Bear and Ragged Staff in Test Valley

We really like this pub. Seating area is spacious and I bet it’s gorgeous when the fires are lit in the winter . Service was good. The couple front of house were friendly and helpful. We had fish and chips. Huge piece of battered fish. Very tasty. We had gammon and eggs which was a generous helping and the plate was seen off as delicious. I had Mac cheese and chips and salad. I really enjoyed this. We would recommend this pub.

A delicious Sunday roast with yummy vegetables- roasted carrot, red cabbage and cauliflower cheese which complimented the beef, roast potatoes, large Yorkshire pudding and stuffing perfectly- plus extra gravy- what's not to like!

First time in here Food was great, good service too. Maybe a wider selection of larger would be better

Nothing much to recommend here unfortunately. Dried out yorkshire puddings, very small amount of crackling that we had to ask for and was delivered with poor attitude Drinks not delivered for ages after ordering Ignored by waitresses who were " busy " wiping the tables, or rather wiping round the condiments and candle had to clear our own plates onto the window sill behind us left without ordering desserts or coffee as no one asked us if we wanted any and tbh we didn't want to give them any more of our money

Amazing lunch for a family gathering Everyone from ages 84 to 2 years of age had a great time - almost all the various dishes chosen were delivered at the same time and were delicious & generous portions Lovely staff & manager Leigh made organising so easy and was a pleasure to work with .

UPDATED POST October 2024 - Very poor service on a Friday lunchtime, 1.30pm. Our mains took a while to arrive but it was fairly busy. I paid for two ice creams at 14.19. Twenty minutes later (our main dishes, dirty, were still in front of us), my wife went to enquire and 2 desserts soon appeared - but - they weren't ours. The server went to investigate as there were no other dessert orders in the kitchen. Oh, she said later, the till roll had run out in the kitchen so they didn't know about your order. When our ice creams finally arrived, they gave us an extra scoop for free to make amends. ORIGINAL POST had 5 stars, April 2024.Four adults and one child called in for lunch on a Monday in March. The pub was unexpectedly busy. The ONE server behind the bar - the only person at all 'out front' - found a table for us. When ordering, he warned us there would be a longer than usual wait as they were short staffed - we appreciate such honesty. Yes, the food did take a bit longer but not that much and it was delicious. We felt sorry for the poor chap as he was literally running around. He was very apologetic when he brought our meals.

Went for lunch today and ordered the fish pie. It came in a tiny round dish topped with sliced new potatoes. The actual pie consisted of a few tiny pieces of fish and peas in a thin watery sauce. In addition, I had about six boiled new potatoes on the side with no butter and yet more peas and kale. The kale was so tough it was basically inedible. This was honestly the worst fish pie, what there was of it, I have ever had in a pub. In addition to the food, the ladies toilets were dirty and I dread to think the last time they were cleaned properly. I shan't be going back.

Pulled in on the off chance, so glad we did. Lovely staff, nice friendly atmosphere, great food. 10/10.👍

Excellent roast dinner. 👌 dessert was very good also Been a while since we have been there, as the menu dropped off a but. But they have definitely improved and will be back before too long

Friendly, easy going, good service & food.

Lovely pub. Friendly helpful staff. Fabulous Sunday lunch. Really tasty and large portion. Just like a home cooked roast.

My partner & I came for lunch, We were very impressed & have been several times before. I think it was the best lunch or roast we've ever had brilliant chef & compliments to him please. He is excellent.

Absolutely brilliant 👏- amazing food, lovely staff and first class atmosphere and experience. Can not recommend highly enough.

Lovely place to eat and relax. Good starting and finishing point for walks.

Ate outside in the garden on a lovely evening and the food was great. Fish and chips looked good and burger was delicious.

Lovely place, friendly and helpful staff, lovely food.

