Hampshire Hospitality Award 2011-12

The Hampshire Hospitality Award is a quality marque for restaurants, tea rooms, pubs, cafés and other eateries in the county. The award celebrates the best of Hampshire's eating experiences.

The 2011-12 winners are listed below. We've even included some helpful quotes from the assessor. Some eateries have awards for the use of locally grown produce on their menus, some for the overall quality of the dining experience (from service to ambience) and some for both. Pick one that appeals and see what you think. Happy eating!

Contact Hampshire Fare for more information about local producers.

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City centre

Bangkok Brasserie
"The dishes I tasted all showed care and character – mixed selection of starters all had their own identity and were freshly prepared."

Brasserie Blanc 
"The menu suited the market well in terms of range and price; I was impressed by the range of dishes, and the references to gluten-free, dairy-free and jeune blanc."

The Chesil Rectory
"...demonstrates a serious commitment to hospitality, local ingredients and very good cooking."

eighteen71
"The blueberry and lemon cake was moist, light and accurately cooked, with ample well-dispersed berries."

El Sabio Tapas Bar and Restaurant
"The menu felt authentic – with no easy “English” dishes as safety nets. It was good to see mention of gluten-free and vegetarian options."

The Golden Lion
"My meal was wholesome and enjoyable. A fine all round pub, which really stands out for its friendliness and outstanding floral displays."

Hutton's Brasserie
"Hutton's offers capable cooking in a smart and comfortable ambience."

Loch Fyne
"There was an extensive range of fish dishes on the menu, and a specials’ blackboard"

No.5 Bridge Street 
"..a good selection for both quick and more extensive eating. There are references to using local produce on the menu e.g. cheeses, buffalo and Lymington fish."

The Wessex Restaurant
"The menu options were varied and offered good choices and prices. It was certainly good to see a promotion about two English wines."

Morn Hill Brasserie 
"Night light candles added to the atmosphere in the dining area - my meal was enjoyable...good new addition to the local dining scene."

The Old Vine 
"...demonstrated warm hospitality, some fine cooking and a serious commitment to local produce."

Rimjhim 
" The dishes I tasted all showed accuracy and care with cooking, and refinement and variation of spicing; the dishes all had their own individuality."

Terracotta Chinese Restaurant 
"Terracotta is a fine local restaurant and takes care with both its hospitality and cooking."

Wykeham Arms 
"...roasted hake was really juicy and had fine taste of the sea, risotto had good bite and seasoning - an  enjoyable meal."

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Towns and Villages

The Bell Inn
"The two menus offered a good variety of dishes and price points. My dishes were prepared with accuracy and refinement – twice baked watercress and spinach soufflé was light in texture but full of flavour."

The Bush Inn
"...full of character - the menu offered a traditional quality feel, with blackboard dishes and specials, and lighter options at lunchtime."

Tiffin Tea Rooms 
"The menu suited the market well in terms of range and price; I was especially impressed by the selection of teas with short explanations, which made Tiffin really stand out. A fine tea-room serving some delicious cakes."

The Shoe Inn 
"...delightful setting with hanging baskets on the pub frontage and riverside garden across the road. Also noted, eggs and some vegetables come from your own garden."

The Running Horse
"The dishes I tasted were all very good – a delicious watercress flan, with crisp pastry, well seasoned flavours and accurate cooking and warming."

The Dove Inn
"The dishes I tasted all had good flavour and were cooked with care. The setting is attractive with flowers and landscaping at the front." 

Lainston House Hotel
"There was a very good choice of dishes across a range of menus, and presented in a very cleverly designed folder. It was also impressive to have such an interesting vegetarian menu." 

The Thomas Lord
"The menu offered a quality seasonal feel. There are good references to using local produce." 

Greens Restaurant and Bar 
"Greens demonstrates excellent hospitality, some fine cooking and an evident commitment to local produce."

The White Horse Village Inn 
"The menu offered a modern quality feel. The sustainable fish cake had a smooth fishy interior and a crisp coating, the accompanying piccalilli had good bit to the refined pieces of cauliflower."