The Cuckoo Inn, Hamptworth

Our first visit in approx. 10 years! A warm welcome, a good range of local and localish beers (2 Hopback, 2 Downton, 1 Palmers and 1 Yeovil) and a good range of proper pup food ie ploughmans, pies, pork pies, soup and sandwiches. The Hopback Summer Lightning and Downton Black Ops were in good condition, the Macaroni Cheese went down well and the regulars were both friendly and entertaining. We knew that the pub had changed hands, and also had had a refurbishment, so our expectations were not particularly high. Had it been spolit? Instead we were just kicking ourselves for not returning sooner. Now earmarked as a regular halt when in the area. Absolutely superb! :)

27 Feb 2017 13:48

The Porterhouse, Westbourne

I've watched this pub go REALLY downhill the last 5 or 6 years. The beer is not kept properly by the landlord (though one or two of the staff still do what they can), it's dirty, grubby and the toilets stink - even first thing in the morning, through lack of proper cleaning and attention. It is also now very expensive (used to be the cheapest pub in the area), and the landlord is a moody bugger liable to ignore you, throw a wobbly or, once in a blue moon, act like he's your best mate.
Marston's haven't helped matters - no real guest beers and playing with the Ringwood recipies ie Old Thumper has just gone down to 5.1% and no bugger wants it!!!!
I've given up on the place. Plus point: the beer is still better (somehow) than the other two pubs in Westbourne. The only saving grace is some of the more knowledgeable staff.

1 Aug 2013 16:34

The Victoria and Albert, Netherhampton

Arrived early Saturday lunchtime to a warm welcome from the landlady. My wife and I both enjoyed good ploughmans lunches and tested all three beers on offer (Cotleigh Seahawk, Oakleaf TSB and Sixpenny Handley Gold). All were in very good condition. My only regret is that it has taken us far too long to retrun to this gem of a pub. Highly recommended (receiving its CAMRA Regional Pub of the Year award tomorrow night!).

8 Oct 2012 19:49