Calleva Arms in Basingstoke and Deane

Lovely food and very generous portions! Nice atmosphere and the kids played out in the garden. Kids menu and colouring to keep them occupied.

We had Sunday lunch with a group of friends. The ambiance was nice and the staff friendly. However, the roasts were disappointing; the Yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes appeared to be from a frozen catering pack. One slice of carrot and one of parsnip was mean, even allowing for the dish of cabbage, broccoli and frozen peas. The service was poor. Yes, they were busy, but we waited a long time for the food, especially the puddings; we were asked if we’d like any sauces, so asked for apple and horseradish. We had to catch the eye of the waitress after ten minutes to ask again. The coffee was served with much of it slopped into the saucer. Not the best experience.

An absolute gem of a village pub/restaurant. Couldn't fault the service and the food, especially the kids meals which my twins cleared their plates happily. Thank you, we will be back again 🙂

My partner decided we would have lunch out, so I rang in the hope there would be room for the two of us. Sadly not, they were fully booked for Mother’s Day, unless we wanted to eat late. He doesn't like eating late, so I declined. He'd forgotten it was Mother’s Day. A few minutes later, my phone rang, it was the landlady of The Calleva calling back. She explained she had switched up a few smaller tables for two, and we could come when we liked. I was stunned and accepted for an early lunch. She didn't know just how much this meant to me, as an alienated parent who has not experienced Mother’s Day in 19 years. Going out for dinner on this day means more than any other Sunday lunch. The team were very welcoming and friendly and seated us near the fire. I can imagine it would be very cosy when lit. We ordered our drinks and roast, and the waitress swiftly placed our order before a larger table got theirs in. When the drinks arrived, I was really pleased to have my Elderflower tonic in a gin glass. It's the little touches that make everything, and this was so nice. I joked with the waitress about my nonalcoholic drink looking like a grown up drink. The lunch arrived swiftly. Beef for him, Pork Loin for me. Plenty of Roast potatoes and veg, and the cauliflower cheese was divine. A thick unctuous cheesy sauce that was absolutely delicious made the meal, and the gravy was perfect. I had dessert, Pear & Rhubarb Tart with custard. I asked for a double portion of custard, as often, it comes in little pots and isn't quite enough. Wow, I had stacks, and it was delicious... I want it in a bowl next time please, it's less easy to eat custard from a plate! We had a super lunch, and we're well looked after. It couldn't have been better. We'll be back.

Once again we had a lovely meal at the calleva. The staff are all amazing and the food is delicious. We did have 2 grumpy men on the table next to us that felt it necessary to loudly comment that we had an 8mth old baby with us who shouldn’t be allowed in pubs past 6pm so my daughter and her husband ate their food and left but the pub itself is great. We will be back this afternoon!

We held our annual Art Club lunch there last Saturday and we had a really lovely time. The food was delicious and the atmosphere welcoming. Several members have said how much they enjoyed it so we can heartily recommend them.

My husband and I walked the dogs and decided to treat ourselves to Sunday lunch, we weren’t disappointed. We both had a roast and opted for the turkey although there was a choice of beef, pork or a nut roast. Extra gravy was on the table and the portion size was good. Unfortunately we were too full to try the desserts but the ginger stem crème brûlée on the special board was tempting.

Nice pub, with decent food. Service slow but ok. Why do you add VAT to the bill? This should be included in printed price. So, cost plus 20% vat plus 12.5% service. Felt a tad ripped off.

A nice location and a lovely pub, with a beer garden. Although the pub was not busy (we were there around 2pm on Friday) the service was a bit slow. Even though slow the service was friendly and the food lovely. We would return. Great choice for vegetarians.

5 gentleman stood behind the bar, 1 lady working her butt off for everyone else! This meant the service was horrendous! We had to ask twice for plates to be removed even after one gentleman kept looking at us. Had to ask for menus, and to order deserts! Service was extremely slow, we were in there for 3 hours! We are usually regulars but will be looking at alternative venues for future dining which is a shame as the food is very good - although they have cut the menu choices A LOT!

