The Boot Inn in Test Valley

What fantastic food, service and location. We had the most wonderful meals and they cater for Vegans also with a fabulous burger and fries. The chilli prawn linguine in crab butter was, I was told, sublime. My other friend had the Cheeseburger which she thoroughly enjoyed (after a very disappointing one at the Mayfly) Our waiter was thoroughly charming and the Manager kept things flowing and was on point, keeping the staff and kitchen happy and motivated! We can't wait to go back!

This was our first visit to the Boot Inn as a couple to enjoy a Sunday roast. I was impressed with this on so many levels. Craig, the owner, was out front of house himself, with his young team of staff, keeping everything well organised, to me this really demonstrates an individual that is serious about running an establishment well, about his customer service and the quality in which it is delivered. The team were happy for us to order a child sized portion roast instead, I ordered beef and my partner pork. We both agreed that the chef is exceptional at what they do, and it was likely to be the best roast dinner we had, having eaten out. This is no exaggeration. The potatoes were crispy, and full of flavour, the meat melted in my mouth, the vegetables were cooked to perfection...I could go on. Dessert was just as good. The setting to the Boot is one of the loveliest, with a garden backing onto the river Test. I really look forward to coming back here for an evening meal, to sample more of the menu. Sunday was fairly quiet, so I would be interested to experience how the team perform on a busier weekend evening. I am confident that they would still deliver an exceptional service, and cannot wait to return with friends, and family!

The soup and sourdough bread was absolutely fabulous. The best bread I think I have ever tasted. The main meal of Sea Bass was equally as tasty and delicious. We will definitely eat here again before we go home.

Out in the country to enjoy the last few days of summer and had a fabulous meal in this beautiful pub.Sat in the friendly bar and greeted by Craig, the landlord. Nothing was too much trouble for him and the bar staff.I had the grilled sea bass and my husband had a burger, both were delicious. But for me, the best bit was the dessert, as I can honestly say the pistachio cake was the nicest thing I have tasted in an age.All reasonably priced and we went away very happy and will return.

Extremely poor service. Ages before menus given, wrong order taken after it being written down by what appeared a drunk member of staff ! I will not be revisiting or recommending. This used to be our super village pub…. What a joke ! Ruined. Get some better staff and teach them how to give good customer service

First time we have visited The Boot and we will definitely be returning, the food was excellent as was the service. Could not fault a thing.

This was somewhere that we used to visit a lot prior to covid as we loved the setting, food and service. Since our last visit the owners have changed. However, don’t let this put you off!! We visited for a anniversary meal yesterday and the food and service was fabulous. Cannot fault a thing. We will definitely be returning, had a lovely evening and really enjoyed the food! They could not have been more accommodating, definitely 5* from us

Visited for just a drink and a snack at lunchtime. There is a very large garden at the back on the banks of the river which is idyllic. We enjoyed our brief stay.They have a grill in the garden which is used in normal times, and I can imagine this being really good.We didn't try the food on this occasion.

The two of us had lunch on the terrace. Excellent, knowledgable, service from a courteous, masked, ( thank you for that) young man and woman. A varied, shortish ( that is good in our book, ) menu that included a whole plaice with roast artichokes, samphire and capers, mussels marinere and truffle frites, which were brilliant ( we ordered them without the advertised cheese). All the food was faultless, as was the wine, a dry rose. We arrived on the off-chance, not having been for years, and couldn't have been happier with our experience. We will be back.

We swung by this pub while we were out for a cycle ride on Thursday evening. We propped our bikes up and took a seat outside the front, and were immediately welcomed by Craig (the landlord). What a fantastic guy. While we were getting sorted, he appeared with some dog biscuits and pointed out where our little friend could grab a drink, which of course went down well :-)He took the time to have a chat with us, and after letting us know what was on tap, brought us out two great pints of Summer Lightning, which was fab!Craig spoke to us about some of the challenges, but he's got some great plans. There is a huge garden out the back and away from the road. It would be great for families, or for cyclists like us where you could keep an eye on your bikes.Overall, a really positive impression! We'll make this a regular drinks stop, and come back and try the new picnic hampers when they are launched!Cheers to Craig and his team.

