In my ‘formative’ PR career years I worked and socialised in London. However, since I moved down to Hampshire seven years ago I’ve realised that there is life outside both the City and the Homes Counties. I also often notice that restaurant reviews in the national media are focused on London.
As I adore good food, I decided to dedicate this short blog to my own review of some fantastic eating spots in the Hampshire area.
- The Bakers Arms, Droxford, Hampshire – a wonderful spot for foodies. I’ve never eaten here in the day, so don’t know how dark or light it is, but it’s an excellent spot for dinner. The services is wonderful.
- Black Rat, Winchester, Hampshire – people rave about this restaurant and when I first went a few years ago I did think it wouldn’t be long before it received a Michelin Star. However, the second time I went (after the star was awarded) the food wasn’t as good and service decidedly lacking. A shame as I haven’t been back since as there are so many other great places to eat without disappointment!
- The Bugle Inn, Twyford, Hampshire – supplied by local growers, with a small but perfectly formed menu that changes daily. The scallops are as good as Adrian’s at Margot’s in Padstow (that is an accolade believe me). Great service and good for a business lunch or dinner.
- Framptons, Ringwood, Hampshire – a great spot for a less formal meeting. Lovely lunches in this relaxed, shabby-chic café. The loos are also worth a visit for their stunning Victoriana décor!
- Greens, Wickham, Hampshire – a friendly welcome by a great team. All the food is cooked fresh to order using local ingredients wherever possible. They are also happy to cater to individual dietary needs. Good spot for lunch or dinner and not very far from Fareham, but feels a million miles away!
- Josie’s Coffee House, Bishops Waltham, Hampshire – to call it a ‘coffee shop’ or ‘tearoom’ doesn’t do this place justice. My husband and I spend far too much time in here and I have also had several less formal business meetings at Josie’s. It’s a favourite spot for home workers to break out to with their laptop. I have drunk a lot of coffee around the world (including Italy) and this is the BEST coffee without a doubt. Lovely homemade cakes and wonderful focaccia style sandwiches.
- JSW, Petersfield, Hampshire – with a Michelin Star, this is a restaurant to go to if you want to impress. It’s also a great place to eat and stay over with friends and family as they offer special packages that are great value. Super food and great service.
- Terrace Restaurant, Beaulieu, Hampshire – another bright Michelin Starred restaurant. I’ve only been there for dinner – which was of course superb in terms of food and service. Fantastic New Forest setting.
- Thomas Lord, West Meon, Hampshire – has AA rosettes in recognition of the fact that only the best of local produce is used to create consistently excellent dishes. It also has a superb kitchen garden, as well as its own free-range chicken run. Good for a business lunch or dinner, with perfectly attentive staff.
I have realised that this list could be fairly endless, and start spreading across the world. I often map my holiday experience according to particular foods and restaurants! Hope this has inspired and that you enjoy.