Absolutely lovely food. You cannot fault it. Had to wait a while for food but the pub was very busy with bookings. Such a pleasure to eat here. I loved it.

Perfect setting for a village pub and such a lovely warm welcome on arrival on a Wednesday lunchtime. Sat in the garden for lunch. Food very well presented and tasty. Very good selection of specials as well. I just wish this was my local pub.

Had the pleasure of having lunch at the Calleva Arms with family members. Friendly greeting from staff and the food was exceptional. Waitress attentive, very friendly and polite. Would thoroughly recommend and will visit again soon.

Absolutely stunning meal and fast service. Ashlie the new Landlady seems to at last sorted out the previous niggly problems with service and staff. Its nice to get a welcoming smile from the bar staff when you walk in - don't really know how she accomplished that on her own but she obviously knows how to get the bedt out of her people and keep them happy. Great to hear music being played down the “public end” of the bar on Fridays thus freeing up the restaurant end - not rocket science but she did it! Great team now

We visited The Calleva Arms on a sunny Sunday afternoon, the pub itself was packed with punters but the restaurant seating area was laid nicely ready to receive booked guests. We were a group of nine, but there was plenty of space at the table for all of us. Even as the tables filled up there was adequate space between tables so you didn’t feel crowded in. Our server, Lily, did a wonderful job of keeping our drinks topped up and ensured we were well looked after. The food was lovely, it was hot and flavoursome. Well worth the visit, good food for a decent price.

Wonderful roast dinner, in a fabulous garden. Really nicely cooked meat, generous vegetable selection, and lovely stuffing. Such an idyllic setting. Ashlie and the team were so accommodating too!

Lovely place for a spot of lunch, service was fantastic and staff were incredibly helpful and nothing was inconvenient.

The Calleva use to be a very vibrant pub and very well attended. On a Friday with very few customers. Food and drink were ok but the sparkle has gone out of this pub. Sorry to say "lack lustre" comes to mind; atmosphere is not inspiring. Wish I could be more positive but I don't want to mislead others.

Meal very poor steak pie not a patch on what they used to serve. Bought in as opposed to home made plus it tasted as though it was heated in a microwave Will not be going back

Poor service from start to finish. We were given menus and waited in the queue for 15 minutes to get served. As we went to place the order, we were told they only had a few items on the menu so we had to choose...

We booked for a party of 13 to celebrate a birthday but they called the day before and cancelled the booking. We were unable to find a suitable alternative at such short notice. The person who called to cancel the booking really could not have...

My Partner and I have been doing the rounds over the last 4 months to find the best Sunday roast dinner within a 20 minute drive from home and have been to a different pub every Sunday. I am happy to say that after visiting...

We stopped off in this little village pub for a bite to eat whilst we completed some work and my god it did not disappoint! We were greeted by Harry and Kerry who showed us to our table and offered some information about a few...

Evening meal on my Birthday, food was excellent both main course and dessert, not mean with portions eirher. My only gripe was that the table we were given was very close to two others so hard to have a conversation, plus every time the man...

When visiting our friends in Mortimer we always visit the Calleva Arms. What a gem of a place. Visited last Friday before heading home to Scotland. The staff are really friendly and couldn't be more helpful, customer service was brilliant and the food amazing. Great...

Service was extremely slow and we had to ask to place our order after sitting waiting for over half an hour. The pub wasn't even particularly busy. The food was quite good when it arrived but there were further problems when we came to pay...

Been here a few times over the past few months and never been disappointed. Menu is quite static but then again if it’s that good why change it? At a time when pubs are struggling the Calleva shows that if you get the food and...

We've been going to the Calleva for many years with a recent change in tenant. A Friday lunchtime with an old work mate and my Rhodesian Ridgeback. The environment is as good as ever and a wide selection of drinks as expectated. We ordered from...

Christmas meal out with office friends. First class service and excellent food. Six of us and everyone enjoyed the food. Beautifully cooked and presented. Best Christmas meal out for a long time. Well done.

