ms-havachat Eats Out in Hampshire - The Mill House, Hook

Saturday night dinner out. Tween was on a sleep over, and we met friends for dinner in Hook as it was half way for all of us (our friends drove from Winchester). Love meeting half way. Gives us an opportunity to discover somewhere new. MrsE suggested The Mill House in Hook, and I'm so glad she did! She was introduced to it by a friend-with-a-puppy, as they met here for walkies in the warmer months.

Think it's our new favourite setting for a pub! Maybe it's the Aussie in us, but we love a good outdoor setting (aka beer garden), family friendly atmosphere and good food. We didn't see it, but we did wonder if they might BBQ in summer!

What a delightful setting, even in the pitch black of winter. My photo's of the building lit up didn't turn out, so I've borrowed a few from Google Images to share with you (and obviously they are not night photos)

From the car park, you walk under this pretty canopy, along the
edge of the pond, thru the garden into the pub.

The back of the pub

The pond, with swans! This place would be glorious
in spring/summer.

As soon as you step inside The Mill House, you're stepping back intimate. This place has a fantastic history, stretching back to the 14th Century (don't you just love the UK for this kind of thing!) For those of you who enjoy history, it was mentioned in the Doomesday Book (one of 8 mills in Odiham). 

My quick photo of the ancient mill wheel and flowing water,
restored and set behind glass for all to enjoy.

Sections of the building date from the 17th century. Mr John Hooker is the first known miller to operate the mill in 1615, and it was last used as a corn mill in 1895 by Sydney Loader.

In the early 20th century it became a residential property (even today, you can image it as a grand private home, or a posh boutique hotel). It became the Mill House restaurant in 1990, and the mill wheel was restored in 1995. For more history, please click here. 

The building is magical at night. The Mill Barn was lit up like a fairy house for a wedding reception. We couldn't help but take a quick peek through the windows. The room was stunning. 

The barman greeted us as we walked in and we quickly had drinks. Then we were escorted to our table, upstairs. WOW! The room was a small, medieval banquet hall. Dark timber beams. High ceiling. HUGE bay windows. Ancient artwork. Fireplace. Chandelier. You can't help but smile!

Bar area

Lovely table for two upstairs, overlooking the downstairs area

One of several dining areas.

We had Korean chicken wings with kimchi, scallops with carrot puree and ham fritters (which were more potato than ham, and probably not needed with the delicious scallop) and spiced butternut and squash soup for starters (I was leaving room for dessert)

Our entrees.

Main courses were delicious, but I didn't take any photos! I had steak, G had venison sausages with mash and gravy, MrsE had cauliflower, chickpea, chilli and almond tangine (which looked as good as it smelled) and MrE had fish'n'chips. Very generous servings! 

Dessert, sticky toffee pudding, cheese board and ice cream. Coffee. 

nom nom nom

The service was friendly and professional (tho I hadn't finished my main course when the other 3 plates were being taken away which is always annoying, so I stopped eating and gave up my plate)

I can't wait to go back for a meal. We're looking forward to warmer weather and enjoying the outdoors dining experience by the pond with friends. I can imagine the family atmosphere on the weekends. 

It's also a nice place for mid-week lunch as it's close to Surrey and Hampshire. 

Check out their website for more details: http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/millhouse/homepage/

Tell them ms-havachat recommended you, even tho they don't know me, it's nice for them to hear my name :-)

'Til  next time, 

With friendship

x