Casa Bodega is no more, it is now called Cromwell Arms (April 2008)

(This venue is in the Discount Directory)

Visited January 2008

The Ladies continue their unceasing quest for the best of culinary delights in Hampshire!  Three of us met for lunch at Casa Bodega on the outskirts of Romsey.  We received a warm welcome from Mark the manager.

The menu looked really good and we could choose 2 courses for £9.95.  I chose soy glazed pork belly, served on curried lentils which looked rather dull but tasted fine.  The Atlantic prawns & crabmeat with a hot tarragon thermidor sauce was delicious as was the char-grilled Mediterranean vegetables, feta cheese, rocket & basil dressing. 

We each chose a different main course in the tradition of the Ladies!  The haddock with a spinach, potato & gruyere gratin was good, the sausages from the specials board were locally sourced and meaty.  I chose the crispy duck leg, sautéed julienne vegetables, noodles & plum sauce, which I found a bit on the greasy side.  The two puds were both delicious, orange crème brulee and honeycomb ice cream.  We washed our food down with a Torres Rose at £19.95 and finished with coffees.

Overall I would say that Casa Bodega although very pleasant would benefit from some upgrading.

Cost £ £ £ £

Another Update January 2007 another excellent quick Tapas lunch!  Very enjoyable.

Update October 2006

Visited February 2005

Having had so many conflicting Guest Book reports about Casa Bodega we thought it about time we visited for ourselves, pleased to report we enjoyed ourselves & we also managed to persuade Harry, the charming owner, to participate in our discount scheme!  So make sure you get yourself a card before your first visit.  As well as at other times, he has generously given discount for Saturday lunch & Sunday evening so at last a venue you can use your cards in at the weekend.  Details in Discount Directory.

It was not very busy but it was early in the week & we received a very warm welcome from the owner & the staff.  

The restaurant is very attractive in a rustic style & deceptively large.  There is a small smoking area but as the loos are upstairs they do not have wheelchair access.  In the summer you can dine al fresco & there is a conservatory.  The landscaped gardens contain a marquee for weddings.  I'd recommend a visit to their website so you can see pictures, read all about the special events & see some sample menus.  There is a comprehensive A La Carte with daily Chefs Specials & I am told all the menus change weekly.

We started our visit at the bar with G&T's, (how unusual but it was the first time this year all 4 of us had got together!), & enjoyed the delicious olives on offer whilst deciding on our choices from the Lunch & Early Dinner Menu.  (Early dinner is from 6pm-7.30pm, so excellent idea if you want to eat early). You can either choose the items as priced or have any 2 courses for £9.95.

Cost (with 1 bottle House white) £ £ £ £

Yummy Factor 8/10

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