Hampshire’s best watering holes and eateries are away from the town centres. Dominic Riches reports.
For serious drinking in Hampshire, most agents spurn the city-centre pubs in favour of the more homely charms of their village locals.
This perhaps explains a lack of consensus among agents taking part in Estates Gazette’s survey of top Hampshire restaurants and pubs. Only three pubs registered more than a single vote.
Congratulations, then, to The Wykeham Arms in Winchester, which was voted the best pub in Hampshire.
The reasons given for voting for a particular pub were varied, with real ale the top priority for many respondents. But Hampshire sophisticates bemoaned the lack of quality wines on offer.
Fans of The Wykeham Arms praised its traditional, almost old-fashioned atmosphere and decor. Picturesque surroundings helped too, with runner-up The Red Lion in Chalton noted for its spectacular views of the Downs.
For some, however, ambience was secondary to convenience. Michael Wood of Garner Wood admitted to a soft spot for his local Harvester because “it’s got a Charlie-Chalk play area for the kids”.
For restaurants, opinions were equally wide-ranging. Perhaps Hampshire’s proximity to the Continent ensured a strong presence of French eateries. The winner, by one vote, was The Hotel Du Vin, Southgate Street, Winchester.
Tim Wadsworth of Ballinger Wadsworth said that the hotel was “the only decent restaurant in Hampshire”, but quite pricey at £30 a head for lunch. It was also commended for its seafood.
Southsea deserves a mention for its strong showing, but votes were shared among many establishments, including Sur la Mer, Truffles and Bella Italia.
Sadly, Basingstoke had no such boast. Brian Pickett of Woodford & Co nominated Palmers in London Street, but added “the competition’s not too stiff”.
Our respondents did not generally favour Indian cuisine. The exception was Kutis in Southampton, recommended for its rare Indian dishes, including duck and ayrefish. An added attraction is the chance to talk tactics with the players of Southampton FC, as long-serving full-back Francis Benali has recently acquired an interest there.
|
TOP PUBS
1 The Wykeham Arms,Kingsgate Street,Winchester 01962 853834 2 The Red Lion,Chalton,Waterlooville 01705 592246 3 The Jolly Sailor,Landsend Road,Bursledon 01703 405557 |
|
TOP RESTAURANTS
1 Hotel Du Vin,14 Southgate Street,Winchester 01962 841414 2 La Parisienne,21 Bell Street, Romsey 01794 512067 3 The Royal Southampton Yacht Club,11 Channel Way, Southampton 01703 223352 |
