‘Perfect’ Test Valley Pubs for all Occasions.

The ‘perfect pub’ range aims to highlight briefly a number of excellent pubs in the Test Valley area, recommending each as being perfect for different occasions.  The author would love the excuse to visit additional hostelries in the never ending search for the comprehensive local pub guide, so please do send in any more suggestions, comments or alert me to any notable omissions.

The Hawk Inn at Amport a great pub in a very rustic setting, recently done up.  The perfect pub for meeting up with a big gang of friends.

The Mallet Arms, Newton Tony in army circles this is known as the other Officers’ Mess, but do not be put off by all the red trousers and tweed.  A cosy, traditional pub atmosphere with plenty of history on its walls.  The perfect pub for a beer fuelled pub grub supper.  As much as I try, I cannot order anything other than the Mallet burger, which is world-renowned!

The Fox at Tangley a pub which on the surface looks like a conventional pub, does in fact serve delicious Thai food.  Also a very delicious house champagne to boot and great local bitters.  Perfect pub for a working supper.

The Shears, Collingbourne Ducis.  This pub, set in a very pretty location has recently changed hands.  The food is excellent, not too fussy and invariably delicious.  A perfect pub for date night with the Mrs.

The Lion at Clanville.  Tucked away and very much off the beaten track, this pub has recently re-opened after being re-furbished (it needed this as it had lost it’s way somewhat).  Good honest grub; the perfect pub for a girls’ night out.

The Peat Spade.  A warm and welcoming pub with a convivial atmosphere and very decent food.  A perfect pub for taking friends from London to, in order for them to realise what they are missing out on.

The Mayfly, Stockbridge.  In an exceptional setting by the Test river, this is a busy pub and undoubtedly a popular destination, particularly when the sun’s out.  The food is simple but good and has to be produced on something of a mass scale, out of necessity.  A good destination pub to paddle, walk, cycle or drive to (in that order) on a sunny day.

The Greyhound, Stockbridge.  Another pub that is more of a restaurant than a pub.  The menu and food are extremely good, with a full and comprehensive wine list.  A good pub to not take the kids to and enjoy with your other half.