To clarify, 4.5 Stars…read more Now, I've done reviews about pubs before but honestly I feel a bit strange doing a review about The Brickmakers. Why? Because it's the amalgamation of a standard English pub with a very nice restaurant and that to me as the American foreigner I am, is strange. I've been to The Brickmaker's three times now; once due to my boyfriend's family insisting on taking me there for lunch and twice on my request after my first experience. It is good. Now obviously the stereotype of British food is that they make almost everything into pies, which... isn't proved wrong by the Pie of the Day on the menu but again the more I visit the more I realize that England's food and food culture, just like every other country with a vast history, has been shaped into what it is today and has unfortunately, more history in their food than my country does in its Historical texts. Nevermind the stereotypes, on to the review. The Brickmakers is excellent. A very nice traditional pub feel with wooden picnic tables outside for smoking, a bar well stocked with liquor, wine, and local ales you wouldn't expect too much from the food from this pub but really it is very good quality food. Two of the three times I came I had lunch, once (of course being the true American I am) I had a burger, and it was a really good burger. To be honest, that's high praise right there considering my favorite restaurant in my home town is very famous for making top notch burgers. It had all the right trimmings that, surprisingly, many pubs leave out like dill pickles and red onions. The last time I went I had their venison burger, which also receives high praise from me. I'm not a huge fan of venison because of the particular gamey taste but this one had very little and was amazingly satisfying. Overall, nothing in this pub disappointed me. It is a bit pricey but if you're travelling in England everything is and in my opinion it is well worth the price. It's not necessary to eat there but I suggest you do, I've decided to make at tradition of eating there every time I go into Wickham for a visit. A good combination of a old fashioned free house and a new age of dining.

Quick glance: + large portion, no-frill pub food…read more+ local ales and ciders + no-mobile policy + dog-friendly + beer garden I came here for lunch based on the recommendation from a pub guide. It's tucked away, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, but it's worth the drive especially on a hot, sunny summer day to take advantage of the large garden in the back. The pub stocks a large selection of local ales and ciders, which is a definite bonus. When we were there, a few dogs from other patrons wandered freely around the premise, nuzzling against our elbow for scraps of food, which I thought was unusual (for a city dweller like me!) but cute. The pub has a no-mobile policy such that if you take a call in the pub, you're charged a pound, kind of like the swear jar. I love the idea - more pubs should do this! The food itself is honest, no-frill pub grub made with high-quality and fresh ingredients. The huge portion and decent price made a good value lunch.

This pub is about as off the beaten track as it gets. Follow the little narrow road until you feel…read morelike you've hit the heart of Hampshire countryside and you'll find the Bowman. In my five years of coming to South Hants I have not known a finer pub. With a gorgeous sprawling beer garden and a nice homely feel the Hampshire Bowman is, at least in my opinion, an epitome of a good English pub. They serve local ales brewed by the Bowman Brewery supplemented by a rotating guest ales and ciders. Their food is considered "typical pub fare" but they often have a twist. I've had hoisin duck sausages over a bed of chinese vegetables that was absolutely amazing. If you don't feel like exploring with your food then their burger is always a good choice. The barmen are always friendly, the food is consistently good, and the pints are always perfect (I've yet to have a bad pint here). The atmosphere, despite the sprawling space is intimate due to the landlord's strict "No Mobile Phone" policy, which he and his regulars actually enforce. If your phone goes off you pay a quid that ultimately goes to charity and to be honest, I've not heard of anyone having a problem with the pub rule. I can't really put my finger on what makes the Bowman such a good pub... it just is and I'm not the only one who thinks so as it is a local favorite. Perhaps it's the fact that the landlord is dog-friendly and provides water bowls and dog treats for walkers and hikers. Maybe it's because of the reasonable price for a good local ale and a plate of fine pub fare. Maybe it's the no-mobile policy which makes the pub and ideal place to have a pint and a good chat with friends or family. Or it's possible it's the combination of all of these that account for the inexplicable reason that at the Hampshire Bowman the pints just taste sweeter.

We were the 2nd table to be seated for Sunday service. We sat in the restaurant which was light and…read moreairy. The tables were comfortably spaced in the room. We had 2 waitresses one of which was training. They were both polite and friendly. For the price the roast dinner was spot on. The meats were cooked beautifully and the vegetables had great variety. Although not pictured the sticky toffee pudding was amazing. It was too good to stop for a photograph. We would highly recommend this pub to friends and family.