We visited this place today on the way home for an evening out when we got there the place was quiet which was expected for a Thursday evening, we went in found a table and got food menus we choose what we want (3 adults 2 kids) went to the bar and ordered where the bar maid was bit half hearted, I ordered food and then our drinks which was then made in front of me “3 pint Pepsi please” wasn’t sure if she thought I ment 3 pints of ice and dash of Pepsi as the glass was full to the top with ice but we move on. Food was delivered to the table I look at the plate and thought where the other half of my dinner a sprinkling of chips bit of chicken with bacon and cheese on it and bowl of coleslaw the kids meal look like it had more in it at this point…. Will not be returning for the price of £80 for 3 adult meals and 2 kids meal 3 pints of Pepsi 1/2 pint Pepsi and apple juice no wonder our pubs are going to the ground!!

Went for lunch today and ordered two sandwiches (on toasted ciabatta.) We decided to share so split the chicken, bacon and barbecue one and the BLT. We also ordered a starter portion of halloumi fries. The pub was relatively busy but we had to wait over half an hour for food which seemed excessive for what we ordered and we were not advised there was a wait. The food was hot when placed in front of us. The halloumi fries were nice but served with garlic mayo, not the siracha mayo as described on the menu. Our issue was the sandwiches. As you can see from the photo I think £9.95 for a barely half filled, hardly toaster ciabatta is ridiculous. The BLT (not pictured) had a little more filling but not much more. I don’t really know how the kitchen feel comfortable about sending this out. No one came to check if we were happy with our meal and did not say anything when we left because frankly I couldn’t be bothered. The pub is fine for a drink but I wouldn’t order food…it’s expensive for what you get!

Had lunch here a few days ago. Chose the Chalk Stream trout which was very good. Only gave 4 stars as I feel that the pub is a little tired in places.

What an excellent pub! We sat outside for lunch, the staff were super friendly, the service was really good and the food was quite simply delicious. Highly recommended.

Food OK. Service and welcome good. No varied selection of non alcohol drinks/mocktails but server made us some on request.

Really enjoyable car meet. Unfortunately the queue was too long to get a drink but that didn't spoil our evening. We'll be back next month.

Called in for a Sunday lunch with the family. Excellent food, service and atmosphere. Thank you so much - will definitely be back again soon!

Probably one of the best Pub Sunday roast dinner I’ve had in a very long time! Plenty of vegetables to go around and the extra free roast potatoes to keep us hungry males happy! The food was a little slow to arrive- but I’m guessing that the two plated meals were probably cooked fresh to order(?)- so no real complaints there… We would definitely consider returning if we were in the area again.

Great staff So much better than the Goat just down the road Thanks

Slightly disappointed there were no starters but the mains were delicious. Generous portions and friendly staff. Would go again

Thank you to the Landlady and all the staff. We had a leaving do over a lunch time and everyone had a great time and a great meal. The fish and chips were fantastic and definitely one for those with a large appetite. We will definitely be back. Thank you

Had a roast dinner a couple of months ago and wasn't impressed, as locals thought we would give it another try, (benefit of the doubt) and what an improvement, roast potatoes as they should be, crispy outside and fluffy inside, (not anemic as before) but the star for us was the Beef, no fat and nice and pink as beef should be, and what a team, the new landlady Leigh was more than welcoming and accommodating, the New chef Rich also took the time to introduce himself and have a chat. Great experience.

We booked for Sunday roast while camping in the area. We were not disappointed! Beef and pork were on the menu for our party and both were delicious and well cooked. Bottomless roasties and additional Yorkshire puddings were a major plus! If we’re in the area again we’ll be back!!

Great food. Lovely staff. Very nice inside or out in the sun

This 18th Century, Grade11 listed pub is an experience that shouldn't be missed. Nice pint of Fullers London Pride, with plenty of other beers to choose from. The original old pub has been extended to be more than twice it's floor area. Good food menu and friendly staff. Plenty of seating inside and out. Large car park. Frontage of the pub is best seen on the south side.

