Country restaurant, Hampshire

[Harry Flashman]

Chaps, I am staying at Tylney Hall for a wedding in May, and thought I would spend the entire weekend there. It's in the countryside near Basingstoke.

Now, I fancy getting in the car and heading out for dinner or lunch (most likely dinner, as there are swimming pools and things for the daytime) at some point, rather than staying at the hotel all weekend.

I'd like recommendations for a decent country restaurant/pub within a 20 mile radius of Basingstoke. Food can be passable if the pub is stunning and in some sort of signature location - otherwise, would prefer something with rather special food. Countryside venue, rather than in another town: unless I can get there cross country (enjoying good roads!) and then park easily.

Quite specific, and I will look at the Hampshire section of the sticky recommendations thread - but any local tips would be appreciated!

Best regards,

Harry.

[Harry Flashman]

And failing that, a stunning spot for a picnic would also be appreciated - because I'm sure I could pack some decent stuff myself...

The problem is that Sunday evenings are generally difficult for dinner in the countryside - lunch is less of a problem!

[pugwash4x4]

these should meet your specs:

Live about 10 mins from Tylney Hall:

http://www.thewellingtonarms.com/ in Tadley/Baughurst- really very good food but still has a pubby atmoshpere- the one i'd REALLY suggest, a little gem of a place, and you should be able to get some lovely roads, and pretty secnery too.
http://www.potkiln.org/ will probably be a tadge too far, but a properly old school pub with lots of game
http://www.theyewtree.net/ could be a bit far away,m but it is usually well worth the trip- excellent food

[Harry Flashman]

pugwash4x4 said:

these should meet your specs:

Live about 10 mins from Tylney Hall:

http://www.thewellingtonarms.com/ in Tadley/Baughurst- really very good food but still has a pubby atmoshpere- the one i'd REALLY suggest, a little gem of a place, and you should be able to get some lovely roads, and pretty secnery too.
http://www.potkiln.org/ will probably be a tadge too far, but a properly old school pub with lots of game
http://www.theyewtree.net/ could be a bit far away,m but it is usually well worth the trip- excellent food

Thanks Pugwash! Saw The Wellington Arms - sadly not open for Sunday dinner...

Pot Kiln is a regular haunt of mine after shooting at The Royal Berks! And a good call - didn't think it was anywhere near! Will check distances.

[pugwash4x4]

going the other way- i'm not the only PHer to enjoy http://www.closdumarquis.co.uk and it will take you about 20mins from Hook (maybe outside 20 miles, but the roads are good- M3- A303 and then a nice cross country blat)

you could also go to the http://www.the-vineyard.co.uk/ at stockcross- that's again not far from Hook (good roads etc) - but haven't been since they lost their michelin rating, so can't offer an up to date idea.

oh also http://www.thegamekeepers.co.uk

[pugwash4x4]

oh- thought i saw a board outside the wellington arms in Baughurts saying they are open all day sunday now- perhaps worth a call in case they haven't updated their menu.

[Harry Flashman]

pugwash4x4 said:

oh- thought i saw a board outside the wellington arms in Baughurts saying they are open all day sunday now- perhaps worth a call in case they haven't updated their menu.

I'll call - brilliant if so!

[JxT]

Big thumbs up to The Gamekeepers.

Big thumbs down to the food at Tylney Hall. I would try to avoid their restaurant.

[Henry Hawthorne]

Can highly recommend The Bush Inn at Ovington. Lovely location, good food, and a real country pub.

http://www.thebushinn.co.uk/home.php

[Roger645]

Not Hampshire but 20 miles away:

http://www.crabatchieveley.com/

[cramorra]

http://www.thederbypub.co.uk/index.html

[okgo]

The lord derby?

Hardly a nice situation and the food isn't all that either.

[pugwash4x4]

Roger645 said:

Not Hampshire but 20 miles away:

http://www.crabatchieveley.com/

1. ooh yeah- that's a good one!

[Bullett]

pugwash4x4 said:

Roger645 said:

Not Hampshire but 20 miles away:

http://www.crabatchieveley.com/

1. ooh yeah- that's a good one!

Really? Loved it the first couple of times I went (service always let them down a bit) but food was excellent. Then had a couple of poor experiences and friends had also reported a decline. Not been for a year though so it may have picked up again.

[nw28840]

http://www.thenewmill.co.uk/index.htm

[fatboy b]

I grew up about 7 miles from Tilney hall in Sherfield-on-Loddon. Lovely area, and used to frequent the pubs in Rotherwick.

I hear the The Sun Inn near Dummer is pretty good, though I've not tried it. Friends of mine own the Queen Inn in Dummer, and does pretty good food. The White Hart in Sherfield-on-Loddon is always busy, when I've been past.

Edited by fatboy b on Thursday 14th April 12:24

[Ungarsee]

pugwash4x4 said:

1. ooh yeah- that's a good one!

Another vote here for the crab. Food is great, atmosphere is relaxed and the rooms are great fun!!