style along with some sticky teriyaki chicken (well, when in err, Overton!).</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/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-chicken-main.jpg" alt="Grilled half chicken at The White Hart Overton Hampshire review Muddy Stilettos Upham Inns" class="wp-image-35494" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-chicken-main.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-chicken-main-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-chicken-main-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-chicken-main-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>To follow, Mr. Muddy chomped his way through a hefty 1/2 chicken marinated with lemon, garlic and rosemary from the grill with some crispy chips, while I plumped for good-old scampi and chips. Classic. Having cleared our plates, pud was simply an impossibility (even with a spoon each), so we reluctantly passed. Next time!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Bedroom5-min-min.jpg" alt="Room at The White Hart pub Overton Upham Inns" class="wp-image-34322" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Bedroom5-min-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Bedroom5-min-min-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Bedroom5-min-min-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Bedroom5-min-min-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The White Hart has 12 very well-priced and comfy rooms and some great dine and stay packages. Happy not to have an hour+ drive south back to the coast, after dinner we slunk upstairs to our Comfy King and literally sank into the crisp Egyptian cotton sheets. Mr. Muddy (a total bed linen snob) took a picture of the pillows, solemnly declaring them &#8216;the comfiest ever&#8217;. Helped too by the blackout blinds, we had a great night’s sleep. </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/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-Breakfast.jpg" alt="Breakfast buffet at The White Hart Overton Hampshire review Muddy Stilettos Upham Inns" class="wp-image-35495" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-Breakfast.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-Breakfast-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-Breakfast-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/White-Hart-Overton-Breakfast-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>After a relaxed start to the morning with a Nespresso coffee in bed from the handy machine we headed back down to the pub for breakfast. In contrast with the previous night, the atmosphere was lovely and calm. We made the most of the breakfast buffet and moved on to a gorgeous cooked breakfast (special mention for the perfectly poached eggs). If only every Sunday morning could start like this.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/03/Bombay-Sapphire-Glass-House-small.jpg" alt="Bombay Sapphire Distillery Hampshire Laverstoke Mill iconic architecture glass houses" class="wp-image-26033" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/03/Bombay-Sapphire-Glass-House-small.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/03/Bombay-Sapphire-Glass-House-small-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/03/Bombay-Sapphire-Glass-House-small-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/03/Bombay-Sapphire-Glass-House-small-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/03/Bombay-Sapphire-Glass-House-small-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Just down the road from The White Hart, the <a href="https://www.bombaysapphire.com/distillery/">Bombay Sapphire Distillery</a> at Laverstoke Mill is a grand outing. Wander the iconic glass houses and find out more about how the world-class gin is made.</p>



<p>As Mr. Muddy and I discovered, Overton itself is home to some cracking shops. Star among them, the Muddy Award-winning <a href="https://www.bombaysapphire.com/distillery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">No.1 George Street</a> boutique (where I popped in) and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Overton-Emporia-100089950475683/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overton Emporia</a>, a café and all-round useful clobber shop (where he popped in).</p>



<p>History buff? Visit the Victorian <a href="https://whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whitchurch Silk Mill</a>, a fascinating working museum less than ten minutes’ drive away. Or take a stroll around neighbouring <a href="https://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/explore/steventon-p467161" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steventon Village</a>, birthplace of Jane Austen. Here, you can see the church where her family were rectors and visit <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/jane-austens-telephone-box" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the world’s smallest Jane Austen museum</a> in a converted telephone box.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children">CHILDREN</h2>



<p>If you’ve got the kids in-tow, The White Hart can make up an extra bed in some of the bigger rooms and there’s space for cots too. There’s also a good value kid&#8217;s menu, priced at £7.95 &#8211; £13.95.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG FRIENDLY?</h2>



<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/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Dog-Friendly3-min-min.jpg" alt="Dog-friendly Hampshire pub stays The White Hart Overton Hampshire review Muddy Stilettos Upham Inns" class="wp-image-34324" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Dog-Friendly3-min-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Dog-Friendly3-min-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Dog-Friendly3-min-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/White-Hart-Overton-Dog-Friendly3-min-min-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Absolutely! Like the rest of the Upham Inns, The White Hart welcomes dogs as part of the family. In the pub, you can order full dinner bowls, chews, lollipups, dog-friendly ice cream and even doggie beer from <a href="https://www.sirwoofchesters.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sir Woofchester&#8217;s</a>&nbsp;canine menu. For a £20 supplement per pet (maximum two dogs), canine guests get a bed, blanket, bowl and welcome box of tasty treats. Look out for special packages on overnight stays in the designated dog-friendly rooms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>The White Hart has disabled parking and access directly into the pub and the restaurant. There are also ground floor rooms with access.</p>



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



<p><strong>Good For: </strong>A good meal out or inexpensive stay or North Hampshire layover with character in an off-the beaten track location (close to the A34 and M3). Sunday lunches here have quite the reputation (we’ll be back!).</p>



<p><strong>Not For:</strong> Even with the Mediterranean influences, the food at The White Hart is more pub than gastro and the atmosphere at weekends is very sociable, so not one for fancier fine dining or a quiet candlelit meal.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Starters are £6.95-£15.95, mains £14.95-£29.95, puddings £4.50-£12.50. Sunday Roasts start at £18.95. Rooms start at £64 for a cosy double.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.whitehartoverton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The White Hart</a>, London Road Overton Hampshire RG25 3NW. Tel. 01256 771431.</em></p>


Review: The White Hart, Overton

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