The Beehive

Milaanj @ The Beehive, White Waltham – A story told through flavour... Before even stepping foot into Milaanj, I had a little interaction with someone from their team over Instagram. I’m not sure exactly who it was, but they were incredibly friendly, helpful, and clearly passionate about what they do. They took the time to explain one of the dishes to me—and that kind of genuine enthusiasm really stuck with me. It set the tone for the experience that followed. Milaanj has already picked up two AA Rosettes ⭐ ⭐ , and honestly—it’s easy to see why. Some time ago, when I heard The Bee was no longer ''The Bee'' as we knew it, I wasn’t convinced. But one of my favourite things in life is being proven wrong in the best possible way. I headed over to The Beehive, knowing food service starts at 5:30pm (a nice little win for early diners like me). It was a Thursday, which also happens to be ''Curry Night''—what better time to sample the owner's culinary flair? First Impressions: The warmest welcome started with poppadoms on the house—two varieties, paired with a beautifully balanced homemade mango chutney and a light, zingy Kachumber salad. I was told the mangoes are from the owner’s family home in India—who doesn’t love a good backstory? It instantly felt like more than just a meal; it was a shared experience. A thoughtful, generous start to the evening that immediately made the visit feel personal and special. To Start: I tried the Awash Lamb Kebab, and I have to say—this was a dish with serious finesse. Minced lamb kebab with mint and coriander emulsion, saffron yoghurt, sago crackers, and garlic aioli. A true work of art on the plate and an explosion of textures and flavour on the palate. Every element felt considered, balanced, and full of intention. Genuinely impressive. Main Course: For my main, I went for the Chef’s Special – Purani Dilli Butter Chicken. Tender grilled chicken in a rich, creamy tomato and cashew nut gravy, infused with freshly ground masalas. It delivered exactly what it promised—an authentic taste of old Delhi. The chicken was of great quality, cooked with real care, and the flavour was deep and comforting. I paired it with a Lachaa Paratha, which was flaky, buttery and everything you’d hope for. Yes, it’s on the pricier side, and mains don’t include sides—but when the quality is this good, you honestly don’t mind. You get what you pay for. Dessert Now, I could have stopped there... but I didn’t. My dad’s made this dessert for years, so I had to try the Gajar Ka Halwa to see how it compared. Verdict? Absolute perfection. Made with red Indian carrots, simmered in milk, with just the right whisper of cardamom and topped with crunchy nuts. Sweet, but not cloying. The nuts were a surprise but worked so well—they added depth and contrast to the softness of the dish. Nostalgic, warming, and utterly satisfying. To Finish: I rounded off the evening with a cappuccino for the 30 mile drive home—and it was everything you’d want it to be: rich, strong, beautifully crafted, and served with a homemade petit four (which was a nice touch). Final Thoughts: Milaanj is not your average Indian restaurant. It’s a place where stories are told through flavour, where each dish feels personal, and where you're treated to a true culinary experience. It’s a little more expensive than your typical curry night—but this isn’t a typical curry night. It's something far more special. Can’t wait to go back.

Really good starters. Loved the scotch eggs and lamb. Just a little disappointed that on Sunday the normal menu is not there. Still really good food, just different. Enjoyed the complimentary turmeric bread and sundried tomato butter a lot! Service was great and so was the atmosphere. Very beautiful pub.

We've eaten here several times and have enjoyed the food each time. Friday, however, was a special tasting menu that provided a lovely journey through India, experiencing the culinary delights from different regions.