please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Overwhelmimgly a food pub, and superficially there is much to be nervous of with more than a hint of "light and airy" Farrow and Ball, and a pricey aspirational menu. Yet The Bugle delivers in spades. The Flowerpots Bitter was all one could wish for from a pint of Best, and the fine, high-end-pub cooking matched the pricing. Lots of local ingredients, service is strong, the atmosphere is relaxed. A great example of what pub dining can be.
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Made me laugh when I read "a unique experience". M too. 25 Years ago I lived in Southampton and was dating a man from Basingstoke. Met for lunch one beautiful spring day at the bugle. It as not so much a foody pub then and where the arch is now wasn't there but the doors within were then the delivery and cellar doors and a slope down to what was a busy a road. I had just bought a new bmw and parked on the slope. I always left a car in gear but must have knocked it out retrieving my shoes and handbag from the footwell. Where the car was new to me the handbrake must have only been on a little. anyway trolled in to the pub in high heels. and joined my friend at the bar for a g n t. Bar man strolled over eh Mrs?? We were quite animated n chatting MRS!!! "WHAAAT" Ok Ill Move the bloody thing. How rude.!! It had shuddered its way down the ramp and was in the middle broadside across two lanes of traffic mercifully hadn't hit anything or anyone or caused a pile up. Majestically sat there with even the bits you get on brand new tyres intact. My date just carried on with his pint laughing at my crap driving and snappy attitude while I galloped off like dick emery in high shoes to retrieve the thing. Of course I wanted people to notice it........ Funny enough eight years and round the clock later {me and it} I gave it to the same man {long since an ex} and he took it to Holland to work. Fond old memories of a county pub. Married n Widowed and now live in Spain and said ex {grandfather now} still messages me "happy new year darlin" And rings now and again.
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Just to confirm, the emphisis in this place is totally on food. Light and airy and fairly busy when I dropped in on a Sunday evening on the last day of November. They were closing however at 6:00pm to decorate the pub for Christmas. this suprised me somewhat as the pub was very busy. Couldn't they have sorted the decorations on Monday?? Sure;ly it's very quite on a Monday morning! Turning down revenue in todays climate.......this joint musr be doing very well indeed (or are their food prices just that little bit 'Over the Top'?? LOL!!! Still, 6/10 from me.
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very much a restaurant that sells the odd pint of local ale, and they don't really like it if you come in just for a drink, you'll be better off at the Pheonix now it's free of tie, for beer a welcome and atmosphere
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Hiding behind the adjective "traditional" is a bit of a smoke screen. Similarly "country" raises an impression which belies what is really going on. Traditional pubs don�t have children in them according to some grumps. Not so, says I. Hogarth's gin lane appeared to welcome inebriates of all ages and depicted traditional inner London scenes. The country is not, as some suggest, a sleepy backwater in which the natural order of things means closure in the afternoon. The pubs closed, at first, in the afternoons so the munitions workers would get on with bomb making. If folks suggest that traditional pubs bar children and people of all ages for random reasons at random times of the day, think up something more original than "tradition" or "the country" whilst you blithely excuse these lazy and ill-conceived business practices. Well run pubs allow families, even grumpy ones, through their doors all day long. Badly run ones don't and are closing, sometimes forever. Not all pubs will be saved like the Bugle, Twyford, which is a shining example of how a pub welcomes all regardless of age and drinking and eating habits.
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I too was breathless with Excitement!!!!!!
Seriously though i did have a top meal here, my first time visiting as well. A great find as it has a diverse and interesting menu that was full of flavour and better than most top restaurants i eat in London. Staff were polite and friendly, even though it was very, very busy.
Didn't get to try the Swift one as was not on, but did try two beers from a local brewer, flower pots brewery. Gooden's gold was lovely and quite pale and our favorite was the Job Done- a rich dark bitter.
Will be visiting again soon.
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Good to see Ladymiss maintaining the pattern of breathless excitement in reviews of this 'pub'.
I'm curious, though, as to why she considers Bowman's Swift One is 'ladylike'. Is it that ladies are always up for a swift one?
