Abbots Mitre
Village Street
Chilbolton SO20 6BA
Tel: 01264 860348
Website planned for early 2009
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Abbots Mitre Village Street Chilbolton SO20 6BA Tel: 01264 860348 Website planned for early 2009 |
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Vegetarian: Yes Parking: Alongside/behind Wheelchairs: Restricted Loos: Basic but spotless
Visited November 2008 (This venue is in The Discount Directory offering 10% discount on food at lunch time Mons - Thurs)
Two of us chose to visit Abbots Mitre for a small celebration, as we had learned that it now comes under the auspices of the proprietors of The Mill Arms, Dunbridge with which we were so impressed last year.
Whilst Ian and Andrea Bentall do own this new venture, it is in the stewardship of a young French couple, Sebastien and Elodie (such a lovely name). Having endured 4 years of poor trade, there has been a lot of hard work by both couples in managing/undertaking refurbishment inside and out, and getting the village “back on side” – thankfully they are starting to see the fruits of their labours.
Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed (by Elodie we later established) and offered a choice of table in the “old style” restaurant – we chose one near to (but not too near!) the lovely open fire. To warm our cockles, we supped on ginger wine/beer whilst considering the menu and enjoying the sight of logs being energetically chopped outside (by Sebastien we later established!).
The menu is smallish (5 starters, 6 mains) but we prefer it this way – the options change regularly to reflect seasonality and produce availability. The Watercress and Potato Soup (sorry, no photo) was flavoursome and wholesome with the Potato adding a textural twist to this mid-Hampshire favourite. The Ratatouille of Winter Vegetables was deliciously light and beautifully seasoned, far exceeding expectations.
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As our main dishes were being prepared the restaurant started to fill up with local golfers (they call themselves DREGS!) – we took this to be a good sign as we know what cultured palates golfers’ have! (sorry, an “in joke”). RM chose the “Breast and Leg of Pheasant” which had been “beaten” by Elodie and Ben (one of the two chefs) earlier in the week – the meat was good, the parsnip and potato mash sublime, a side dish of vegetables would have been welcome. MM (a confirmed herbivore, apart from Chorizo!) plumped for the “Chorizo and Tomato Chilli Linguine”, which was pronounced “memorable for all the right reasons, perfect”.
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As we completed our customary “Quick Crossword”, the golfers tucked into their hearty “brunch”, and local businessmen started to gather at the bar, our desserts arrived. Crème Brulée for him and Sticky Toffee Pudding for her – has the world turned on its head?! CB was good but not warm as anticipated on this winter’s day; STP was everything that a STP should be - dark, dense, moist and delicious. To summarise, Abbots Mitre is a “work in progress” but one showing much promise. Sebastien and Elodie have made a very good start and are looking to create a successful pub dining venture to match The Mill Arms. They are a charming and enterprising young couple who deserve to be supported. |
P.S. The “Pig Racing” evenings sound fun….!
Cost £ £ £ £ £
| Quality of food 4/5 |
| Variety of menu 3/5 |
| Staff & Service 4/5 |
| Ambience, setting and decor 3/5 |
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Value for money 4/5 Total Yummy Factor 18/25 Guest report RM 5/5 = Cannot be improved upon, 4/5 = Very good, 3/5 = Good, 2/5 = Satisfactory, 1/5 = Poor, 0/5 = Terrible |
| The higher the "Yummy" factor, the better the food & service. The higher the number of £ signs the more expensive. ( Roughly one £ sign = £5 per head ) |
| Site Entrance |
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