White Hart, The

Situated in the picturesque village of Fyfield, 6 miles South of Oxford, The White Hart is a unique and historic former Chantry House, built in 1442 to house a priest and five poor men, to say masses for the soul of the founder, the Lord of Fyfield Manor. It retains many original features, including a tunnel which runs to Fyfield Manor, thought to be an escape route for priests at the time of the dissolution of the monasteries.

The setting is beautiful, whether you choose to eat under the soaring eaves of the great hall, up high in the minstrel's gallery or outside on the patio terrace, surrounded by herb gardens.

Since arriving at the White Hart, husband and wife team, Mark and Kay Chandler have brought about dramatic changes. They are extremely  hands on - Kay runs front of house, while Mark heads up the kitchen team - and share their passion and enthusiasm with their team of staff, who are first class.

The focus on food is fresh, seasonal produce of the highest quality. For this reason, menus change daily and always make the most of local produce. Meat is sourced from the local farms, bread is made with flour from the local mill and Mark even catches his own crayfish when he has time! They also have a kitchen garden where some fruit, vegetables and herbs are grown.

Dishes could include home-cured salmon gravadlax, marinated cucumber salad; roasted beetroot, asparagus and goat's cheese terrine, aged balsamic; pan-roasted pigeon breast, caramelised red onion tarte tatin, wild garlic dressing to start.

Wild sea bass fillet, samphire, lobster bisque; slow-roasted Kelmscott pork belly, baby spinach and carrots, apple, crackling; asparagus and lemon risotto, parmesan crisp could follow as main courses; finishing with hot chocolate fondant with pistachio ice cream; vanilla crème brûlée with raspberry shortbread; spiced apple strudel, apple and calvados sorbet for pudding. Sharing Boards (Italian antipasti, mezze or fish) are also available for lighter meals.

The wine list is interesting, varied and constantly evolving. They stock several 'wines of the month', which allows customers to try something a bit different. With over fifty wines and champagnes on the list, ten of which are sold by the glass, there is something for everyone's taste and budget.

The White Hart is a free house and stocks a good range of cask-conditioned real ales from independent breweries (both local and further afield). Expect to see Hooky Bitter and 4 guest ales - which change each time a barrel is finished! Beer festivals are held twice a year on Mayday and August bank holiday weekends.

Although standards of food and service are high, the pub still retains its role as the village local and people are made to feel just as welcome enjoying a pint of well-kept real ale at the bar.