The Hampshire Hog
Location London Road, Gravel Hill, Clanfield, Nr. Waterlooville, PO8 0QD t: 0844 683 6589 e:
hampshirehog@fullers.co.uk
Very easy on the eye, having recently undergone a revamp, this village pub is perfect for a country break. Within close proximity of transport links, a trip to the capital or nearby Petersfield, Chichester or Portsmouth is a doddle. What’s more, nestled between the Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Butser Hill – the highest point on the South Downs – the pub’s surroundings offer plenty of ways to work up an appetite.
‘...hearty lentil hotpot with balsamic-dressed salad and garlic bread...’
Inside, an open fire illuminates the room during winter, making for an exceedingly warm welcome. Comfy chairs and traditional decor inspire a feeling of familiarity, which is continued by friendly staff. When it comes to cuisine, The Hampshire Hog offers everything that a country pub should. From a generous rack of ribs, complete with all the trimmings, to a hearty lentil hotpot with balsamic-dressed salad and garlic bread, there’s no doubt the menu will leave you satisfied. If you’ve got room to consider the delightful selection of puddings – we made sure of it – then do sample the scrumptious cheesecake or one of an imaginative selection of ice creams. To top off a fine meal, why not stay over in one of 20 ultra-modern, stylish rooms and make a real treat of your visit.
Food Served: Mon-Sat noon- 10pm; Sun noon-9pm
The Old Forge
Location Main Road, Otterbourne, Nr. Winchester, SO21 2EE t: 0844 683 1781 w:
www.theoldforgeotterbourne.co.uk
Located in the village of Otterbourne, handy for both Southampton and Winchester, this lovely country inn has a lot to offer. The chic interior is simple but elegant and there’s a real sense of space thanks to several interconnecting rooms. Some, with lofty ceilings and exposed rafters, are perfect for large parties, while others provide more intimate dining areas.
The menu caters to a wide range of tastes, with an extensive choice of seasonal dishes supplemented by daily specials and pub classics. We sipped on pre-dinner drinks at the bar as we made our choices, with the soft glow of candles and the open log fire providing an inviting atmosphere. Tempting starters include sharing dishes such as the duo of cheese – a petit Camembert and goat’s cheese brulée topped with caramelised onions and served with breads – but I instead opted for the pan-fried fishcake served with citrus creme fraiche and mixed leaves. My main course of pan-fried Barbary duck breast marinated in honey and black pepper, served with Dauphinoise potatoes, curly kale and a plum and roasted beetroot sauce, showed real finesse and style. We then completed our meal with
Traditional W
£15 to
£25
Traditional EH
£12 to
£20
Open: Mon-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10.30pm Food Served: Mon-Sat noon- 10pm; Sun noon-9.30pm
two sumptuous desserts. My companion’s tiramisu sundae with raspberries, chocolate mousse, coffee cream and mascarpone and my apple, raisin and nut strudel with cinnamon cream were both indulgent and utterly moreish.
The Old Forge is deservedly popular and it certainly met my high expectations – but don’t just take my word for it, discover this lovely country pub for yourself.
www.facebook.com/foodanddrinkguide Hampshire Guide 2012 25
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