On Monday evening we enjoyed a thoroughly memorable visit to The Mutton in Heazley Heath, just outside Hook. This beautiful independent country pub makes an impression the moment you step through the door — and it’s one that clearly lives up to its reputation.
The Mutton at Heazley Heath is an award-winning Hampshire pub, recognised for its excellence in both 2024 and 2025. Most recently, it was awarded Silver for Best Pub at the Beautiful South Tourism Awards 2025/2026, having already been named South East Pub & Bar of the Year 2024 and Best Destination Pub in the Muddy Stiletto Awards. After our visit, it was easy to see why.
As we entered, the smell of the open fire instantly filled the air, transporting me back to childhood visits to my nan’s house in Ireland. It set the tone perfectly. We were welcomed with genuine smiles from the team behind the bar and shown to our table in the restaurant, where we were presented with both a drinks menu and a thoughtfully curated two-page food menu.
While we browsed, we ordered a basket of warm sourdough bread served with a generous helping of smoked butter (£6) — a simple but delicious start.
My daughter Tia opted for a Virgin French 75, a delicate balance of lemon with a subtle sweetness. Light, elegant and refreshing, it felt every bit like a proper cocktail, just without the alcohol. I chose a glass of the house red, which was smooth, easy-drinking and very enjoyable.
The menu changes with the seasons, and on our visit there were four starters on offer — something I really appreciated. Tia chose the lightly spiced lamb spring roll with imam bayildi, red onion and coriander (£12). It was full of flavour without feeling heavy: crisp pastry encasing tender, well-spiced lamb, complemented by the rich depth of the imam bayildi. The red onion added a welcome sharpness, while the coriander brought a fresh finish that tied everything together beautifully.
I went for the homemade crumpet topped with smoked salmon rillette and pickled cucumber (£11.50). It was a perfect start — light, fresh and generously loaded with smoked salmon. The crumpet itself was baked to perfection, and the pickled diced cucumber added just the right amount of balance and bite.
Throughout the meal, the staff were attentive without being intrusive, checking in regularly to make sure everything was just right.
Choosing a main course was no easy task, but in the end the fish and chips won. Served with thick-cut chips, mushy peas, tartare sauce and curry sauce, it was an impressive plate. The portion of fish was enormous, and despite my best efforts I could only manage half. The batter was perfectly crisp, making it a real treat (£23).
Tia opted for the 8oz sirloin steak (£38), served with cowboy butter, pickled shallot and a parmesan and rocket salad, with green peppercorn sauce added (£4). The steak was cooked perfectly, full of flavour and beautifully complemented by the rich butter. The peppercorn sauce added depth without overpowering the meat. The fries were crisp and generously topped with parmesan and truffle, while the pickled shallot and rocket salad brought freshness and sharpness to balance the richness of the dish. A classic plate, done very well.
Dessert was shared, starting with the muscovado tart with honey and mascarpone ice cream (£11). Rich, caramel-like and indulgent, it was beautifully balanced by the creamy, floral sweetness of the ice cream — a comforting and satisfying way to round off the meal.
We also tried the dark chocolate and orange cheesecake with orange ice cream and chocolate soil (£11.50). Deconstructed and absolutely delicious, it featured orange rind and segments paired with a creamy chocolate quenelle atop a biscuit soil.
Finally, we sampled three scoops of ice cream (£6.50) from the selection on offer: sweetcorn, sorrel, and quince and blackberry. The sweetcorn was intriguing and certainly an acquired taste, while the sorrel had a very distinctive flavour. The quince and blackberry, however, was a clear favourite — vibrant, well-balanced and utterly enjoyable.
Our visit to The Mutton was a wonderful reminder of just how special a well-run independent pub can be: warm, welcoming, and serving thoughtful food made with care. With its growing list of awards and a dining experience to match, it’s a place that more than earns its local and regional acclaim — and one we’ll happily return to.
