The Portway Inn, Andover

Used this Inn for a central meeting point for a girlie catch up - Staff attentive upon arrival, seated quickly, then you have to go the counter to place your order, I joined the queue where there was one lady taking the orders, after a wait I asked her was she on her own, as there were staff chatting together by the next till, she just smiled and apologised for the wait. and the queue grew....I noticed that there seemed to be management rushing around, but they did not appear to notice the chatting staff.

Our starter was lovely, I had ordered a medium rare rump steak, when it arrived it was so small and was well done, three quarters of the plate was covered in peas, 4 small half mushrooms, and the smallest baked potato I have ever seen - I tried to catch the eye of the waitress about the steak but it was busy, so I just ate the potato.

When the waitress came to clear the table, she asked was the steak not to your satisfaction, I told her that I ordered med rare not well done and she did offer to get me another one.

My friends left half of their meals and as we had already paid up front we decided to leave and go to a pub down the road for puddings and coffee.

This place is ideal for a quick stop off meal on your journey.

Maybe it was because it was busy, I don't know but it was the first time we had been there and definitely will be the last.

16 May 2010 14:30

Compton Swan Hotel, Compton

Went to a function there last night - the ambience was great, the buffet was one of the best I have ever had, my taste-buds didn't know what had hit them - I actually asked the staff about various items on the buffet table and they explained what each item was, then I spoke to the French chef who had been given a free rein to do the buffet of his choice and boy did he excel!

I am a smoker and the smoking outside area was lovely and had heating lamps.

Wish we did not live an hour away as we would go there more often, as I would love to try their restaurant as I have heard the meals are also excellent.

Would I go back? Definitely YES!

16 May 2010 14:11