The Holly Bush, Shortfield

Used to love this pub when its star attractions were two fat dogs, excellent beer and a nice sandwich menu. And a covered area out back to smoke. Has now changed hands and seems to be suffering from ADHS, with everything imaginable going on behind the bar - wines by the glass, a huge Italian coffee machine that takes up half the bar, Pimms, cocktails, cream teas... pub itself has been mightily jazzed up in a vaguely retro way and is now aiming to be a pub/ restaurant/ cafe/ village amenity etc. etc. ...ultra- child friendly, the ambience of damp dog and smoky fire has been replaced with rustling kagoules and the merry cries of children... look, if this is the kind of thing you like, you'll really like it... me, I'll miss the old place but wish them luck all the same... hope it calms down a bit...

17 Jun 2013 10:17

The Bakers Arms, Droxford

Providing a masterclass in how to get it right, the Baker's Arms has been turned into the the kind of pub that any village and many small towns would kill for. Plain but comfortable and warm inside, with a nice assortment of furniture tucked into interesting corners, and in the winter, a good fire blazing away. Good lighting, no music, just a really pleasant and characterful space to be in. Friendly, attentive staff, good local beer from the Bowmans brewery (contrary to reports elsewhere, this place operates as a real pub, not just a restaurant), a short but decent wine list - and fantastic food. The menu isn't long but offers a decent choice of dishes from classic steak b�arnaise and chips to more adventurous cuts and dishes, mostly locally sourced, nicely presented and very, very well cooked. Food tends to the comforting, but it's not served in overwhelming quantities and as it also inclines to the lip-smackingly, plate-wipingly delicious, we weren't complaining. Good puds too.

20 Mar 2008 22:44

The Black Boy, Winchester

One of the greatest city pubs you'll ever visit. An old curiosity shop of a place, featuring a seemingly endless series of rooms, crammed with a variety of furnishings, stuffed animals and entertainments of all kinds. Grub is of the soup and sandwich variety, but fresh and very good, excellent selection of beers, friendly, warm and cosy in winter, fine big garden for the summer. Music on Mondays, 'Black Rat' restaurant across the street (owned by the pub) also looks worthwhile... Pleasingly removed from Winchester's well-beaten tourist trail. Lovely.

20 Mar 2008 22:39