Stockbridge Restaurant Guide

“This South African-run former pub produces first-rate French cuisine” – somewhat surprisingly, especially adding in the setting right on the A30. The “lovely” dishes tend towards the rustic (as does the appealing auberge-esque room) and service is “superb”.

“A lovely setting in the rear garden and welcoming atmosphere throughout” helps earn solid ratings for this 19th-century pub-with-rooms on the River Test, at the epicentre of Hampshire’s world-class fly fishing territory. Culinary highpoints include its “no-choice set lunch that’s excellent value”.

This “basic” Stockbridge institution is an “old-time favourite” (est 1972) that, bar a brief BYOB phase long ago, “hasn’t changed over the years (but in a good way)”; “as always great for burger and chips”, although the menu extends to haggis sides and sundaes too.

“Posh brunch nosh is served cheerfully in this busy and slightly chaotic deli” – “an inexpensive, and light-hearted venue catering to a genteel and upmarket clientele”. If you’re shopping, the “fish counter is out of this world”, and it’s also open on Friday nights for fish ’n’ chips. Garden for warm days.