Stockbridge Restaurant Guide

“Effortlessly smart” pub with rooms on the River Test, in prime fly fishing territory – a “vibrant” place with a “lovely”, small sun-trap terrace in summer. It serves a very wide range of dishes, from an extensive array of tapas-y plates to substantial mains and steaks from the grill.

“A1 food on the A30!” has won a loyal following for this “excellent” South-African-run French restaurant: an auberge-style venue with a penchant for rustic Gascon cuisine, which has just celebrated its 15th anniversary. “The food is well worth a long journey, and the wine list is exceptional”.

“A great wee place”, this Stockbridge institution is “still good and reliable” – and a reminder that burgers have been fashionable for almost 50 years. “Fond memories – we took our children, and they’re now wanting to take their children”.

“Rather nice brunches and lunches await at this deli-café, with half a dozen specials chalked on the board” plus a garden and fish ‘n’ chip Friday nights. Though it serves an “upmarket clientele in an upmarket village”, it’s still “good value, with charming young staff” to boot.