Gorgeous little pub inside and out. So well placed in the country side and right near the Meon…read moreValley, Marriott Hotel. It has a very family-friendly warm feel to it, with open log fires, a heated beer garden, and lots of comfortable seating. I loved the large, old picture frames décor with empty bottles of pricy champagne and whisky filling the window sills. This is definitely the kind of pub I could spend a whole Sunday afternoon in, sampling the merchandise... They do food up until 9pm, and certain things are *extremely* reasonably priced. f you get a basket meal, you get a choice of Scampi, Southern Friend Chicken Strips, Cheeseburger, Sausages, or Tempura Battered Vegetables (all served with chips) for £4.95! And on every day of the week you can get a specific dish for a fiver as well, ranging from Fish and Chips to Lasagna and Risotto. The cheeseburger tasted a bit microwaved, unfortunately but the chips were solid and service was quick. Clientele ranges from those these for a couple pints and the footie to groups of 20 year olds taking advantage of the cheap food and drinks. Will definitely be back, but won't be getting that cheeseburger.

This is a pleasant locals pub, quiet and homely with a freindly landlord. Don't expect to get food…read morehere (other than maybe a bag of crisps!) but do expect a fine pint of real ale at a very reasonable price. There are no regular hand-pulled beers but the landlord gets in different beers every week, mostly local but some from much further away. He also stocks the most amazing selection of scotch whiskies over 100! Oh, and don't miss Blues night on the first Wednesday of every month with some on of the finest bans in the South!

We had a Sunday lunch two slow roasted Pork Belly's. The food was delicious and came out promptly…read more The service is the restaurant was spot on, very helpful and friendly but not too pushy. There are two areas to the pub with the bar in the middle and a garden area. We shared a pudding and had coffee's afterwards. It worked out about £20 per head which is great value for the quality of food and service.

It is very difficult reviewing this pub as I have never known another like it! When you step…read morethrough the doors, it's like going into someone's living-room who happens to have a bar there! The owner is a really friendly guy who is quick to make you feel welcome straightaway but the quirky thing is that the he may decide to close early. I have been caught out a few times where the opening hours say the pub should be open but the doors are locked! There is a garden out the back which is really well looked after and is the owner's pride and joy. The drinks are quite expensive (£4 for a pint) but the owner freely admits he does this as he doesn't want to attract the wrong kind of customer who drinks too much and gets out of hand. The result is a pub with a real community feel to it - even if you're not a local. If you like the anonymity of regular pubs, or pub chains, then this pub is not your kind of thing. However, if you like old-fashioned locals with the feel that comes with it, this is a place you should try. (The pub doesn't serve food). The pub has earned awards/recommendations from the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) organisation.

Excellent fish and chips and very good grilled halloumi chickpea salad…read more An attractive pub with a large garden at the front and very friendly staff (and a super friendly owner). Desserts were to die for! :-) Definitely a recommend.

On a winding country road in the rolling valleys of Southampton, the Cricketers Inn stands a margin…read moreaway from the road, presenting a large garden before its entry way. Large benches looking onto the cottage-like facade make for what I imagine a gorgeous place to enjoy some Pimms in the summer. However, in the chilly December nights we took refuge inside the establishment, furnished with light-wood, bright and simply decorated. The right hand side of the inn features a wall-papered library theme with shelves of books printed onto the walls. This makes for an interesting feel of studious eating. Almost a little bit stressful after all the student hours spent in the library. The steak cooked rare was very nice indeed, virtually without fatty discard and a succulent flavor, dripping in its own slightly salty juices. It was large and came with a bit of cress and chips. The cheese board was nice as well, giving you Brie, Wensleydale, several hard cheeses as well as a pot of chutney and grapes. For the area and the quality of food it was reasonable priced and good for our group of 8. Our waitress met our inebriation with a large spot of jest and good humor. But not without sarcasm. The food came out quickly and we were given lollipops out our way out. When in the area, I would definitely return.

The Good Pub Guide is pretty reliable and this pub not only has an entry, it has a 2009 national…read moreaward for The Best Publican. This seems a bit backhanded as, if I were a publican, I'd prefer to receive the award for best pub or best food but any award must be welcome and mine host was certainly welcoming and friendly on the Sunday we went for lunch. Indeed, all the staff were friendly and attentive. The usual Sunday roasts were generous, well-cooked (especially the vegetables). The puddings were memorable. Prices were reasonable to low. I'd go again.

A good traditional english pub, extensive menu, reasonably priced with decent portions. Staff were…read morehelpful, with good knowledge of the menu. Would definitely return.

Gorgeous Food, seasonal ingredients with a great christmas menu…read more open for lunch and evening meals, also has a seperate wine bar which is really nice just to go and relax in. the food is very reasonable for the quality, the drinks are quite expensive but for now and again not extortionate. Food changes with the seasons (a good indication of fresh produce) The place it's self is below ground level with quite low ceilings but very cool with lots of little areas it doesn't feel cramped (though very tall people may find that an issue). the waiting staff are lovely too.

This is possibly my favourite restaurant and I'm lucky enough to live just a 30 second walk away!…read more I love it here, its great for special occasions and perfect for romantic meals. They also accomodate for large parties really well. It can be a bit expensive, although they do excellent specials which are always worth a try. The staff are friendly and very informative! You really have to go and see for yourself to really appreciate it!