Great meal.Great service.good value.Food was excellent with brilliant service.the brownie for dessert was the best I have ever had even beats the ones I have had in the USA.Its a must go and try it.

Went for a meal with friends on Friday evening. I had the steak pie which was great, and we were well served by friendly and attentive staff throughout.

We are a group that meet once a month at the Calleva. The pub recently changed management and this evening was our first visit with the new manager in place. Really impressed with the evening, the staff as usual went the extra mile for us...

Went here with a friend for lunch. I had the sausage, veg and mash which was superb and my friend had the sausage panini which was also nice. Thoroughly enjoyed!

Had lunch here on Friday. Loverly pub atmosphere, excellent Hop Head Dark Star beer and superb food served by friendly attentive staff. Just the job, wish it was my local.

Another visit to our local with a mate for a pie and pint. Dog friendly and very welcoming, provided water for my dog without asking. A relaxing environment and a great place to eat with an inspiring menu and specials with local ales. Staff are...

Lunch for 2 midweek. We hadn't booked but were welcomed warmly. Staff were attentive and polite at all times. A large party had arrived at the same time and we were warned there may be a delay. Our food (mains only) were served in around...

It’s unfortunately rare these days to go into any pub/restaurant and have your expectations exceeded. But this particular pub/restaurant constantly exceed expectations. I took a fairly large number of friends and family to the Calleva on Sunday at fairly short notice and was still impressed...

Came for lunch today , and it was a brilliant start to our day. My friend and I enjoyed paninis and a very friendly atmosphere. Staff where prompt and cheerful to which makes things a whole lot easier . Decor was bright and full of...

Really wanted a roast and it didn't disappoint! Generous with the meat, loads of gravy and plenty of trimmings. Yorkshire pud, roasted parsnips, stuffing, large pig in blankets. Couldn't find room for pudding 🤣.

Visited this friendly pub for a late Sunday lunch after visit to Silchester Roman site. Lovely staff, very efficient in beer knowledge, food delicious and served freshly cooked. Couldn’t do enough for you!

Last time we were here, pre-pandemic, we had a delicious lunch. We returned today when there was a village market on. The pub was surprisingly quiet at lunchtime. There were no vegetarian options on the children’s menu. The bar menu was uninspiring, I usually order...

popped in here on way to Wokefield Estate for a wedding weekend great team friendly and bubbly food was great, waited a while but it was worth it and they were very busy cant wait to come back on the way back !!

We attended a family 90th birthday celebration at the Calleva Arms. Before attending I was in contact with Keren regarding my children’s food allergies. Keren was absolutely fantastic providing all the information we needed and being so accommodating. So refreshing to have pub taking allergies...

Lovely country pub. The food is amazing. All round lovely pub. All the staff are polite, professional and friendly. We have eaten here twice. And both times the food has been amazing. Thank you so much

I like this pub, including the food and drinks choice, but I am put off going back due to the peculiar attitude of the mainly young staff. In 3 visits over 2 months I have experienced overly attentive (to the point of rudeness) staff attention...

We visited here for Sunday lunch with our son. My husband and I both had the roast. My Turkey was excellent- 3 thick slices of meat plus there was a pig in blanket ! Plenty of tasty potatoes and very nice vegetables. Hubby had the...

Decent enough garlic bread for my son and a nice but not spectacular brie and marrow fritters to start. My sons sausage, peas and chunky chips was OK, had better sausages, but the problem for me was the waiter. No mention of the fact that...

We have been here for Sunday lunches a few times as we live locally. On each visit I’ve wondered why they’ve complicate things by having the Sunday lunch menu AND the full lunch a la carte menu, specials, and kids menus available. On occasion we’ve...

We had friends from Scotland stay so we took them for a walk around Silchester ruins. On the way home we stopped at the Calleva arms for a drink and dinner. The staff though young, are always very friendly and engaging. We all ordered meals...

