FOOD + DRINK
GOOD TIMES AND GREAT FOOD AT
THE WHITE HART , HYTHE
PERFECTLY POSITIONED ON HYTHE ’ S BUSY HIGH STREET , THE WHITE HART IS THE SORT OF PLACE YOU FEEL LUCKY TO HAVE CHANCED UPON . TARDIS-LIKE , IT APPEARS ALL AT ONCE A TRADITIONAL BOOZER WITH A BAR BEGGING TO BE PROPPED UP ON AND A SPACIOUS , DIMLY-LIT RESTAURANT AREA THAT EXTENDS BACK AND ENDS BESIDE A SPACIOUS OUTDOOR COURTYARD STRUNG WITH FAIRY LIGHTS . IT ’ S A REAL GEM OF A FIND – A PUB THAT SINGS WITH THE ETHOS OF ‘ THE GOOD OLD DAYS ’ IN A DELIGHTFULLY UNSTUFFY WAY .
BY POLLY HUMPHRIS
Which isn ’ t to say that the pub is ramshackle ; in fact , it ’ s anything but , with attentive staff milling about busily making sure no stone is left unturned for diners , and a really efficient and , wonderfully , very positive kitchen and bar team . What makes it so comforting is the hospitality ; I ’ m not a local , but was greeted immediately with a smile and a chat at the bar before drinks were even mentioned , as opposed to receiving the abrupt , formal greeting that ’ s become more common in my opinion . You get the immediate impression at The White Hart that nothing ’ s too much trouble , which of course makes you settle in and relax .
After a long day at work , a drink was the first port of call at our table for two . On the advice of our fantastic host , I opted for a Copper Rivet Distillery gin with Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic ; a delicious and distinct tasting local gin I hadn ’ t tried before but that sang with citrusy , floral top notes followed by a sweet and mildly spicy kick . Aperitif sunk swiftly , we opted for a crisp and fruity bottle of Chapel Down Bacchus ( sensational ) to accompany what started out as a ‘ bite to eat ’ but that ended up a feast .
We thought we weren ’ t ‘ too ’ hungry when we began ordering , but then I saw the word taco on the menu – I cannot resist a taco , especially not a Baja cod taco , and there they were just calling out to me . At two for £ 10 , not only are the tacos an irresistible bargain , but come in three other flavours : smokey bean chilli , smoked beef chuck barbacoa , and buttermilk fried chicken . The cod was deep-fried and crispy on the outside while remaining succulent and soft in the middle – a taste sensation served with fragrant Asian-style slaw , spicy mayo , pickled cucumber and tajin , which is a brilliant lime / chilli Mexican seasoning , the tacos hit all the right notes of salty , spicy , sweet and sour – not to be missed .
Having seen fried chicken on the menu , my mouth , salivating at the thought , chose the main for me : a sticky Korean fried buttermilk chicken burger . A thing of beauty , the chicken was so tender but crunchy on the outside and doused in a tangy Korean sauce before being sandwiched inside a brioche bun laced with garlic mayo and Asian slaw . Sometimes , you just want a burger , but it must be good and this one was celestial . Trying the more refined side of the menu didn ’ t disappoint either ; tucking into a ninehour smoked blade of beef , which fell off the bone onto truffle-infused mash and charred tenderstem broccoli , we said very little except ‘ mmm ’ until the plate was spotless .
The White Hart is more than a pub ; it ’ s a laid-back haven of conversation , laughter , great drinks and even better food . Pop in for some dirty fries and a pint ; pop in for a full three-course meal washed down with a bottle of excellent wine ; whatever you do , just pop in – the vibes are medicinal , and the food is top-notch .
The White Hart 71 High Street Hythe CT21 5AJ 01303 238 304 thewhiteharthythe . com
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