For a main meal, only a choice of burger or fish and chips. Decided to order a Caesar salad (£8) - couldn't believe what I got! 3 x lettuce leaves and 2 thin, dry pieces of chicken. And to charge nearly £10!? The others were also disappointed, portion size far too small for the price.

Quality of food , Guinness and hospitality second to none. Craig the manager very helpful to diners and his staff

We stumbled across this pub while out for a walk, we just went in for a drink however when seeing some off the food coming out of the kitchen decide to order 2 sets of chips & 2 small Reuben sliders! The food was delicious he chips which really french fries well cooked and well seasoned! With a limited menu due to restrictions it was quite hard to find something on there apart from lite bites. However what let the pub down was the berating the owner/bar man was giving the young bar staff in front of the customer. Certainly us feel uncomfortable

Mmmm... this could be so much better. It feels like they want it to be good but can’t cope with the pressure. It was incredibly slow, we waited absolutely ages, and when the food arrived was 6 or max 7 out of 10. The puddings were pretty awful. They were tasteless and almost certainly bought in. We do want it to be good, and maybe it’s just a case if getting back to full strength. I looked at the pictures of the food on Instagram and they looked great, but the reality was very different. We wouldn’t have minded but it’s pricey. Fine if it is great, but it’s not at a standard where you don’t think about the price. It felt disappointing. The local competition is good so .... Come on the Boot!

Very limited menu. We looked on their website beforehand and the menus just said TBA. We thought this was odd but still went. The main course menu was Beef, Pork or Aubergine. No other choices. We didn’t fancy any of those. We were told they were the only options. What was sad is the setting is beautiful with fabulous views of the Test. But these premium tables weren’t serving food on a fantastic sunny day. We found it all a bit odd.

What a fabulous find. When we drove by it didn't look open but then saw a tent in the garden so popped in. Sat right on the waters edge and had the most amazing pasta dish, it was 11 out of 10, better than anywhere in Italy! My boyfriend had a burger and also said it was amazing. The service was friendly, efficient and speedy.All in all I would definitely go back there again, the location is idyllic and the Asparagus pasta dish was out of this world!

Having frequented this pub in the past, pre Covid, we were disappointed. The menu is very limited (and at the moment, is not on the website) and seems expensive. Each course was limited to three choices. The main course was roast lamb £17.50, roast pork £15.50 or Gnocchi £13.50. We had the lamb, slightly tough and gristly but tasty. Why couldn’t the chef remove the lumps of gristle before serving? Serving was large enough but not excessively so; I get upset when I can’t finish my meal and waste food.

Popped in for some liquid refreshment on a long walk and encountered a lovely pair of staff who turned out to be a local couple... they made me feel really welcome and looked after me in such a genuine way. The young man was called Tom and he had the most amazing trousers & smile. His partner & colleague was called Nas and she poured me a perfect Guinness and gave me some great local recommendations. Both a credit to this beautiful pub hidden away on the river Test, not often I sit alone somewhere and feel so welcomed and at home I'll certainly be back soon to eat as the food looks amazing

What a lovely location. They have really thought about the garden and catering for COVID and the outdoors. Really pleased with:- manner and approach from landlord- trout salad was delicious - King prawns we well cooked and lovely- made sure we were warm enough with gas heater- nice wine - picturesque views of the river Disappointed with:- general service, lack of cutlery, seeing confusion amongst staff, no only the landlord appeared interested in our experience - lobster - over cooked and no buttery/garlic flavour Will return in a couple of months as the landlord clearly has the vision and drive to make it right.

