The Way Inn, Basingstoke

The Way Inn closed its doors in late January 2014, courtesy of Enterprise Inns who fell out with the licensee because he had the temerity to stand up to them. During his tenure Enterprise refused to honour their obligation to maintain the exterior of the pub. Odd, then, that since his departure the pub has been given a complete makeover. What is even more odd is the decision to revert to the original name - the Rising Sun - especially considering the terrible reputation the pub had under that name. Still closed at the time of writing (early May 2014).

4 May 2014 13:43

Queens Arms, Basingstoke

I think it's about time I put in my five pennyworth.
To their credit, Mark and Donna have kept the pub very much as it was under Terry and Beb. Any changes that have been made have been subtle and all have been improvements. The beer is more consistent now and the variety has considerably increased. The Queens always was a chatty, community pub and that certainly is still the case now. That comment re the microwaves is hurtful and simply not true - yes, some dishes are prep'd in advance but most are freshly cooked. The quality and range of the dishes on offer is extremely good and I would recommend the pub to anyone wanting to sup or dine in a traditional pub that has lost none of its charm over the years. And there aren't many Basingstoke town pubs that can boast that!

7 Apr 2007 11:07

The Way Inn, Basingstoke

Farewell Rising Sun (some might say "Good riddance ...") and welcome to the Way Inn. Opened about a week ago, the Way Inn is about as different to the old RS as it's possible to imagine. Contrary to rumours, it's not a gastropub but a smart new CLEAN pub that retains some of the features of the old place but is now somewhere that you would be quite happy to take friends or family (unlike before). The front bar has been extended and is a lot more airy and light. The top bar now has a glass partition, through which you can see the main bar, which further enhances the light effect. The patio has been smartened up and the large grassed area is still there, possibly awaiting some landscaping. That's a guess. And then there are the toilets. Those of you who experienced the old versions will welcome the smart new ones. 10/10.
Cask ales at the time of my visit were Hopback Summer Lightning, Greene King Abbot Ale, Adnams Explorer, Timothy Taylor's Landlord (which I tried and was in first class condition) and Deuchar's IPA.
Food is available (there's even a Kids' section on the temporary menu) and the pub has an on-site chef. I won't go into details of what's available but there's a good variety from basic pub grub to salmon fillet and Rib Eye steak
The Way Inn is a welcome addition to the pub scene outside of the Top-of-Town circuit in Basingstoke which for many is a no-go area on Friday and Saturday nights. Thoroughly recommended.
The Way Inn is situated on Chapel Hill, Basingstoke (near the railway station). Telephone: (01256) 321520.
JimT - 12 Aug 2006 13:23

12 Aug 2006 17:49