Review: Tapas at The White Hart, Dartington nr Totnes, Devon

We were staying overnight in one of the newly renovated rooms at Dartington Hall.  The check in was friendly and swift and we were shown to smallish but very pleasant double en-suite, through a lovely low arched 'hobbit' door overlooking the quadrangle.

We had enough time to unpack and have a look through the cupboards and then we had a reservation at 630pm in the bar for English Tapas.  The offer at the moment is £4.50 for a plate of tapas or £9 for three of them.  The bar has been removed from the White Hart - the bar is now in the dining hall and the pub is full of tables and chairs - it does seem cosier and more welcoming.

There was no Spanish meatballs, jamon, Manchego cheese or anchovies in sight.  I was surprised to have tapas as our menu but it was like lots of interesting and full flavoured starters.  Recommended.  Full (changing) menu at the base of this post.

Not wanting to miss out, we chose almost everything.  Particular favourites were the Roast Pork with Apple and the Duck Salad.  Next time we go, I quite fancy having one 'tapa' as a starter with some bread and then four to share (between two) for main course.

Then we watched A Hijacking, a Danish film.  I loved it, my partner fell asleep during it.  And then a short walk across the path to get back to our room where I slept very soundly.  It is very quiet.  My other half reported that the bedding (ie duvet) was feather and made him snuffle.  He declared the breakfast delicious - I skipped this and had a shower instead.

Overall we had a fab time - our only issues if we had any were that the duvet was feather filled (I believe), there were three tiny pieces of crab shell in my crab cakes and one of the knobs fell off in the shower (it was stuck on with Blu tack!)

My friend collected me at 945 (check out is 10am during the week) and we visited the local Dartington shops and had a cup of tea.  A very relaxing 24 hours!

I went to Dartington as a guest and it was free of charge.  I was not required to be biased in my reporting in any way.

Served daily 12pm – 9pm

All British Tapas Dishes £4.50 each or 3 for £12.95

Opening offer, through May & June buy 2 British Tapas Dishes, get the 3rd Free (per person)

Pan seared Lamb Cutlets with a creamed mash swirl and a pea puree

Slow braised Pork Belly with apple three ways and black pudding

Mini Cottage Pie

Ham Hock terrine with piccalilli and garlic croute

Deep fried crispy Whitebait

Seared King Scallops with cauliflower puree and pancetta crisps

Thai style crab balls with a lime mayonnaise

Gravadlax of Salmon with a chive blini and a sweet mustard dressing

Wild mushroom risotto with white truffle oil (v)

Goats cheese terrine with a Waldorf garnish (v)

Salad of watercress, feta, pea shoots and broad beans (v)

Mediterranean vegetable filo pie with roquette and balsamic glaze (v)

Sides £2.95 each

Basket of fries

Basket of sweet potato fries

French beans in garlic butter

Broccoli with toasted almonds

Parsley new potatoes

Side salad