Having enjoyed visits in the past we returned slightly wary in case it did not live up to expectations following closure and change of ownership. All staff, wearing masks, gave us a cheerful welcome and also checked on us during our visit. Hand sanitiser was provided on every table. Delighted to see the character and interior essentially unchanged, though refreshed in parts. The restaurant menu did not have as much fish for the main course as in the past but a good variety of different dishes. The venison was delicious and the sticky toffee pudding light, fluffy and melted in the mouth. The portions are ideal for those not wanting a huge plateful, enabling more enjoyment of desserts. Definitely a place we are happy to be able to return to, and have already let our friends know.

Four of us went to the Boot for a birthday meal before lockdown. We are so glad we did as it was wonderful. The social distancing and Covid restrictions were excellent but did not ruin the atmosphere. The background music was just our sort and not so loud as to ruin our conversation.Staff were all really polite and very welcoming, Craig in particular, but the star of the show was the food. We could not fault it. The beef ribs were so tender, the meat literally fell off the bone, delicious.We can’t wait to go back again once the lockdown is over.

Went here with my brother having not seen him since January. We were so impressed. The staff were friendly and welcoming and the food was superb. I had fish and chips with crispy light batter round the fish and wonderfully cooked chips. They were the best fish and chips I have had in years. It was a very imaginative menu, definitely not the usual pub grub. I followed on with buffalo milk ice cream, which was amazing. Brother and I are definitely going back as it is situated midway between our homes.

We had a lovely lunch at The Boot very friendly and attentive staff. The food was excellent. A good menu and an excellent wine list to cater for everyone. Very reasonably priced both the food and wineI recommend this attractive pub for any occasion. Lunch or dinner Simon

After a walk on Broughton Down, our party of five enjoyed a warm welcome and a delicious lunch at The Boot. All tastes were catered for and two very discerning members of our group said the burgers were the best they had eaten in a long time. The staff couldn't have been more helpful and a thoroughly enjoyable experience was had by all!!

My Mum (Fiona) took me and my wife for lunch. The service, quality of food and presentation was excellent. Very professional following covid rules which made us feel exceptionally safe. Over all a fantastic, professional country pub offering extremely high quality food and service.

Been here a number of time and never disappointed. Our most resent visit was for a Sunday dinner and the whole family loved it. Friendly staff with a fast service, Best nite for me is definitely the deep fried Camembert

The owner has shown scant regard for his loyal customers. An update on the future of this amazing pub would be useful. I have been coming to the Boot for 16 years, the staff have been amazing. Dick did a great job on updating everything, but where is he now. He needs to respect his past clientele and update the website.Simon

Popped in to the boot inn as it was recommended to me by a friend. There was not many people in just a few locals, both members of the staff and the owner said hello and made us feel welcome. We booked a table even though there was no need to as there was plenty of tables. Being national pie week both me and my wife went for the steak and kidney pie which was delicious and had plenty of meat in them. So all in all we had a nice night with good local beer and home cooked food. Well worth a visit

Food fantastic all three courses staff polite and very very helpful One of our friends had the rabbit pheasant bacon pie it could of fed three people full of meat he loved it Absolutely delicious will return

Stopped in after a long walk in the cold and wet. We were warmly welcomed by, I assume, the lovely landlady. She sat us near the fire so we could warm up and dry out. We decided to eat at that table as it was cosy. Excellent local dishes and specials on the menu including trout and rabbit. So to be highly recommended. Lovely place, lovely food and lovely staff. Loved the blue dreadlocks! Thanks!

Escape from Brexit gloom .We had a delicious lunch today The atmosphere was cheerful and the Staff were friendly . Our favourite meal was liver and bacon followed by cheese cake !

This Inn is famed . I think we caught them on an 'Iffy' day The boss was absent,one of our party observed. I was a 'first timer'. The service was tardy and rather slammed down your plates.However the repast was excellent tho pricey. We were told the 'Specials'---soup, curry & pie. What sort of pie? ' Dont know' eventually we were told 'No pie today' !!!! Ambiance simple tho' carpeted----made seat moving almost impossible. Large linen napkins were a distinct plus.

I don't want to tell anyone about this place so it doesn't get as hectic as the Mayfly does in the summer. The food was delicious... We had two jam packed baguettes for lunch.... But the pub garden was beautiful with the river running through it.Gorgeous pub... We will be going back.

