The Wheatsheaf, Braishfield

"Blessed I was indeed to have this as my second local". I am with Bruce Reed in so many ways, and wholeheartedly endorse his recommendation of The Wheatsheaf. I've spent yet another wonderful day there today - having popped in for lunch but having been side-tracked by proper newspapers, great wine, fantastic food and a welcome for dogs that you don't tend to get outside the New Forest. A wonderful Sunday lunchtime walk (for anyone who visits Hilliers just outside Romsey/Braishfield, go across country away from Romsey, as this area is amazing in the autumn) was perfectly rounded with a wonderful lunch. My partner and I had the fresh pork (if you're shy of seeing your food on the plate, you shouldn't sit in the big window - all pork here is reared on the premises, so watching it frolick while you dine is not for those of a nervous disposition...) and the gumbo, which was a soup, a stew, something Cajun, something sexy and something truly delicious, both of which were absolutely fantastic, followed by a couple of glasses of their extensive wine selection (my partner drinks Pinot Noir and it is a relief to find a place that indulges her). Fabulous puddings - we destroyed the mini doughnuts, whereas I (*guilt*) couldn't finish a pudding and so "just" had the local cheeseboard, with quince jelly and local honey. And it was excellent.

Keep it going, Wheatsheaf! This place has been in the BBC Good Food Magazine recently, on top of a host of other accoloades - Pete and Jenny, Landlord and Landlady, keep up the good work - you're definitely a 10/10 from us. I, my wife and our dog will be back. Just keep the big hairy Newfoundland from growling too much - wake him up next time!!!

28 Oct 2007 22:14