Where do I start visited Monday 8th July at 6.15pm not a very warm welcome by the lady behind the bar very abrupt did not look like she wanted to be there. The menu online is nothing like what was offered so wasted our time. We left our drinks and went elsewhere.

Not very welcoming staff at all. The barmaid looked and acted as if they didn't want to be there. Our drinks had this funny taste. When given the menu it was completely different to what they have on the website. When we looked at this and with the service or lack of, we decided to go elsewhere

We held a 90th Birthday Party on 29th June 2024 here. The buffet food that was provided was excellent and Leigh and the team at The Bear and Ragged Staff were very nice and helpful. The area of the pub that was cordoned off for us was great, as there were 40 guests and they allowed us to put up some decorations for the celebrations.Nothing we asked of them was too much trouble.Many Thanks and will definitely use again for future family gatherings.

Sadly they were short of food but lovely staff and what we had was good.

Was driving by and popped in for fish and chips and cold drink, was very nice ,couldn't tell you how much my pal paid also dog friendly

Very nice pub , it's changed a lot as I've known this pub back in the 70s and feel it had a lot more character back then like many old pubs that has been affected by progress to survive in this hectic climate.

Very impressed with the young staff. Couldn't do enough for us. Noticed my shaky hand and immediately carried my drinks out to my party in the garden. When our food arrived, it was noticed that we hadn't collected our cutlery so the barman went and got it for us. The food was excellent. Shame it's too far from home to be my local.

Good food good beers good price

Pre-booked in for a Christmas 🎄Lunch. Table was nicely pre-set and presented with Christmas 🎄crackers. Food was fantastic. Really nice Turkey slices. Wasn’t too dry and delicious with the gravy. 😋 There were already sides on the plate and we had been given a generous serving of extra sides. (Potatoes and veggies) We were a table of 3 and there were plenty to go around. Service was good (waiting staff), but food arrived later than expected and seemed a little slow for how busy the place was during lunch.

Had a lovely Sunday lunch with friends today. Excellent cheerful service giving all four of us what we wanted.

The haddock and chips were delicious. I had the smaller portion. The normal portion was huge. My husband enjoyed it . It was quite expensive but tasty

We had a nice pub meal out in the garden. The service was very good .

It's a lovely place and all staff are very friendly. However, you now have a timeslot for your table. Our meal was booked for 1 o'clock and we were allocated the table until 2.30. We ordered food at 1.10 and it arrived about 1.45/1.50 which only gave us 40 minutes. Luckily we hadn't ordered starters, just a main. I thought it a little expensive for what it was. The food was nice, but not really what I expected for the price. The actual place and setting is really nice, so was an OK lunch.

Great atmosphere and good drink selection. Would recommend

Catering for my special eating needs with mo problem or hassle.

It was mother's day, food was great and dog friendly,and 11 of us.

We visited for mother's day, when a lovely member of staff asked who the mums were out of our party. 3 of us put our hands up and the lady came back with a gift for us all. A lovely box with a mini gin and tonic for each of us. 💓 Very warm and friendly pub, and the roast beef was the nicest ice ever eaten.

A most enjoyable experience! Attentive, welcoming and friendly service, lovely food. We'll be back!

Dropped in for lunch, greeted as we walked in. Had to ask for menu as weren't on table. Ordered at bar and food arrived quickly and was great quality, fish and chips. Little bit dingy but not dark but an old building hence 4 stars.

Good pub food and reasonably priced. It was absolutely dead for a Saturday evening only saw one other table eating otherwise the place was empty

Good food and very friendly staff and regulars. Very welcoming to our pooch 😊

We were visiting for a Sunday roast which was good.

Welcome refreshment after a visit to Mottisfont Abbey. The NT cafe there is characterless and uninspiring. This pub is a lovely stop off, on the way home. Full of character.

it was early few people but loud not back ground music until the band came that’s different and sets a different atmosphere didn’t get to try the food has been good in the past

Absolutely lovely pub with strong country vibe and core of friendly locals at the bar (which is always a great sign ✅)

Great food and service. Will certainly be using again. Amazing Sunday roasts

Enjoyed our meal at the bear & ragged staff . we hadn't booked but they were able to accommodate us .