Food was good service good nice ambiance but a little to stuffy .. but not too pricey! This was the first time eating here and it didn’t disappoint but think the restaurant needs a little more ambience to entice us back but would recommend the menu

We visited for a light lunch on Friday lunch time last week. It was a beautiful Indian Summer day and we looked forward sitting in the delightful garden by the River Test with a drink and a sandwich. This was exactly what we did. Our baguettes were freshly baked, amply filled and very tasty. They each cost £8.75 but given the location we overlooked this. Our bill came to £29.50 which means that our two drinks cost £12. I had a large glass of rose and my partner a bottled ginger beer. Daylight robbery and I would venture, difficult to justify. We did query it when the barman told us but the reply was "that's how much drinks cost. Seriously unimpressed. Not really surprising that the place was almost empty.

Over the last few months we have visited The Boot for lunch on a number of occasions. Apart from our latest visit our lunches have always been most enjoyable, but on this occasion we were badly let down.We chose the soup of the day which was described by the waitress as watercress or asparagus with cheddar. What arrived was a bowl of yellow gloop. Needless to say we did not enjoy the visual aspect or the taste.We really should have read the menu more carefully as our fish main courses arrived with the fish also covered in this yellow gloop, presumably to disguise the fact that the fish were over cooked. A friend enquired why the haddock mornay was always served in a bowl and mentioned that he found it difficult with nowhere to rest his cutlery and was informed by the mature lady waitress ‘that is the way we have always served it ‘, not a polite or reasonable response.When we settled the bill there was a bottle of wine added which was nothing to do with our order and after an apology this was removed from the bill.All in all, not a pleasant experience and one which we feel unlikely to repeat on our monthly trips to Stockbridge to visit friends and enjoy lunch in a local hostelry.

Sorry to repeat my last review on 5 Sept. 2018 re the BATTERED COD at the Boot. The standard is maintained with three of us on fishing lunch yesterday 9.9.19 -all of us chose this dish which was again quite superb and very generous. Lovely pub, delightful staff and Anthea was there this time with Sasha. Going back next Monday for a repeat dose of this delight Martyn Spice

Went to The Boot for Sunday lunch, ordered the roast beef which priced at £22.50 you would expect to be top notch - it was not... 2 little potatoes and the smallest Yorkshire pudding you have ever seen! The beef was pretty good but overall was left feeling extremely disappointed so won’t be going back any time soon.

We stayed in Stockbridge and met a colleague here for dinner one evening. Short drive from our inn @ Three Cups. Nice pub in a quiet area. Great outdoor seating in the front. They do have outdoor seating in the back, but we didn't go there.

Thank you so much for a superb lunch, the lobster was faultless, the pudding was divine and the service was excellent. Thank you

I'm a sucker for a Riverside pub, especially one that has good food and good staff. The Boot Inn didn't disappoint at all.

We'd visited last summer when we were in the area visiting friends, and it was so good (see previous Tripadvisor review) that we thought we'd go again.

This review concerns the River Grill only. Many of my previous posts deal with the main restaurant. Be aware that the opening of the Garden Grill is seasonal and weather dependent and is also very popular, so book ahead having checked the forecast and the website. The best tables are those nearest the river because there is always plenty of swan, Brent goose, duck and trout action to entertain you and if you also want shade then the tables on the right as you face the river are ideal. However, don't despair if you haven't booked ahead and just want a drink because the " table reserved " notices also display the time that the reservation is made for and say that other guests are welcome to use the table until that time.

An attractive country inn, with outside tables on grassy bank of River Test. Good choice of food, home cooked and using local ingredients - I recommend the Hampshire trout though my fish was almost too large to finish!

Booked an early lunch on Saturday. The food was lovely and the staff friendly and attentive. Didn't make us feel rushed even though they needed us out to prepare for a wedding. Would definitely go again.