We went to the Calleva Arms for an anniversary meal - very friendly and cheerful staff, and great atmosphere. Food was lovely, and my steak was cooked perfectly! Will definitely come again.

Servers are fantastic, particularly James. Always good food, friendly staff, excellent range of drinks and food. First time I've had a Panini and it was so good. Easy parking and easy to find and opposite the village green - I can confidently recommend the Calleva....

Booked a table and couldn’t wait to eat the fried in London pride beer battered Brie with mango confit. Duly ordered two of those as starters. Fairly quickly the four main meals turned up. But no starters. The waiter rushed out and apologised saying he’d...

Stopped off at this pub while doing a walk. The menu had plenty of choice, the service was good and the food delicious. Sat in a pleasantly secluded area of the large beer garden. Would thoroughly recommend.

Very tasty (and beautifully arranged!) meals. Quick, friendly service. Good value. Pretty garden. Clean facilities. Very happy to have stopped off here for lunch in the middle of our walk.

Visited this pub yesterday evening with my partner for a meal. We were seated at a table and there was a strong smell of urine or toilets. We had to move to another area of the pub. However I believe the seat whereI had sat...

I visited last night and I was not impressed. I shall not be returning. I have been to this pub before and I was looking forward to my visit last night but sadly it wasn’t a good experience.

If I could give more than 5 I would. Super, freshly cooked food, fabulous flavours. Great service from all staff who were very welcoming and engaging.

Always welcoming and excellent service, servers go beyond the call to make folk welcome. Excellent selection of drinks and menu and don't forget the Specials board. One of our most favourite pubs. will definitely visit again and so pleased that they survived the pandemic.

So we took a stroll through Silchester and thought we would stop for a drink, I have been before with my horse so took my partner in. Sat and waited to be served, quite quick. Food order was taken while the two staff members quibbles...

Just been for the first time although we live near the place. Had a lovely meal. Will definitely be going again. Service was great.

Another visit to the Calleva. They have managed social distancing and the quality of service and food remains of a very high quality. Plently of parking and a warm welcome. I recommemd this pub/restaurant. We will visit again, be warned it's not open on a...

Staying with friends nearby, last evening the four of us dined at the Calleva Arms. Very friendly staff, VERY good food, great food selection and clean and tidy pub with family atmosphere. We will be back and Thank You the Calleva Arms Licensees and Staff.

Went here for lunch with the wife before we went away for the night. For a Wednesday afternoon it was busy. The seafood platter was massive and burger was filling. Great to see the eat out scheme is helping them be busy in a Wednesday...

Just a great little pub/restaurant. Good ales, good food. Usual prices for this area. Nice garden area well managed through covid. Plentiful portions for food. Nice friendly staff.

Good way to spend Friday lunchtimeWhen my son suggested taking us for lunch, and paying! The Calleva Arms was top of the list of places to go.A good lunchtime menu, coupled with a tempting array of hand pump beers, lagers and cider on tap, was a recipe for a very enjoyable lunch break.

Christmas is a busy time of year! Celebrating a 70th Birthday Family Meal, all the friendly, helpful staff, made the day special. Delicious food, served on time, quickly, and hot! Perfect 😊

The Fullers London Pride beer is always good and we popped in for a bar snack lunch which was okay. I opted for the sausage and caramelised sandwich which came with a small bowl of crisps and a tiny portion of salad. It was very tasty but at £7 it is very overpriced for what you get.

Good home made pub grub with the pies looking excellent, I didn’t have one but my daughter did. It may be bought locally but it appeared authentic and home made. A good range of beers, wonderfully friendly staff, not bad on road parking. There may be a car park but I didn’t spot it.A proper country pub with plenty of visiting dogs. Authentically rustic with a good ‘locals’ atmosphere. Will be going back next time we’re in the area.

We went here as a group for Christmas lunch. The service was excellent as was the food. Highly recommended.

This time our party was 7 people plus a working Guide Dog and 2 Guide Dog puppies and the enjoyment was unanimous. A selection of dishes were chosen from the Christmas menu and the food and service was great even though they were busy in the run up to Christmas. We will be back again early next year.