Lovely food, with good choice. Friendly staff. Shame no Christmas music which detracted a bit from beautiful trees and decorations.

Group of 7 - one in a wheel chair. Food was delicious. Staff very attentive and helpful. Lovely atmosphere. Thank you for a great evening 😊

Went on a quiet Saturday lunch with the in-laws, the staff were really attentive. I had the burger that was perfectly cooked.

Classical experience of good old english bar with fish and chips

Delighted that we got the last table as a walk in for Sunday lunch. Been here many times and felt like we had won the lottery. Lovely waiting on the settee by the fire, for our table to be ready. Friendly staff too. However, our roast was very disappointing. It was cold on arrival and cold after being returned- except for small bit of cabbage in the middle of the plate🤔 We were excited to stay for sweet but decided to go to the co-op on the way home instead. Probably won't go again.

Great food, attentive staff and good value for money. Highly recommended.

A chance visit today having been shopping in Romsey, and thought a lunch out would be a nice change. The fact that the car park was already pretty full was a good sign! This is a really lovely pub. We were given a very warm and friendly greeting - chose where we wanted to sit and having decided what to eat, ordered back at the bar. We both had sausage and mash with seasonal vegetables, and despite the fact it was half term and pretty busy, we didn’t have to wait too long for our food. It was beautifully presented, on hot plates, and was really delicious! The whole place was clean and comfortable, the staff very friendly and we would have absolutely no hesitation in returning again before not too long. For those who might remember Worzel Gummidge on tv many years ago - some of the filming was done in this pub!

food was tasty but one member of staff was a bit blunt and after spending £19 on a chefs special and having to order some chips because it was so small, I was told it wasn't actually a meal? very odd.

Lovely pub, good country feel to it and food is good 👍 always pop in here when visiting relatives.

Superb veggie breakfast! Great choice, great value and great service - even provided the dogs with their own sausage breakfast 👌🏼 Thanks - think it’s going to become a regular visit!

Booked a table at 4pm and looking forward to a roast dinner. No beef, no cauliflower cheese, no apple sauce, no cranberry sauce. The chicken was a drum stick and a slice on a pile of cabbage. It was hot but that's about all I can say. Not worth the money and won't be going back. Lovely staff tho.

Friendly and welcoming Good pub food

We visited the Bear and Ragged Staff with family for a lunchtime meal. Two of our group had disabilities, yet the staff could not have been more helpful. We were not rushed in ordering our food and the staff were attentive and helpful. There is a good choice of food on the menu which suited all tastes. The food was hot and good sized portions. We did have one query with an order, but it was dealt with promptly. We would thoroughly recommend a visit to this pub. It was so nice to be made welcome and valued as customers. Special thanks to Lee the assistant manager who is a credit to the pub from our first hello’s to goodbyes.

Dog friendly spot. Pretty expensive for a sandwich at lunchtime, but was pleased to see a couple of vegan options. Located on the side of the road from Romsey up to the villages leading to Stockbridge, along the beautiful Test Way and good walking and cycling routes.

Booked a table as we were passing to go to football ,had a wrap which came with portion of chips well presented , tasted lovely and served with a friendly waitress not a fault with the pub will visit again if out that way

Rubbish service as my grandparent had there food before me . If the waitress serves can not handle 3 , must be a struggle to handle 10.

Great food, excellent customer service, friendly staff, nothing too much trouble! Yummy roast! Will go back!

Very nice meal here. Accommodated us without a reservation even though they were short staffed that day. Good quality food at a reasonable price. Loos were well maintained too, which is always a good sign!