Despite picking a date that clashed with a wedding and being told we would have to leave by 1.00pm when making our booking, we were made to feel welcome and did not feel rushed. The food was extremely tasty and the staff attentive. Will definitely return.

I was extremely disappointed with the dish I ordered: lobster with crayfish and prawns, salad and chips. The “piece of” lobster (described as half a lobster) was no bigger than 2inches. They had run out of crayfish (at 1pm!) The prawns looked like they had just come out of freezer and were tasteless. There was a mass of pale coloured slimy trout, which was so undercooked it looked like raw bacon, literally thrown on top of salad with chips squashed on the side. The presentation was dreadful and the trout smelt off, made me feel sick. This was extremely overpriced at £21.00. I ate the salad, a few cold chips and the few mouthfuls of lobster and left the rest on a side plate as it was so off putting. I explained to the waitress how disappointed I was and was met with an offhand manner. Nobody came to investigate or seemed the slightest bit interested, in fact their attitude got worse (the service had already been very poor and slow). Never received any water for the table, had to go up to Ask for everything! Plates were left on table for long time. No pleasantries or thank you from staff. They were more interested in talking to each other. Whole experience was expensive and unpleasant especially as we had driven over an hour to get there. Such a shame in such a lovely setting!

First visit today at this lovely country pub. Great food, baguettes, cheese and icecream. Efficient and friendly staff. Would highly recommend. Tip: book a table as it is really busy.

Visited twice for lunch in the past month whilst fishing locally. Fantastic country pub, excellent range of choice without loosing quality. Cracking pub that isn’t trying to pretend to be something it’s not. Great food, friendly staff and priced at the right level.

If you are seeking a special treat this August , then visit The Boot Inn ,Houghton A lovely Inn surrounded by flowers , near a sparkling , lazy river There is a relaxed ,friendly atmosphere to enjoy !

Enjoyed an impromptu lunch here,staff were very welcoming and efficient,food was delicious,thoroughly recommended.

Great service and pub food with friendly efficient staff. Love it in any weather. Great outside in summer cosy and warm in winter.

We stopped on the way to Salisbury. Had soup of the day which was delicious. The bread was a bit stale but replaced with a lovely fresh baguette when we asked. Wish we'd looked at the menu board more closely as they were doing half a lobster for £21 which looked good value. Lovely tables by the river.

Stayed next door at the Yew Tree B&B; for two nights. Had drinks here on the Friday night and then ate here on the Saturday V busy. Obviously v popular Great food. Good range of dishes. Well priced. Nice staff. Huge beer garden.

We had a wonderful Sunday lunch very tasty fresh,I had the belly pork it was cooked to perfection,very friendly staff.I have visited the boot many times it is always very consistent.The garden is beautiful in the summer,will always return.

The Boot at Houghton, Nr Stockbridge is a superb pub/restaurant. The servers are young and extremely welcoming and helpful. The food is cooked to perfection and beautifully presented. We have been long term customers and this restaurant and it is ideal for foodies and families. Everyone should give the Boot a try - I can assure you, you will not be disappointed!

A beautiful day, so we decided to drive out to the Boot for lunch. Went in, checked we were ok to eat, ordered drinks, found a table, only to be told by the young lady behind the bar that the gas had just run out in the kitchen, something to do with changing suppliers, so there would be no hot food. She was very apologetic and offered us baguettes or salads. Then we found out that baguettes were also off as they hadn’t been cooked and now they’d run out of gas!!!!! Shame as we were really looking forward to our lunch.

We’re trout fishermen so it was good to eat by the Test. Extensive menu. Beer well kept. Very friendly atmosphere. Service outstanding. I knocked over my espresso, which was replaced, no charge. One of my favourites

One of our favourite spots, large garden, running right down to the River Test..great for seeing swans, trout etc...perfect on a summers day!

Called in for lunch here and had a great experience. Roast beef salad, beef baguette and chicken Caesar salad all very good indeed. Lovely staff and very good service. Nothing to fault. Will be back.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Saturday lunch next to the river, Test, at this fantastic little hidden gem! Good menu, great food and very friendly service. I’d recommend a visit to the back garden – it really is something special. Bonus points for allowing dogs too, my little Beagle had the best day.

