The Watership Down Inn

We came for lunch as a half way meeting point for family and so pleased we did! We thoroughly enjoyed everything about it. The pub was cosy and warm, the food was incredible and our meals were cooked to perfection and the presentation was beautiful. Attentive service too. Well done everyone. We are already thinking of ways to return. Thank you very much.

Stayed for 2 nights in a garden room, one of a block of purpose made, large rooms with a huge en-suite. High quality finishes and furniture, outside seating on the small patio outside. Lovely space to relax and sleep.||The pub itself is a bar and restaurant which flows into a conservatory area. The menu has plenty of choice and, again, quality shines through. There are nibbles, starters, mains and sweets. Shout out for the fish dishes and the excellent sticky date pudding, yummy!!! Breakfasts are plentiful and served in the conservatory with enough choice for anyone.||The owner and his partner run and maintain a really welcoming environment. The locals provide a nice ambience and are a friendly bunch happy to get involved in any banter. You know who you are Mr. Cul-de-sac, lol!||Outside there is a lovely cottage garden area full of flowers and a garden area with picnic benches where you can chill. Outside the bar is a seating area where you can sit with a drink in the (hopefully) sunshine.||There is ample car parking on site and a car is necessary to explore the area. However there are lovely walks accessible from the pub either via St. Nicholas church or heading towards Whitchurch. ||We had planned a visit to the Bombay Sapphire distillery which is only a short walk away, around 15 mins.||All-in-all, very happy with our choice and thanks to the staff and owners for a great experience. Highly recommended from us if you are looking for a stay in the area.

Met some friends in the middle for a Sunday roast, a little later than hoped as that was all that was available but the reviews seemed it was worth it. Setting was amazing, and we looked forward to a lovely roast dinner. Sadly, after ordering our drinks we waited another 30 mins or so to order our mains (a table that arrived after us had their order taken just before). The drinks included an opened bottle of mineral water (£4.40) when asked for tap. When the mains came which included two orders of roast beef at £24, whilst nicely presented we’d clearly got the end of the cut. Quite a fatty and gristly portion for both the beef eaters. The potatoes had little flavour and no seasoning, and there was no cauliflower cheese present as per the menu. Again this suggested some rushed cooking for the later covers. Reluctant portions of gravy were another feature that pointed to the end of service. We’re still paying the same price! Throughout we weren’t asked again if we needed or wanted anything, with one member of staff who seemed rushed off their feet, despite there being around 5 tables left and other staff available. Some of our plates were cleared before one of our diners had finished, which seemed a strange bit of fleeting service when otherwise left on our own. Disappointing when at a very premium price, and with a discretionary 12.5% service charge added to the bill. For us, not worth the money when you can get a significantly better product for less. A lovely pub in a lovely north Hampshire setting, hopefully we had a rare disappointing experience.