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I have been to The Bugle Inn many times over the last few months and i would just like to say! it is, without prejudice, the most consistent pub, food and wine venue we have ever been to. We went this evening with some friends and was amazed at the value, on a monday night we got two courses for �14.95 and my husband, three courses for �17.95. Very, very good indeed and we have never had an average meal at The Bugle. Well done Bugle, see you soon again. Oh, and i love the Swift one, gorgeous bitter and very Ladylike!!
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Went for mothers day lunch with both mums and it really was excellent. We even got Marco Pierre Whites autograph as he was dinning there also!! which was a real surprise! Top bloke, top pub, top grub & cracking local bitters that i have never heard of. �110 for the four of us with two bottles of wine so not cheap, but it was very good.
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I popped into this pub for a pint and a packet of crisps at midday yesterday. The beer (Bowman Swift One) was delicious - in perfect condition. It needed to be: the pint and and a standard sized packet of crisps were �4.35 - and that's for a beer that is 3.8% ABV.
Really - the prices being charged in some pubs are ridiculous. No wonder pubs are going out of business. Mind you, the Phoenix across the road is doing the same thing. Greene King London Glory (4% ABV, but not at all glorious) is being sold at �3.55 a pint.
Who can afford to drink at those prices?
Going back to the Bugle, I did find a certain similarity of style (breathless with excitement) and vocabulary in the comments, which were almost all about the food. Is it a restaurant or a pub?
Much as I enjoy the products of the Flowerpots Brewery and Bowman, I shall not be drinking their beers at those prices.
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Visited this pub last night, and have to say i agree with the previous reviewer, "Exceptional".
My Partner had Scallops on a fennel & cauliflower puree, and it is to date her favorite meal of all time, My mussels were perfect as well. I had a pint of their own ale called Bugle ale and it was so good, as was the wine, we decided to leave the car there and get a taxi. Even though the place was heaving with eaters & drinkers and fully booked they managed to fit us in after a short wait. Great staff indeed.
Top class, top find & top marks all round. We usually eat at Hotel Du Vin, and i have to say this was better. Mr M Ford
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I have to say "Exceptional" . And we don't use those words often or lightly.
From the moment we walked in we were made to feel at home, really at home. Extremely helpful & knowledgeable staff, especially the barman.
Beer was local from Cheriton & Droxford and all three beers were superb, and not too cold either. Food is the best we have ever had, especially the fish, cooked to perfection. All local produce too within a nice small menu. Only downside to the whole evening was no free car parking, only 16 or so spaces and thay were all taken, also the Chef was a bit animated!! Although it was entertaining to see a real Gordon in action & quite fun. Lots of passion to say the least!! The car spaces issue was a small price to pay for such quality and a Fab night out. My wife is going back with her friends for lunch this week. Think it is privately owned too, which is always a good thing! We only moved to the area from Berkshire recently and have to say that Hampshire has a lot to offer. Baddage
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Just a quick note:
Returned to The Bugle with My husband, had another fantastic meal and my husband says the Beer in the evening was really good. Flower pots brewery & bowman ales, both superb.
LadyMiss
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Have just got back from the Bugle, having visited for the first time with our Christmas office party. I found this web-site and i just had to write a review.
WOW, i have been to some dodgy christmas parties in the past 30 years and this was by far the best. Absolutely excellent, woke my husband up to tell him too! And to tell him he is taking me back for dinner next week!!
Great service, hot mouthwatering food, perfect temperature wine, cosy log burner & staff that really wanted you there. Well done indeed!! Didn't have any beer I'm afraid, so can't comment, will ask husband when we return. Ladymiss
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Full Marks to this one. We initially thought quite expensive but agree with other reviewers that it was good value due to the high quality food that was delivered. Outstanding was my wife's exact words!! She had Scallops to start which were huge and cooked to perfection, Risotto which was the best she has ever had and a baked chocolate pudding! My meal was lovely too, and i couldn't fault it one bit. Flower pots bitter was excellent and not too cold, my wife's wine excellent too. Great atmosphere throughout this pub, very smart, initially thought a bit too modern! But was full of professional types around 40+ in with their partners. Have to mention how well the menu was presented, great descriptions and knowledge of where the food came from. Small menu but exceedingly good. Booked for Christmas on the spot. Amazing to see a full pub on a tuesday night!!
