please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
It seems that the Bat & Ball have lost their chef to the Horse & Groom at Woodgreen. I guess that may explain the drop in standard of the food.
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After a visit to Salisbury we stopped off for lunch on the way back to Bournemouth as the Pub looked very nice from the road as we passed going to Salisbury. Initial impressions were good as we were given a friendly welcome. We picked up a menu & were no that impressed with the offer as it read like a Brake Brothers frozen food suppliers list of thier best sellers! very dissapointing for such a nice looking pub. We then noticed tat they did roasts & thought this might be a better option, we asked for the lamb but they did not have any so went for the roast pork instead. When it arrived it was not the traditional leg of pork but three thin slices of loin of pork in a tasteless 'bisto' gravy with dried out & burnt 'crackling' on top which tasted like they had opened a packet of pork scratching & grilled them! & no apple sauce? The vegetables consisted of three dried out roast potatoes & a separate dish of a small piece of broccoli & cauliflower and a few battons of carrot which were nicely cooked but more of a childs portion. All together a dissapointing meal in such a lovely pub with nice friendly staff, which I would re-visit but only for a drink.
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Called in for lunch, as Dad remembers staying here to fish the Avon some 60 years ago.
Was fairly busy, but both barmaids/waitress were friendly and polite. Food was very good, s&k pie was lovely and BBQ ribs delicious. Prices were reasonable. There is a senior citizens menu at a reduced price every weekday lunchtime. Would go back if in the area.
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I have been back a few times since my previous review (14 Feb 2012); the food has been consistently very good (if slightly idiosyncratic) and the service excellent. This has been sufficient to convince me that the "issues" I had a few months ago were a "blip".
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Been hearing good things, so we booked a table and tried it out for lunch. The welcome was warm; the pub was moderately full. While waiting to be seated, I noticed that they have a reasonable selection of malts, including one of my favourites: Laphroaig Quarter-Cask. However, it being lunch-time I settled for a pint of Forty-Niner (well kept) and my companion had a spritzer. We felt that the pub could have benefited from some heating; it was chilly around the kidneys, and we noticed people at other tables putting their coats back on.
I ordered salmon& dill fish-cakes (�9.95) and my companion had chicken fajitas �8.95). They took over half an hour to arrive -- for stuff that has (presumably) already been prepped and which only takes a max of 15 minutes to cook, this is too long. If the pub had been particularly busy, I could have understood this, but the problem seemed to be one of under-staffing -- we saw only 3 members of staff, who were consistently busy. Maybe this is just the reality of the pub-grub trade nowadays. The food was pleasant enough, but nothing to write home about -- just honest pub fare, that was reasonably priced, served by pleasant, friendly people. The taste of dill was just about noticeable in the fish cakes, and at least the chilli dipping sauce had more than a nodding acquaintance with capsicum -- just a pity there wasn't more of it. Sauces, guacamole, etc, are served in very small ramekins, making the portions a bit stingy.
Would I go back? Well, if I was in a situation where I had to eat there, I wouldn't object, but I'd not make a special trip there either.
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January 2011, A new landlord and landlady have just taken over the Bat and Ball, names are Jason and Zoey and they are very keen to make a success of the pub and have been in the pub trade for a number of years.
An all new quiz night will be starting on Thursday 10th February 2011, 8-30 start. �1 per person to enter, all of the money goes into the prize pot.......GK questions, Picture round, Music round, Connections round, Boom or Bust round...........weekly Rollover Snowball and a 'half winnings' jackpot in which all teams finishing outside the top 3 will get the chance to win half of the money pot!!
Come and have a go if you think you're smart enough!
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Having not been to the Bat & Ball for several years we decided to attend for a drink.
Nice pub with a really good atmosphere.
Yet to sample the food but may be tempted when returning in the future
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The phone number for this pub is now 01725 512252
This information has been updated by the new landlady.
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This pub has just been taken over by new managers, the couple are very friendly and have moved to Hampshire from Wales. The food has just been started and the menu is very good. They have a German Shepherd so are dog friendly as long as they are on leads and not in the restaurant. There is a dart board and a pool table. The beer is excellent, and I would recommend people to try this pub and welcome the new managers.
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Visited on Halloween for a couple of early ones, first time i had been to the pub but the welcome was excellent even though they were busy setting up for a party that night .A large pub in three sections most of the pub is set up the diners but enough room in the bar area to enjoy a drink without sitting on top people trying to eat their meals. I stuck to the Guinness which was fine and well priced, a special mention goes to the Landlady who made a special effort to talk to us and get us involved in the party
Good stuff all round
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This pub has just been taken over by new owners who have instantly transformed the place to a lively country pub with great food and friendly atmosphere
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Right on the road as is the garden,dreary inside and they wouldnt serve us any food (sunday) today as they were full and too busy.
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The new management have worked wonders on this charming country pub, transforming it into a much more welcoming place.
Ruth - 13 May 2004 18:10 |
This is a lovely, friendly pub with a really inviting atmosphere. The food is delicious and very good portions! Recommend booking at weekends as it is very popular.
Nigel - 8 May 2004 09:20 |
Great pub, both food and service were excellent. Friendly atmosphere. Will return, highly recomended
Nigel & Jan - 8 May 2004 09:12 |
There is a potential to develope a more inviting atmosphere, I found a comfy seat by the main door. After 10 minutes I felt cool in the nether area and felt the seat might be damp due to the previous heavy rain through an open window. 'Oh no, Sir' I was assured 'The previous customer spilt his pint there! I drank up and got my car keys out!
anonymous - 19 Feb 2004 16:57 |
A nice "country pub", just been taken over by new people - food is usually good
rebecca - 4 Jan 2004 21:36 |
