Visited April 2005

With a bit of prompting from locals we decided it was time we made an effort to travel further North in Hampshire & were recommended to try the Waggon & Horses.  It was a horrible day which was a shame as Hartley Wintney is a pretty little place to wonder around & admire the contents of the antique shops.  The saloon bar in the pub is very tiny & welcoming with a roaring fire so we chose to eat in there.  (There is also the Public Bar with more tables in.)  It is a very traditional, old fashioned English pub!  Smoking everywhere, slightly shabby, or should I say well lived in, but a good atmosphere & obviously very popular with the many regulars who seemed to come in.  They don't take bookings, so advise early arrival.  The pub has many certificates on the wall from Camra so obviously a venue for real ale fans.  Not so good for wine fans, they did either red or white Jacobs Creek, but we are easily pleased so not a problem, at least it was cold!  

From the menu we shared 2 starters, smoked mackerel fillet with horseradish sauce & prawns in garlic butter with lemon wedges.  Both dishes well presented & served with salad garnish & brown bread.  One choice for mains was their homemade cheese & potato pie (more like cheese mash) served with sausages & honey mustard, very yummy.  The rest of us had warm ciabattas, 2 filled with chicken, with cranberry sauce & stuffing & 1 filled with bacon, mozzarella & tomato.  All delicious.  We saw several people having enormous portions of fish & chips which looked delicious!  We finished with coffees.

The staff were very friendly & the service was fun, a cross between self & table service depending on which direction they were headed in!  Made a big effort to get us a very large jug of iced water.  Next time we are in the area we will revisit.

Cost £ £ plus a little more.

Yummy factor 7/10

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