We visited for Mums 80th Birthday Dinner, as it was local and we heard good reports. They were very pleasant polite and accommodating for 10 of us, the choice on the large menu suited everyone present. It was super busy and service was understandably slow as it seemed like everyone in the Village had broken kitchens at home that night - this was not a problem as we all had plenty to talk about. The waitress was excellent too. The food was good everyone was happy with their choice, that said dodge the Tempura Monkfish it ain’t cheap and not being harsh it ain’t Tempura. All in all it was a very pleasant evening - most importantly Mum was very happy.Now I know you are waiting for the rub on seeing my Poor rating and cutting review title. We ordered the 3 different sharing platters on offer, they were very good aside from given the generous component portions, a distinct shortage of bread to spread the tasty gubbins on was quickly discovered, so we requested some more bread - please. What came back was still lacking as it amounted to a half baguette spread over two tea plates. Everything was positive until a week later my Sister made arrangements to pay me her half of the not too insignificant bill (yes we should have viewed it with a magnifying glass at the time) . She said that she had taken a much closer look and spotted that we had been charged handsomely for the additional bread - roughly 500% mark-up on the average retail price of half a baguette..........a most pleasant meal has acquired a slightly bitter taste.Trust me everything was very good except the price of a little bit of bread!

I went with a friend for lunch and it was very enjoyable.I chose the roast lamb & my friend went for the roast turkey.The portions were generous with a good vegetable selection.For sweet I had the Grand Marnier souffle.We also shared a bottle of sauvignon blanc.The service was good and the atmosphere lively.

We often meet up here with walking friends as this is a genuine local pub with good beer, good food, plenty of room, and a real fire in the winter.While we were there last week one of our friends had queried the taste of her meal. They instantly, with discretion and in a friendly apologetic manner, offered to replace with a fresh meal. This they did, with further genuine apologies, then offered free desserts or hot drinks for all four of us. We felt that they handled the problem really well and we will not hesitate to go back next time.

Another great meal and they made our guide dog puppies very welcome. I had 3 courses but it was almost too much as the portions are so large, the rest of the party only had 2. I must say the home made steak & Stilton pie is the best I have EVER had, and over many years I have eaten lots as it’s one of my favourite disk, that’s why I took a picture and have added to this review. I hope dear reader you enjoy your meal as much as we all did.

On a rainy day this pub provided a welcome refuge. Warm atmosphere, cheery locals, helpful staff and a good menu. Set in the centre of the village looking out over the cricket/sports field this pleasant hostelry is very cheering.

Really tatty place, needed a good gardener, as the garden was uninviting to say the least, we normally have two drinks per new pub, but we only had the one and moved on.

Pleant of shady outside seating a bonus in recent weather. Good chopice of beers, lagers etc. Really good food. On this rare visit service was just too slow, seemed disorganised behind the bar. We will be visiting again though.

We came as a big group and the food was so delicious and very generous portions. Staff were very polite and helpful. Definitely recommend.

The Calleva has a good varied menu and and excellent Sunday roasts. The portions are generous and beautifully presented. The staff were friendly and efficient. Loved the meringues and strawberries.

This pub has been refurbished for the better a great restaurant area now with great views over the garden through the bi fold doors. The service we found to be superb one lady waiting on very table completely worked off her feet she coped brilliantly

Another lovely meal at the Calleva. Big thumbs up for the Gladiator burger, chicken burger, fish and chips, and the kids pasta. Thank you.

First time here had delicious roast, food was excellent. Poor service, no food check, waiting staff never returned to table to ask if we wanted anything else. When they did eventually take plates away they asked if we wanted deserts however they never brought menus, so we ended up leaving . Male waiter seemed really busy dashing to many tables, when we left all female staff just chatting at bar, no one said thank you or goodbye, including manager.