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The food was good, but at �20 for one course, a half of beer, a coke and olives I felt ripped off. Clientele not to everyone's taste, and very loud !
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What a Find! Cracking staff, amazing food & gorgeous beers. Plus my wife Loves it!
Best roast dinner ever & proper bread & Butter pudding!!!!! Going back soon, need a bugle in Southampton!!
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Tried The Bugle for the first time this week, Very good beer from Bowman ales and my Fiancee especially enjoyed the food. Have tried to get in before but it was full, understand why now.
Have had some bad experiences in this area of winchester before, but i have to say, this is unique in it's quality and approach. Nothing was too much trouble and the chef changed the dishes to accommodate my partner who has a wheat allergy. But i suppose thats because it is privately owned and not part of brewery. Agree with all previous reviews, which is a first!! Will recommend to everyone.
Foodybloke
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My partner & i found this web site while looking for somewhere to eat after our ramble over the downs & itchen. We have previously been to twyford but visited the Phoenix, which was ok and we had sandwiches. Unfortunately a few of our party had cause to send the beer back, but apart from that it was acceptable and quite reasonable for what it was.
I have to say we were very excited about the Bugle after reading the reviews and after we read about the Locals saving their pub. Well, what a pleasant surprise, we had an exquisite lunch and every one commented on how fresh the food was. We mostly had fish and it was beautifully cooked. We asked if we could change a few things and it was no problem at all, so rare to find a pub that is not part of chain & flexible . We were all so impressed we are changing our next ramble so we can go back again. My partner like the local beer from Cheriton as well. Would highly recommend and good value for the quality.
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My Girlfriend & i have been visiting family in Winchester over the bank holiday. I saw the review by a reggiec and thought we would treat her family to a meal. What a lovely place, i had my first ever Boillebise (a fish stew of sorts) and it was amazing, well done chef i will be back in 2 months. Defo worth a visit, good beer which i haven't ever heard of, friendly bar staff & pukka food. Nesspot (Windsor)
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I heard through some friends that they had found this really good pub in Twyford near Winchester were we live. They are real foodies so thought it must be worth a visit, even though i hadn't seen any adverts etc about this pub. All i can say is WOW, the best meal i and my wife have ever experienced. Some might say a little expensive but cheap if you want a class meal that has been well sourced. It was so good we went back the two days later with friends and another great meal from a totally different menu. I can understand why my friends don't want to tell too many people about this little gem. I must mention the local beers, amazing, and the wine was very reasonable too. It is so nice to find a pub that my wife likes more than me and thats not part of a chain. Definitely worth a vist.
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Recently popped in to see how it compared with my visit of 4 years ago as i heard it was much changed. To be fair it is a smart pub now - but it does feel like you are in Cafe Nero! Food was good but pricey as were the drinks. Not a drinking pub in my opinion - my wife liked it - which says it all for me! If you like a drink without the snobbery you might prefer the Phoenix opposite to be honest. If you want to treat the wife to a meal (�6 average starter) then give it a try - be prepared to tip at least 10% as they seem to expect it there!
odbod - 14 Jan 2010 10:35 |
A fantastic pub for good local beers as well as for excellent food, much of which is locally sourced too - the service and welcome were wonderful. I would recommend anyone to visit - we arrived at lunch time and had not booked, but that was no problem. If you are thinking of an evening visit my bet is you would need to book.
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Food has now settled down a bit and does not have the enthusiasm it had at the beginning, but that's the way of these things I guess...perhaps the chef/owner has eased back a bit and is not so present in the kitchen? Beers and staff are still v good though.
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The perfect balance between a local's pub and a smashing place to eat.
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Two of us had lunch - sandwiches & ploughmans at the Bugle last Saturday and today tried their Steak & Ale pie. Both days the food was excellent, plus smart service from enthusiastic young bar staff. Some four choices of local beers on pump. Tried one called flowerpot?. Light & refreshing on a very hot day. Lot of care taken over recent restoration of this pub so all in all - well worth trying.
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Good atmosphere, good beer (Hampshire - Bowman's ales and Cheriton Potts brewery and Guests), excellent food - though service can be variable from the young and enthusiastic team (do book). A wonderful updating of this saved village pub. Be there!
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