Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1252" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Mutton-exterior-min.jpg" alt="The Mutton at Hazeley Heath Hampshire" class="wp-image-34626" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Mutton-exterior-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Mutton-exterior-min-800x668.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Mutton-exterior-min-1000x835.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Mutton-exterior-min-768x641.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A seriously foodie pub in the North Hampshire countryside <a href="https://themuttonathazeleyheath.co.uk/">The Mutton at Hazeley Heath</a> is a former 19th-century post office and quiet village local is located on the edge of the gorgeous Hazeley Heath Nature Reserve near Hook. </p>



<p>Bought and stylishly transformed in 2022 the gastro menu, beautiful setting and loyal local following saw it awarded two AA Rosettes, named ‘Pub of the Year’ in the National Pub &amp; Bar Awards 2024 and earn back-to-back Muddy Awards for Best Destination Pub in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in 2024 and 2025. It’s also dog and kid-friendly, so everyone feels welcome.</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>Open from 8am daily, the menu champions local, seasonal British produce under the skilled eye of head chef Rob Boer (ex-Nathan Outlaw, The Black Rat and Betony). The a la carte has plenty to please everyone and there’s also good-value set menus, Sunday roasts and themed ‘Taste Of’ nights. </p>



<p>With cask ales, craft beers, biodynamic wines and cocktail faves like the Mutton Mary and Espresso Martini, this is the kind of place you arrive for a quick bite and end up cancelling the rest of your day.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-1000x665.jpg" alt="The Mutton at Hazeley Heath Hampshire" class="wp-image-28666" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-768x510.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-790x525.jpg 790w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Relaxed and sophisticated with classic pub charm, The Mutton at Hazeley Heath is full of cosy nooks inside and beautiful views outside – a perfect pick for drinks, snacks, or a full-blown meal. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1018" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/MuttonGarden-1-min.jpg" alt="The Mutton at Hazeley Heath Garden" class="wp-image-34628" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/MuttonGarden-1-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/MuttonGarden-1-min-800x543.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/MuttonGarden-1-min-1000x679.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/MuttonGarden-1-min-768x521.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We arrived on the most wonderful summer’s day and chose to sit outside and enjoyed what has to be one of the best views I’ve ever seen in a pub garden. Think lilac-draped summer pergola, rolling views over Hazeley Farm, cosy winter fires and even chic Shepherd’s Huts for private dining.</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="1079" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-salmon-starter.jpg" alt="Salmon starter at The Mutton at Hazeley Heath Hampshire Gastro pub" class="wp-image-38130" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-salmon-starter.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-salmon-starter-800x575.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-salmon-starter-1000x719.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-salmon-starter-768x552.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>To kick off, I ordered a delicious Virgin Mary that packed all the perfect bloody Mary flavours. Mr. Muddy and I both wanted the salmon starter (which was clean, fresh and just as delicious as it looks). So we shared one and plate hopped with a bang bang cauliflower salad which was light, refreshing, zesty and had just the right amount of “bang.” </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/17/2025/08/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-fish-main.jpg" alt="chargrilled sea bream at The Mutton at Hazeley Heath gastropub Hampshire" class="wp-image-38129" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-fish-main.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-fish-main-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-fish-main-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-fish-main-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For mains, we both chose the same dish – chargrilled sea bream. It was incredible. Light fish with a BBQ flavour, served over crushed soft new potatoes and seasonal veg, all brought together with the most delicious white wine sauce. Crunchy veg, light fish and seriously flavoursome.</p>



<p>Two courses in and I was pretty full but having spied a rhubarb doughnut for pud, I couldn’t resist. It was like a soft brioche bun filled with seasonal rhubarb with a spiced crumble. A real pud of dreams, it was served with creamy custard and yoghurt and topped with rhubarb ice cream. Absolute heaven. (I’ve genuinely been dreaming about it ever since).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids">KIDS</h2>



<p>Little and slightly older lambs are well catered for with a kids’ menu, Sunday roasts in diddier portions and plenty of space for wriggling. The children’s menu is simple but good quality with crudités and hummus to start, followed by fish and chips, sausage and mash or mac &amp; cheese with a chocolate brownie or ice cream for pud. In the baby changing area I spotted a super cute lamb mobile and toys – just one example of the thoughtful finishing touches here.</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="1033" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-view-dog-bowl-garden.jpg" alt="The Mutton at Hazeley Heath table in the garden view " class="wp-image-38131" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-view-dog-bowl-garden.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-view-dog-bowl-garden-800x551.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-view-dog-bowl-garden-1000x689.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/The-Mutton-at-Hazeley-Heath-view-dog-bowl-garden-768x529.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Four-legged friends get a warm welcome. Post-walk drinks after a stomp (on leads) around Hazeley Heath? Perfection.</p>



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



<p>Level access from the car park and roomy dining spaces mean it’s easy to get around. Garden seating and the light-filled garden room are great for anyone who likes to eat with a view.</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="1500" height="1110" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Wellington-Country-Park-train.jpg" alt="Miniature railway train at Wellington Country Park Hampshire Berkshire family attraction" class="wp-image-38128" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Wellington-Country-Park-train.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Wellington-Country-Park-train-800x592.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Wellington-Country-Park-train-1000x740.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Wellington-Country-Park-train-768x568.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The spellbinding <a href="https://www.hart.gov.uk/hazeley-heath">Hazeley Heath Nature Reserve</a>, literally on the doorstep, is perfect for scenic jaunts, <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/hazeley-heath">bird-watching</a> (keep an eye out for nightjars and woodlarks) and peaceful family 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 <a href="https://wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk/">Wellington Country Park</a>, with its adventure playgrounds, mini-railway and animal farm, is a mere five-minute drive away.</p>



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



<p><strong>Good for:&nbsp;</strong>Lazy weekend lunches, post-walk pints and foodie evenings that impress without feeling stuffy. Bonus points if you love wisteria-draped gardens and top-drawer local produce.</p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>A quick, cheap and cheerful pub-grub fix. While it&#8217;s not overly exey, The Mutton is refined gastro not burger-and-chips-in-five-minutes territory. You’ll want to savour the food and glorious setting.</p>



<p><strong>The damage: </strong>Worth every delicious mouthful. Starters are £9-£11; mains £23–£28; puds £6.50-£10. Cocktails are £9-£12, wines by the glass £4-£10.</p>


Review: The Mutton at Hazeley Heath, Hook

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