The word is “HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE WHITE HART AT MAULDEN RECENTLY?” People are talking about the new people who have taken over, and the fantastic food that is available. So what’s happened? Well to start with the FOOD! All our food is locally sourced and is fresh as far as possible. We get our meat from a local butcher (Deacons of Westoning), the vegetables from a local producer (Apples and Pears of Silsoe), the bread from The Cottage Bakery in Ampthill, and the fish delivered fresh every day. We don’t believe in readymade meals, microwave or boil in the bag. So many restaurants do nowadays, although you may not guess it when you visit them. If you come and enjoy a lamb shank at The White Hart, for instance, it will be cooked slowly from scratch, with no artificial additives. Some places will serve you a lamb shank from a microwavable bag! These bags do not even have to be kept in the fridge, they have so many additives in them!

The prices at The White Hart are very keen too, you can always get daily specials, light lunches and set menu options. The menu is diverse and offers something for everyone from traditionally British dishes such as, Beer Battered Fish, Smoked Ham, Eggs and Chips, Pie of the day to stone baked Pizzas, and a great kids menu. For a more discerning pallet you could choose dishes like Fillet steak wrapped in Bacon and Sage, with woodland Mushrooms, Celeriac puree and a red Wine jus, or pan seared Venison haunch with heritage Potato dauphinois, Beetroot and Caper relish, finished with a red Wine sauce.  The Sunday roasts are fantastic. You have a choice of Lamb, Beef or Pork, your Lamb and Beef can be cooked to your liking above medium rare, all the roasts come with a Yorkshire pudding, and if you can’t make up your mind which one to have, you can have a slice of each!

After a total refurbishment of the inside and outside of the pub/restaurant in August 2009, The White Hart opened its doors for the first time under a new family ownership.  The 17th Century thatched centrepiece of the village of Maulden has many comfortable real fire areas for dining or drinking, the whole place seeps character, yet has a modern comfortable luxurious feel to it. Husband and wife Karen and Richard Bray are the working owners, and work closely with all of the staff to produce a warm welcome and service throughout your visit. We managed to enlist the expertise of our son Daniel Turner, an accomplished Chef who has worked in International kitchens, and was previously working in a large gastro pub in Hertfordshire which earned the title of “Centre of Excellence”. This is where Chefs who were about to go and work in new restaurants came to train under Daniels supervision. It is also where Daniels wife Narelle Turner worked with him as a manager. Narelle is now a manager at the White Hart too. They live locally with their 2 year old daughter, the family believe that she will join the family business as soon as she can reach the sink! Another welcome addition to the team is Karen and Richards’s daughter Crystal Green who can be seen heading up the front of house as their full time manager. She comes from a managerial background and is a valued member of the family team.  She has recently moved into the area too with her fiancé. When Daniel came to the White Hart he was able to persuaded his Sous Chef (and best friend),  Radu Luca to come with him and help him run the kitchen, and he does, magnificently. He in turn brought his wife Elena Luca as a head waitress, and they have recently had their first son Daniel (named after Daniel Turner his Head Chef and best friend)!! So another addition to the extended family of The White Hart! Watch this space, will he become a future member of staff too? Karen and Richard also employ their Nephew Luke Bowman, and look forward to him working his way up the ranks. The family firmly believe that all the staff are part of the family too. Customers get that welcoming relaxed family feel, when they visit with their friends, work colleagues, family and children, all are welcome at The White Hart.

So all in all The White Hart’s success is more important than ever because the family are all determined to make it work and will ensure that your visit to the White Hart will be a pleasurable experience. The family look forward to welcoming you soon.