Had a good evening out with friends. Food was good, shame there weren't more of portions of the plaice available but 2 of our party had it and said it was lovely. Serving of the food was a bit slow but we weren't bothered as we had a good time. We'll worth visiting

A Friday evening and a very busy pub. Another visit and another delight, this time I tried the pie and chips - very good and I recommend that you try this. Service with a smile and an excellent selection of drinks and a comprehensive menu. Easy parking and well managed gardens both front and rear. A great pub to sit in the summer and watch the world go by with the Reading Uni diggers. I recommend this pub.

Lovely gardens friendly welcoming staff food was hot and tasty we all enjoyed our food .my little granddaughter loved the garden.

We use this place as a weekday walking break and it is always welcoming, comfortable and has good value tasty food. What more do you need. Good chips too!

Service was decent, little slow at times but food came out in good time. Lovely lamb shank very tender and the flavours excellent. Good variety on the menu.

Had to wait at the bar to say I’d booked a table, took ages as not enough staff serving.

The food is lovely and the service really friendly but it is not cheap. We have had just as good an experience in other restaurants for less. £9.85 for a glass of wine seems excessive! Unfortunately for that reason we will not be going back again for a meal.

My parents and my two little boys just stopped for a spontaneous lunch at this beautiful pub right next door and almost within beautiful countryside. We had really delicious food with a very warm service and a lovely relaxed beer garden

My husband and I have eaten here several times and it has always been good. Went for dinner a couple of days ago and the service was awful. Had to go and order drinks at the bar as we were waiting for so long for service, we then had to find someone to take our food order as had been waiting 30 minutes. Food arrived quickly but didnt even get offered dessert. Disappointing

Normally I love this place because of the big hearty food. But in truth the service has let this place down. As we walk in they've already lost our booking, we asked for our sons meal to come out at the same time as our starters but they obviously didn't listen. Then after our starters we had to take our own plates to the bar because it took a long time for anyone to clear them. Then our mains took ages because no one had told the kitchen staff that we had finished our starter. So then they had to cook it quick and the chips were under cooked. The rest of the food was fine just a long time to wait around for it. The problem is the staff. One lad with long hair was working hard then a young girl wearing the mavue polo shirt wearing glasses was grafting take note owner's she is an asset. But the others what can I say the young girl behind the bar would rather chat to her boyfriend another one had a bad attitude and what I assume is the lady owner is more interstead in drinking wine with her friends. Take note before people start going elsewhere. Don't think that your current success can be taken for granted.

Our group of walkers had lunch here. We'd pre-ordered from the menu so the food came out quickly. Staff were friendly and welcoming and the food was pretty good. The only minor hiccup was when paying as their card reader was very slow to connect, and of course we were all paying separately which didn't help! Would certainly go back if in the area again.

As we had family staying for Easter, we decided to book a table for Saturday night for dinner. When we arrived, there was no record of my booking. Fortunately the pub was very quiet inside so we had our pick of tables, but I was surprised there was no note of my booking.

We were a large table and it was a busy day, even so, we were looked after well. There is plenty on the menu and everyone enjoyed their meal. The sweet potato chips / fries and gladiator burger were excellent.

Having been here for a drink a few months ago we revisited because of the good experience we had had. We were not disappointed, the food was good the portions were sizeable and the staff provided excellent service.

As a regular, I’m delighted to say this really important community resource is now consistently good - and always busy! It is a little expensive, but I can live with that.

It was a beautiful sunny day to stop at the pub in the village of Silchester while house hunting. Plenty of tables inside as well as outside overlooking the village green and park. We were given a warm friendly welcome and browsed the huge menu. We settled on lunch rolls with tasty fillings which were beautifully served with salad and crisps. We left well fed to continue our house hunt but we will certainly return to this pub if we are in the area again.

We stopped for lunch here after a six mile walk round the nearby Roman ruins. Firstly, go visit the ruins - awesome!

Staff were friendly & helpful, place was clean, good menu and the food well presented (and not small portions) As it was a sunny february sunday they were busy which delayed the food a bit, but it was worth the wait.