Lunch at Hart of Harwell

Hart of Harwell is a little idyllic pub and restaurant located in Oxfordshire with an impressive food and wine menus. From the offset the pub/restaurant establishment throws you off guard with its decor. It is unlike your usual local pub smelling of all sorts of larger, it is more refreshing.

Regular readers know a colleague turned friend and I often do weekly girly date nights unfortunately this was our last. I am sad the weekly date nights are over but excited to start Monthly date nights, in a new location. We are definitely excited to try new places in her new location though we need to start packing deep pockets.

The Hart of Harwell

To say our farewell to our colleague we arranged to have lunch at the Hart of Harwell. We chose this pub-restaurant because it is located only a few minutes drive from the office. The weather was perfect (enough) as if it had known we needed it to be just that. We all had mixed emotions for this latest departure but glad to have had the whole team.

Of course we are excited for her new adventures, new life style and what she will discover. But in all honesty I am sad for the prospect of losing another friend though it’s not forever. Those who know me know I am not the most social person ever in finding new friends. The few that I have in my circle are enough but was nice to add another to the circle. When it comes to socializing during the week, I only went out with her and no one else. Now I have to become social again and spend time with new people that sometimes can be daunting.

The Ambiance

When we arrived at the pub we were nicely greeted by the staff, the entire place was calm and inviting. At the time of our arrival there was only a few people present but the atmosphere was great. We were quickly shown to our table which was located to the front of the establishment. Walking through to were we would be seated everything was nicely decorated but never overpowering. We all commented on the ambiance of the place, the friendly staff and how inviting the place seemed. Then looking outside it dared to look like it would start to rain but the sun was putting up a fighting. Inside we sat in a lovely cosy area overlooking the parking lot, not exactly eye-catching but a good view.

The food

Prior to our arrival we had all placed an order of our main dish and we all skipped starters and desserts. We had reviewed the menu and was definitely impressed with how extensive their wine list was for the establishment. But because we still needed to return to work after lunch, none of us was going to drink. Well except for me as I decided I wanted a cider to help drive the burn in my throat. There is nothing like a good cider to wash down the pain of losing another friend. But as I said, it is not goodbye its adios until a few weeks later when we meet again.

The food was totally delicious, what you love about this place is the quality of the food served. You get pub size portions but restaurant style quality and we polished our plates. Whilst I can not recall what everyone had, I had ordered Beef and Ale proper pie. I will say hands down this is the best beef and ale pie I have ever had in my life. The rich red wine gravy and the mash potato was just spot on, helped wash the pie along. Even now two weeks later I want more of that pie and I am planning on making a return visit the establishment.

Whilst I did not taste the entire menu, with little that I saw I am convinced everyone should visit this place. Its located in the hart of Harwell, literally, such a quaint little village with character.

Disclaimer: I was not asked to write this review, I just loved the establishment and the food.