Great location but the food was a let down. We were made aware that their summer kitchen is being renovated so we were giving these beeping device that goes off when your order is ready so you can go and collect your food. It was a bit bizarre as last time we had that was at a fast food place at the airport... it is a long walk for a waitress but for a £15 chicken ceaser salad I’d expect it to be brought to the table.

We had a very enjoyable lunch at this little gem of a place. The food was simply excellent, backed up with efficient and friendly customer service. Overall very good value for money, so looking forward to returning soon.

Having not made a booking, we called in at the Boot on the way back from a day out at Twickenham. We were made really welcome by the friendly staff and the menu was nice. I went for Rabbit pie and it was very nice. I do hope I get to come back this way and try The Boot again.

We had dinner here and were made very welcome. The landlady rushed our order through as there was a large party in the back room. The food was excellent, portions generous and the service attentive.

Popped to The Boot for lunch with friends and found both food and service excellent. Very pleasant surroundings, indoors as raining but lovely garden leading down to the river. Dogs allowed in bar but not restaurant. 3 different fresh fish choices on the specials board plus trout/prawn salad, cod and chips or scampi. Also at least 3 veggie options. Will definitely return!

My husband and I had a special lunch with our family . The atmosphere and service was its usual high standard .The food was delicious but the beat this visit was the” risotto “

After seeing and hearing about the beautiful river side pub garden, my boyfriend and I thought best to go check out the boot inn. We arrived at around 1:50pm and got drinks from the bar inside (which sadly only had carlsberg available on draught) being a bank holiday weekend I can understand they’d be out of certain things but lager is a big one to have in before a sunny bank holiday. So my boyfriend bought 2 bottles of lager instead. We went to the garden to find lots of green space but only half of it is filled with tables and chairs, so we opted to sit on the grass. At 2:02 we went to the outside bar/ food collection area to order a bowl of chips, to which we were told ‘they had stopped serving at 2’ and couldn’t possibly whip up a portion of chips (although we could clearly see chefs still cooking and fryers definitely still on). Several people went up to the bar after us to order food but were turned away within the 10 mins that they ‘stop serving’. We also then overheard the chefs taking about how they’d run out of food and beer. Not a good look for a pub/ restaurant. You’d think being a bank holiday Monday they’d want to make as much revenue as possible and accept all the money they could take. Clearly not. This pub has a fantastic location but they’re lack of motivation and positive attitude towards customers definitely gives it a bad vibe. Such a shame because the area is beautiful. Maybe just bend the rules a little here and there to keep your customers happy.

With its wonderful garden by the Test we thought this would be a great venue for an early supper. However, ,we should have learned from a previous experience. The food was once again disappointing and most dishes were covered in what is no more than brown gravy. One of our party had prawn cocktail with 3 prawns but lots of tomato and cucumber to fill the gap. Another had a medium rare steak which was well done, my duck breast was also covered in brown 'gravy' which had been described on the menu as 'jus'!!., I had the sense to ask to have the ubiquitous 'jus' removed.

A lovely pub with riverside garden.I chose roast beef for my Sunday lunch.This was well cooked - by that I mean pink.However it was smothered in a thick gravy which rather spoilt the presentation

2 couples travelled for over an hour each to meet “midway” at this well regarded but new to us pub. . We were allocated a pleasant table in the restaurant but as we were early asked if we could have coffee at an attractive window table in the bar, which had a Reserved notice on it. The table booking was found to be for an hour later so our coffee was brought to our “temporary “ table. When our friends arrived we ordered ciders and beers from a good selection on pump. (Including Otter, Ringwood Best and a local seasonal brew called Summer Lightening as well as Ashton Press cider) The menus were offered and 3 of us chose the Grouse Three ways. An excellent choice. When we went to move to our table in the Restaurant we found it was in the middle of the room. As two of our number have hearing difficulties we asked if a corner table could be found. No problem once more - a five setting corner table was re-laid for 4. The young waitresses could not have been more helpful and accommodating.