It was supposed to be a beer fest, but there was no guest beers other than what was already there. We had a couple of halves and left

Friendly staff and not at all ragged as the name would suggest. No bears but the beer is excellent. Will be back

Pulls the best pints with a great location to explore the area😎

Its history restaurant, old one. But I don't like the food that much.

Super friendly staff and great customer service super comfortable and lovely country pub food was cooked prefect can’t wait to come back

Great service and good food, enjoyed a Sunday roast outside in the sun.

Absolutely fantastic staff were brilliant food was excellent fresh and delicious lovely setting definitely be going back Thank you all

Tucked away near scenic countryside trails, the pub is a walker's respite. After a long trek, its hearty meals are a treat, with flavors capturing the essence of local produce. A standout is their selection of ciders, refreshing and crisp, perfect for unwinding. With its rustic charm and welcoming atmosphere, it's a delightful pitstop for both sustenance and relaxation.

Stopped for lunch on a dog walk and my husband and I ordered the beef chilli nachos billed as 'great for sharing' which cost £14.95. We were literally speechless when it arrived - a plate of tortilla crisps with a small bowl of beef chilli in the middle. No cheese, no salsa, no guacamole, no sour cream. I'm really not sure how they can call these nachos. I basically paid 14.95 for a bag of crisps.

Popped in for a meal whilst in the area and the assistant manager was very accommodating and went out her way to help us as I was in a wheelchair.. Nor sure on waitress name but think it was Emma (she's six foot tall) she was amazing too. Between the 2 of them they made our visit worth while. Food was served promptly and hot. I had prawn cocktail and partner had pate. Both well presented. (I would have liked a bit of bread with the prawns but hey ho) Main course I had Bbq chicken with bacon and cheese and my partner had scampi. Both enjoyed our meals and the crispy chunky chips were lovely. Dessert I had treacle tart and that was served warm with cream. Lovely chat with assistant manager and Emma made the experience alot better and enjoyable.

Excellent all round. Friendly staff, great food. Great value

Popped in for a swift half and was greeted by a friendly manager and staff, that makes all the difference other landlords should note. Because of this I will definitely return if in the area. Congratulations

Very nice place to stop on your way and great food

Never had any food. But quite friendly staff.

Really good food and not too expensive good service even though it was very busy

We often go on a Friday evening to do the pub Quiz always a great atmosphere and lots of fun. Staff are great always working hard.

The meal was for a group of 14 to celebrate a colleagues 90th birthday This had been some months in the planning, a tricky task made so much easier as the pub team, who know what to do and when, were happy to share their knowledge through the process . That meant that the whole day ran smoothly, everyone had a relaxed and happy time and the staff where more than happy to add in to the jovial atmosphere. It was a lot of extra work I'm sure but the smiles all round made this so worthwhile - as a group, we'll be back!

Quick and efficient service with tasty meals

Beer was nice. But quite honestly the sandwich was terrible. I ordered a sandwich on brown bread. It came out on white bread! No garnish at all. Chips weren't hot. And for £9.50 it wasn't a good snack at all. Could do alot better

After a long busy day this place was just what I needed, food was fantastic, service was excellent and being dog friendly is always a plus. I liked the idea of the games station however a lot of the games were missing pieces/instructions so mostly unplayable.

Fantastic pub and extremely friendly staff. I am part of the group which play guitar and sing there on the first Monday of every month, and always enjoy the lovely atmosphere. Always fun! Excellent variety of food and drinks available. Would highly recommend.

Jake hosts our U3a guitar concerts on the first Monday of the month and is always very welcoming and accommodating . The bear and cider are excellent and I understand that the new chef has a lot planned for the new menu, which I’m looking forward to trying. There is plenty of parking and a lovely garden too

Great pub for food, pub quiz is good fun. Friendly staff make you feel welcome slighty more choice of food on menu would be better but food is lovely. Plenty of parking and outside seating etc

Great pub, my two sons and I popped in for some lunch. All meals were good, kids ate everything. The team were welcoming and really helpful