Here is just a little info to let you get to know us better...
Here is a little potted history of our pub and the local area... if you have a spare minute or two and maybe a cup of tea (or is that a G&T), we think it's well worth a read.
The Mill House was one of eight mills listed under Odiham in the Domesday book. This sounds like a very large number for a comparatively modest community, but of course the water wheel was one of the few sources of power generation available to the contemporary population (alongside the horse).
It was burnt down in 1345 and was subsequently rebuilt. It was called King's Mill, and was owned by the former royal Manor of Odiham, and subsequently by successive Lords of the Manor until 1920. Sections of the present building date from the 17th century.
The first known miller to operate the mill was John Hooker in 1615, and it was last used as a corn mill in 1895, when the then miller, Sydney Loader, was described as an il cake and manure merchant".
The mill became a residential property in the early 20th century, and was sold with the rest of the manor in 1920, at which time it was restored. It became the Mill House restaurant in the early 1990's, and the mill wheel was restored in 1995.
The wheel ceased working a couple of years ago, but we completed a further restoration of the wheel as part of the current refurbishment of the building.
When we took the Mill House under our wing, it was trading as a Blubeckers branded restaurant, with a 'meet and greet' station at the front door and full table service. There was a scheme in place to introduce a staircase from the gallery down into the restaurant, but we scrapped that as we felt it would spoil the layout of the building.
As part of the renovations to the Mill House in early 2011, over a period of eight weeks, we moved the bar to a more central location and substantially increased its size. In addition, we re-located the loos, and undertook a major renovation of the kitchen, replacing almost all the existing equipment.
Many thanks to local historian Sheila Millard for all your help compiling this history: your assistance has been invaluable.
If you'd like to put a name to a face, allow us to introduce you to the crew...
Manager
Rob has come to us from working in a 5 star hotel, he used to run pubs, so has plenty of experience in our field. Rob's the one who cracks the jokes on the busy shifts - which keeps us all smiling. Rob is a proper family man and loves to take his kids out on his days off. He loves a drink and good food, which suits us perfectly!
Deputy Manager
Proud Frenchman Hervé joins us after an eclectic career that has spanned rugby, economics, hotels and more recently top-end pubs. He's full of joie de vivre and always up for a chat about the latest rugby news or anything else that takes his fancy, so feel free to pop in and practice your fran-glais over a G&T or glass of white wine (he recommends the Picpoul de Pinet).
Assistant Manager
Hayleigh joined us as a waitress in 2018 and has worked her way to become Assistant Manager. Hayleigh is lively, friendly and bubbly. Hayleigh is often working behind the scenes helping to look after and direct the team. Hayleigh enjoys to socialise the other side of the bar, when she is not at home looking after her 2 children.
Supervisor
Jo started with us in May 2022. Jo is a personal trainer and a mum of 2 during the day, then waitress by night. Jo is super attentive and always busy finding work to do. Jo enjoys her family time and fluff baby as well.
Bar/Waiting
Jasmin started working with us in July 2022. Jasmin is one of our fantastic food runners so you will often see her going from table to table. Jasmin is with us most weekends and some evenings. Jasmin is super talented, she is a national athlete in hurdles and high jump. Jasmin is also a regional level football and volleyball player. On top of this she is also studying Maths, Physics and Business.
Bar/Waiting
Desriee joined our team in August 2022. You will often find her here at the weekends looking after you downstairs in the restaurant. Desriee enjoys music, both listening and playing instruments. She loves a good book, calligraphy and dancing too.
Bar/Waiting
Poppy has returned back to us at the Mill House and it's like she never left. Poppy is an acting for film student at Uni. Poppy has 5 dogs who we all know and love at the pub, as they are regulars. Poppys passion is all things food and drink which makes working at the Mill House the best fit!
Bar/Waiting
Megan hasn't been with us long but she is fitting in really well. If you don't see her in the pub it could mean that she is out on the football pitch with her local team.
Sous Chef
Luke is our new Junior Sous Chef with 12 years experience working in kitchens. Luke has fitted straight into the kitchen and is learning the ropes in a new place. Luke enjoys reading, cooking, gaming and card games.
Sous Chef
Lewis has just joined us at the Mill House as a Sous Chef, he previously worked at the Leather Bottle, one of our sister pubs. Lewis has 20 plus years working in kitchens but when he's not in one he enjoys spending down time with the family and staying active.
Chef de Partie
Sandra is one of our Kitchen Porters. Sandra likes to meet new people and enjoy life. In her free time Sandra likes to cook and travel, and hopes to combine her passions with her work life.
Gardener/Maintenance Person
Ian is our fabulous Gardener. Ian is making his mark and looking after our wonderful grounds.