I arrived at the pub early evening with my family. We did not have a booking but where given a warm welcome and lead to our table.

The pub sits on the banks of the River Test about 2 miles from Stockbridge. First impressions, a quaint and spacious restaurant albeit a bit tired and needing some updating. The Sunday menu is not much different to other pubs in the county although a lot more expensive. Choice of meats are standard but the vegetables where very limited and regardless of the meat chosen minted garden peas don't really go! The staff are very attentive and more than accomplished at their jobs and are a credit to the boss. This appears to be a popular pub which has approximately room for 50 covers with additional outdoor seating in the garden. Come the warmer weather parking looks to be an issue, however ramblers should be ok.

Absolutely the best bar and restaurant ever. Today blew me away with the service and the food,what a place and a big thank you to the staff amazing

The sun is out again so what better garden to go to, the boot.

Proper unspoilt pub, that does proper pubby things in the bar, with a restaurant that serves good food but doesn't pretend to be something it isn't. Oh and a lovely pub garden that backs onto the river...

We had booked for the restaurant and on arrival were given a friendly greeting and directed to our table. Most of the tables had tulips on them - a lovely touch this early in the year. Menus were provided promptly, specials clearly advised and drinks offered and served quickly. As always the food was fantastic - hot, tasty, generous portions, and as described on the menu. We were asked if everything was ok shortly into our meal and our plates were cleared promptly despite it being a Saturday and quite busy. The friendly, calm atmosphere added to a very enjoyable meal.

Turned up at The Boot without a booking, but we're delighted to be offered a lovely table for two. Fantastic service and food, nothing too much trouble Will definitely return!!!

We’d planned to visit Stockbridge for lunch after visiting Danebury Iron Age Hillfort for a family walk.

Ok so it was Boxing Day and we probably should have known better. Summer 2017, we had the most glorious lunch at this pub. We had to make a visit to Stockbridge on the 26/12 so thought we would book here for lunch. Expecting the food to be of the same high standard. The first thing to irritate.... Upon booking I was advised that there would be both the standard Christmas menu and a Bar Menu available, as advertised on their website. Perfect, therefore to suit both husband's and my appetite, or so we thought.. When we arrived however, the published Christmas menu was NOT available and the turkey lunch was now reduced to Turkey Curry ! Seriously ? Who on earth actually goes OUT to eat Turkey Curry on Boxing Day apart from Bridget Jones's mother neighbours ? Rather disappointed then, Hubby chose Grouse breast and Parmentier potatoes. I opted for a trout and prawn salad. My salad was indeed divine and should not be understated but not really what I went for and ....Come on guy's, we weren't fooled by the Parmentier potatoes,which were a pile of just crispy potato crumb and very little potato and which looked horribly like the left overs from the roast potatoes they has served on Christmas Day, mashed up a bit and re- pan fried The Grouse breast, tasty enough but somewhat dry and over cooked on the underside so it looked great on presentation. Mediocre, by their usual standard. As we were waiting to pay I watched the kitchen staff, efficient and working bloody hard and probably had been for the last 48 hours. I didn't want to leave below average this review because of them. We felt cheated by the website menu and it's inaccuracy and can't help but feel that the Boot would do well to cater for fewer to a higher standard and give the kitchen staff the chance to do what they are usually so good at. Best tip ? Go out of peak time.

Booking for Sunday lunch is essential because when we arrived both the restaurant and the bar were very busy which is always a good sign!

We selected this restaurant because it was equi distance from our friends (45miles each)which we do intermittently and this was one of the best we have met at.Warm welcome and we enjoyed drinks in the bar before being shown to our table in the restaurant.Great food and attentive staff made our reunion a lovely experience.We agreed that we would meet here again.

We met up with some friends here having read some of the reviews and we weren't disappointed. A very nice pub, light and airy, a fire in the public bar and spotless loos. Very pleasant staff and a nice atmosphere. We had calves liver and bacon with mash and crushed peas - first class it was too. Nice menu and we will definitely be back.

