Rick Stein

One of my all time favourite places to eat. Having moved away from the area more than 6 years ago, I was delighted to find that, even given the difficulties following the pandemic, this wonderful place has maintained a five star rating. Excellent menu and extensive wine list. Attentive and welcoming staff make it special.

Visited, without a booking, on a Saturday afternoon (2.30). Greeted really well and made to feel welcome by the maitre'd. "Come and enjoy some time with us" was an expected and lovely things to say as he lead us to a table. The staff are knowledgeable, very pleasant & helpful. The decor is really nice, a mirrored wall allows all customers to have a 'view' no matter which way they face (other restaurants placing customers with a view of a wall less than a few feet away take note). The open kitchen is a delightful feature for customers to enjoy and added to the experience. For mid-afternoon, the restaurant was busy, but by no means full (a lot of covers to fill), had a good atmosphere and felt like a place-to-be. The wait between placing our order and our meals being brought to us, was long enough for most of our bottle of wine to be sipped away ... as it was, we noticed for many other customers. It seemd, watching the open kitchen, as if the entire team of chef's was focused on cooking for one table at a time. It took almost an hour. If it wasn't a ridiculous thought, we'd say it was a ploy to sell more wine! (It wasn't, but service was (is?) very slow so build that into your visit time especially if it's busy. When it did arrive, the meals were very nicely presented, flavoursome and plentiful. We had battered cod with chips and minted peas, and a whole lobster with chips. At £34 we thought the lobster was good value. All of the ingredeints were good quality. Wine is not a wide choice and mostly, expensive for the offer. The 'discretionary' service charge is 12.5% which on a bill over £100 is heavy and in our view, should be added BEFORE the cost of drinks are included, leaving customers to decide if this unnecessary extra should be given. Drinks add a disproportionate amount to service charges. (Many restaurants should take note and act). Overall, this is a very nice restaurant, pricey, but worth a visit (more than once if you are local). Value for money we give it 7/10. (Photos: From website - they are accurate representations of reality, mine and one from another customer)

A superb restaurant. Fabulous, friendly, efficient service. Dishes are incredibly tasty & show a real respect for their ingredients. The Hake, Turbot & Bream were each a masterclass in fish cookery. If you are out for a special meal try the Camel valley sparkling wine. Personally I think that it beats both champagne and prosecco. Special mention for the Winchester pudding, it is a joy, & served with a generous amount of clotted cream. Faultless from start to finish. We will be back.