Newbury Area

[schmalex]

Marlborough's quite nice. However, for the same drive time, I'd probably be heading towards Winchester. Alternatively, Stockbridge is lovely to have a wander round and has quite a few country and game type clothes shops. The Boot is good for lunch there. Hungerford has loads of antique shops if she is into that.

If you're in Newbury itself, Cote Brasserie (just by the bridge) is quite nice for lunch. The pubs in the market square tend to be bit young. Avoid the Lock, Stock and Barrel on the canal like the plague - it has great setting out the back, but dire food!

Edited by schmalex on Friday 29th July 13:51

[Dunk130TC]

Had forgotten to mention the Woodspeen, if you fancy a treat and can book to get in.
http://www.thewoodspeen.com

[schmalex]

Good thinking. we've not been there yet but have heard it's supposed to be good (I've also heard it can sometimes be full of yummy mummies in Range Rovers and gigantic sunglasses that make them look like bees calling everything and everyone "daahhling". Which I suspect would annoy me)

[joshcowin]

We are traveling from kent so winchester seems like a good plan

[Puggit]

joshcowin said:

We are traveling from kent so winchester seems like a good plan

If you've got all day, then use the A27. Otherwise avoid!

[schmalex]

You could, maybe, have a wander round Winchester in the morning and have lunch at somewhere like Hotel du Vin. Or, maybe, go out to Easton (about 10 min drive from Winchester) and have lunch at The Chestnut Horse (voted Hampshire's best pub for a few years on the trot), followed by a walk along the River Test (very beautiful at this time of year)