Hampshire, French Restaurant Guide

“Outstandingly delicious French food” is “served by a talented duo in a comfortably quiet dining room” at this long-established outfit. Chef Maranda Jones and her maître d’ husband Garth worked under Gascon founder Germain Marquis at its original location in the old Leckford Hutt pub, before taking over the business and moving it into Stockbridge High Street.

“Superb French cuisine in outstanding New Forest scenery” attracts a dedicated following for this characterful country bistro, whose “delightful ambience” and “friendly, very Gallic service” are directed by patron Claude Laage, originally from Alsace, who founded the establishment more than 30 years ago. This year’s biggest gripe? “A bit less emphasis on red meat in the mains and 20th-century British confectionery brands in the desserts would make it even better!”

“A long-established restaurant that has moved with the times” from classically trained chef-patron Keith Marshall and his wife Julie, who have together provided “consistent quality cooking with excellent service” for almost four decades, in a pair of elegantly converted 16th-century cottages with a beautiful garden boasting views over Watership Down.

2023 Review: Chef-patron Kevin Bingham has presented his “excellent” ‘global French’ cuisine at this consistent performer near the Southsea seafront for more than a decade – and at restaurant Montparnasse (RIP) before that. The tasting menu goes down well, “with a well-chosen wine flight to complement it”.

A former courthouse with exposed beams plays host to this rustic and tiny European restaurant run by chef Nathan Marshall and FOH wife Evi, a “lovely lady” whose Hungarian roots sometimes inspire the fine-dining on the menu. On limited feedback this year, there were reports of some “delicious” dishes and as we went to press, demand for a table was so high that they were already fully booked for 2024! Top Tip – to circumvent the need to book way ahead, keep an eye on their Instagram account (@n.marshall_chef), where they sometimes advertise last-minute cancellations.