Lower Froyle
Alton
Hampshire
GU34 4NA

Tel:01420 23261

Website: anchorinnatlowerfroyle.com

Vegetarian: Yes

Parking: Own car park

Wheelchairs: Easy

Loos: Above average

Having enjoyed lunch at The Peat Spade last year we decided we must try out the owners' new venture The Anchor Inn.  We were delighted with the venue, the exterior is inviting, the interior rustic and charming.  Everywhere is jammed with ancient photos and interesting memorabilia, allow time to enjoy it all!  It has been beautifully renovated, we loved the look!  Do look at The Gallery on their website for more interior photos including ones of their bedrooms which look gorgeous.

Dogs on leads are welcome and there were a couple of them in the bar when we arrived adding to the country atmosphere.  A new terrace is being built at the back so when, if ever, we get any sun it will be a welcome addition.

The staff are all very friendly, well trained and able to answer every question we had about the menu.  A nice touch, they bring the specials board to you, very handy when you cant remember anything for longer than 30 seconds!  You can eat in the bar but we chose to move into the dining room, a lovely room that we felt would be ideal for a LWL Privilege Card Holders lunch sometime in the future.

Our starters, from the specials board, Ballotine of Salmon, herb crème fraiche, brioche toast & Ham Hock, broad bean & parsley salad.  From the menu, Salt & Pepper Cornish squid, garlic mayonnaise.  The salmon was the favourite but all were delicious.  Some of the starters may be ordered as a larger portion for a main, otherwise prices range from £5.50 - £9.50 for oysters.

Mains, all from the menu, Smoked Haddock, Jersey Royals, poached egg, Confit Duck leg, pea puree, Chicken Kiev, Waldorf salad.  Again all delicious and beautifully presented but the chicken was the favourite especially the accompanying Waldorf salad, very yummy!  Mains range in price from £12.50 - £18.90 for a rib-eye.

Puds are all £5.95, an English cheese plate £7.50.  We chose an Eton Mess to share, rather sweet but we had just really enjoyed the only Rosé on the wine list, a very gluggable St Marc des Omèdes 2006, Cotes de Provence @ £21.60.  We finished with coffees.

Lunch at the Anchor was a very pleasurable experience, we highly recommend!

Ladies Who Lunch Scoring:

Quality of food
Variety of menu
Staff and service
Ambience, setting and decor
Value for Money

Total Yummy Factor

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)