(This venue is in the Discount Directory)

Visited August 2003   Revisited November 2004  to be filmed  for Meridian TV, pleased to report the food & service still up to standard!

Various people urged us to try this lovely country pub.  Although we didn't know when we booked (we recommend you do as its always busy) today was a day of celebration!  One "lady" found out she is going to be a grandma for the first time & another that her daughter has just got engaged.  ( Any venues out there with special offers for weddings & christenings??)  Fantastic news but it doesn't half make you feel ancient that our " babies" are doing such grown up things!  Shame we were all driving & unable to have enough alcohol to start feeling young again.  Anyway the food lived up to its reputation and was certainly of celebration calibre. 

We ate on the terrace, so attractive in the sun with masses of cascading flowers but comfortable in the heat as all the tables have sunshades.  Inside is very "olde worlde".  You can eat in the bar area (where smoking is allowed) or further through into the restaurant.  We were shown that they have two more restaurants, one in bottle green which would be great for a private party of about 20, & another in dark red.  Both so cosy you can imagine being very comfortable in them on a cold winter's evening.

The staff were very friendly, efficient & attentive through out our meal.  We started by ordering our drinks at the bar but then had table service as, although The Chestnut Horse  has the appearance of a pub, it is a restaurant & the food is priced accordingly.  Three of us ate from their special two (£12.95) or three (£14.95) course lunch or early evening menu which is available, Mon - Sat lunch 12 noon - 2.00, & Mon - Thurs evenings 6pm - 7.30, ( you must order before 7.30 pm).  Two of us had Avocado & Warm Bacon Salad with Balsamic Dressing, one had Caesar Salad, followed by Poached Salmon with Hampshire Watercress Sauce, Confit of Duck, & a 10ozs. Rib Eye Steak cooked exactly as requested & like butter, so tender.  They were very happy to substitute chips for extra salads.  Our fourth "lady" chose Gazpacho which was the home made soup of the day from  the normal lunch menu & then Crab & Avocado Salad from the Sea Food Specials menu.  No puddings, too full!  Every thing was delicious & so beautifully presented, a feast for the eyes as well the palate!  There was so much choice on the specials boards as well as the menus.  Smaller appetites may well be satisfied with just a starter.  Various sandwiches are available as bar snacks.  We saw someone having their " Famous Fish & Chips".. yummy, I want to return!

With a G & T each & a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc plus coffees,

Cost: £ £ £ £ £

Yummy Factor 9/10

Report C. J.  (PS Look out for the very friendly & gorgeous Paddy, the resident Golden Retriever!)