Freefolk
Whitchurch
Hampshire
RG28 7NJ

Telephone: 01256 892254

Website: watershipdownfreefolk.co.uk

Vegetarian: Yes

Parking: Adjacent

Wheelchairs: Easy

Loos: Above average

About Watership Down, the book http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watership_Down

Upon entering Watership Down one is reminded of a slightly shabby but warm and welcoming old country house.  A fire is burning, (very welcome on a grey day), the resident dog is sleeping on one of the couches and the tables have books, newspapers and even packs of cards to entertain.  Muddy boots were at the door, yes this is a haven for walkers especially as it is situated in such lovely countryside.  Another local attraction is the award winning Hardy's Plants.  We didn't linger to inspect the garden, too cold but from where we'd parked it looked as if the playground would be great fun for children in the warmer months.  It may have a rustic feel but they are modern enough to be equipped with wi-fi, free to all guests.

The menu is varied so it took us some time to make our choices.  We chose a Deli Board to share and a delicious Smoked Mackerel Pate.  Our mains choices, a Sirloin Steak with Herb Butter, Salad and Fries (SM was being very strong willed so declined the very tempting fries!), Rosemary Bashed Chicken Breast with Lemon Risotto and Baby Spinach and I decided on Fish Pie with warmed Cherry Tomatoes, usually one of my favourites.  Every thing was nicely presented and tasty but though I enjoyed the cheesy crust of the fish pie & the flavour of the fish would have preferred more fish and less mash.  They also have a Bar Snacks menu which looked tempting and if we had not been doing a review would most probably have chosen from it.  Some great looking dishes were coming from the kitchen.

The Chocolate Fondant is usually served with vanilla ice cream but to be different we asked for it to be accompanied by Salcombe Stem Ginger ice cream, it was very yummy, I wish I hadn't agreed to share it!  Unusually they serve their coffees in mugs arranged on a board along with home made shortbread biscuits.  We were all driving so only had a glass of wine each.  Their menus and wine list are on the website.

We found out this is Cat & Jim's first pub, as they have only been in residence since September 2008 (you can read more about them on their website) its still very much a work in progress and at the moment they do everything themselves!  Amazingly Cat is on her own in the kitchen producing freshly cooked dishes and insisting on using local produce.  They have already provided a lot of what they know will please their locals (they used to live in one of the nearby villages) and we are confident that eventually they will have a very successful business.

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)