We have eaten there three times recently. Good menu, superb food and service. I recommend a visit. We will be back very soon.

My wife and I dined here on 12 June 2018 while staying two nights at an area B & B during our three week tour of Scotland, England and rose gardens. After a disappointing first night dinner in Stockbridge we asked our B & B host for a recommendation for dinner on our second night. She recommended The Boot Inn in Houghton and called ahead to book us a table for dinner.

Went here with friends and dogs for an evening meal. Lovely choice on the menu, and I liked the fact that you could have a larger portion of the starter as a main course. Great food, loved the fact that the dogs were welcome too. Very much a restaurant feel rather that a pub eatery. Would recommend

Tucked away in a small village on the River Test to the west of Winchester. Friendly reception, good food and ale, and the garden is really something very special.

We stopped in Houghton overnight whilst walking the Clarendon walk and the B&B; owner recommended The Boot and booked a table for us.

I booked a meal for two families largely based on the trip advisor reviews. It was a miserable day outside but the pub was warm and welcoming. The staff were attentive and the food arrived promptly and as ordered. The fish and chips in particular was very tasty with a huge piece of fish as the centre piece.

We received a warm welcome (dogs especially welcomed!) and excellent service throughout. Very good range of real ale from the area and the food was exceptional. Although we sat inside in the bar area (no dogs naturally in the comfortable looking restaurant), there is a very nice garden with plenty of seating that stretches down to the river Test. Looks like they have a bar out there in summer, which would be a lovely way to spend an evening. Will definitely call in again next time we are down that way.

My wife and I enjoyed Sunday lunch on the patio at this busy old Hampshire pub on the Test. Food was very good, service just right - an all round good experience- highly recommended.

We had a pre fishing lunch last Monday 3 Sept - four of us all had an excellent meal. The Boot was very busy but the staff coped well with Anthea away. I just have to say that two of us chose the battered cod that we both agreed was the best ever we had had. A generous portion and beautifully cooked. We are going back next Monday for more!!

A quiet lunchtime service In the restaurant allowed us to enjoy a very pleasant lunch with a dear friend.

Wonderful atmosphere, menu, staff, food. I love this pub. Quietly tucked out of the way but worth the find.

have not been out here in years so in that time the pub has had a total makeover! very good menu delicious food and excellent service will definately be back!

We had a most enjoyable lunch last Saturday. We ordered fairly standard food (a burger and a lasagne) and both tasted as if they were freshly cooked rather than having been cooked at some point in history and microwaved.

We arrived at the boot for our wedding anniversary for a meal asked if they had any tables they said there will be half hour wait. We was seated in that half hour. We both had starters which was very good and we both had main meals which we struggled to eat fantastic portion sizes and lovely cooked food. Could not eat a pudding. Staff very friendly and afficent.

Popular location for both locals and others with a great selection of cask ales and menu choice.

My buddy and I are walking on the Clarendon Way and we stopped here for dinner in the completely magnificent garden that runs down to the river. Carmen received us very nicely and the beer was fab and the food, fish and chips, all that we weary walkers had hoped for.

This update review is predominantly to help first time visitors to The Boot. There is more outside seating than inside, a great garden which runs down to the River Test with it's own kitchen and menu but which is only open during school holidays. Tables in the garden can be reserved. The pub itself has a separate restaurant with its own menu and the bar has a bar snacks menu. Dogs are welcome in the garden and the bar and on Sunday's there is a Sunday lunch menu available in the restaurant and the bar. Tables can also be reserved in the bar. Last Sunday when we ate lunch there the forecast was poor and it was raining and I witnessed a large number of people being turned away because they hadn't booked. So, if you are intending to eat at The Boot check the forecast in advance , decide where/what you want to eat and book the appropriate table. For Sunday lunch the earlier the better holds good. Good tasty home cooking and generous portions is the order of the day, just like my granny use to cook and serve. Hope this helps you avoid being disappointed.