The King Rufus in Eastleigh

Alexia was great and saw to our every need. She was quick with our orders and checked in regularly. A great meal!

Thank you had a great night, thank you frank are amazing waiter, excellent service from him

Lovely Roast Beef on a Sunday with family. Served by Frank who was very charming and attentive.

19/02/2025 Latest visit as a guest. , nearly six months since our last visit. Service still as bad as on our last visit. No service at our table for about 15 minutes, it was then we ordered our drinks and starters using the app. Still a long wait, my Son went to the bar, drinks on bar, but nobody thought to serve them. Response from the bar staff. ' I will get somebody' Main course ordered on the app, still very slow. Did not bother with desserts. If I was generous I might say a quarter of the tables were occupied. Staff just about made some appearances. Did not like dogs in the eating area. We used to be fairly regular customers, but after the last two visits, we will not return. NOW that The Hut has ceased operation, this pub is in a very unique position and look after customers Early evening dining. Evening not as good as we have experienced in the past. After sitting at our table an acceptable wait before our drinks order was taken. Long delay before they arrived at the table. Food order taken, delay for one starter to arrive. After a wait of over one hour and 20 minutes, no sign of our main courses. The waitress blamed the fact that a starter had been ordered. " YOU HAVE NOT WAITED THAT LONG " she said. Then referred to the times on their ordering system. What she had not appreciated, we were not responsible for their delays in taking and serving our orders. Excuse given to the table near us, people are ordering on our app. Hence another reason for the delays. I assume the pub likes to be busy, but they could not cope, and not all tables were in use. Very disappointed

Fast service and good food and reasonable prices.

Food and drink decidedly below average - pie and chips ok but the accompanying pot of gravy was cold and there was the tiniest pile of cold extremely pale and tasteless peas on the plate - the chicken grill looked like it had been baked in a oven rather than grilled - ale pumps were all but dry so sucking up the dregs and don’t know what the wine was supposed to be but it certainly was not even a half reasonable Merlot. I mentioned the peas to the staff to no effect.

It is one of my favourite pubs, we are going at list twice a month, the food is delicious and the staff very friendly. For example, this week I've been here twice, for a work session and a family dinner. No complaints! Thank you!

Had a lovely meal here on way back from an appointment. Service was brilliant from Becca and sian. Will definitely visit again. Food was well cooked and plenty of it. Enjoyed deserts too.

First time me and my wife have eaten here the food was 10/10 absolutely superb I had a mixed grill my wife had the signature burger both dishes were delicious, the service was fantastic and very professional the waitress serving us was a young lady called Leah i couldn’t praise her high enough she went above and beyond myself and my wife will definitely be visiting again very soon I highly recommend

Lovely meal, very helpful, super friendly staff. It was a birthday meal for a close friend and she suggested the King Rufus. So glad we went, we had a great time.

The staff were very polite and made us feel very welcome on our arrival. I don't recall a lot of vegetarian options on the menu. The food looked very appetising but the only complaint was the corn on the cob. This was watery, ropey and tasteless. The venue is looking very tired with cracks and holes showing within the seating area we were in and a good deep clean needed. If we go again and things have changed, I will amend this review as I feel this place has such potential.

Our waitress Lily was very knowledgable and helpful about the gluten free menu. The GF menu had good choices. The service was brilliant. The food was very nice and well presented. Will come back again!

Lovely birthday lunch...Sian our server made the whole experience enjoyable...I had the lunch time menu and was impressed by the food being so tasty...

Very good. Great service from Alexia. TY.

Excellent service from Alexia & Leae. A credit to Greene King

The best thing about our evening was the service we received from Lily, on 1st February 2025. Our aunt is coeliac which makes eating out challanging. The King Rufus have a specific menu, but Lily went further and suggested items (as she shared the condition). She was also lovely and chatty and made our evening very nice.

Alexia gave us an wonderful service

The food here is delicious and a great selection on the menu to choose from. The service from Genie was wonderful! She was so lovely and made sure we had everything during our meal. Would definitely recommend!

Great pub, with great food. Only point I can mark it down is I’m not a fan of dogs in dining areas. Food was fantastic & service was amazing.

Lovely evening meal with family plenty of food choices good atmosphere our server was Alexia who made the evening very pleasant

Excellent service, thanks to Leah for being very friendly and hardworking!

Really enjoy coming into the king rufus. All the staff are lovely and always pour a great guinness!! The lovely leah and genie served me today and always have a smile on their faces.

Thank you kirsten. Your attention to service was perfect

Visited in the evening, food was brilliant! Barman Jack was very friendly and worked very hard - would definitely come again.

Love visiting the king rufus. Becca, leah and kirsten are always so helpful

Another great visit at the King Rufus. The team are always so helpful and friendly. Special shout out to Leah who always has a smile on her face

Since moving back to the area we’ve used The King Rufus at least once a week for food and drinks and not once have we been disappointed. The staff are amazing, nothing is too much trouble for them and they ensure you’re happy. Not once have we had bad food, the range is mouthwatering and cater for all tastes. Highly recommend .

We are regulars to The Rufus and love the friendly atmosphere and staff, nothing is too much trouble and staff go above and beyond to accommodate our needs, food is consistently of a high standard, good to know there is also a function room if needed......keep up the good work 👏

Table booked for 6.30pm. Had to wait 10mins for a table as very busy, understandable for a Friday night. The halloumi fries were unavailable for starters. Fish and chips were not available either, not good for early evening. Food ok, typical pub food, nothing outstanding.

Excellent service, during a very busy time. The food was very good, but several menu items were not available, which was disappointing.

I will add to this review as I go more. I've gone again, and I would just like to make a shout out to Frank, who was very helpful and friendly. For starters, the nachos and crispy squid were nice. For mains we had a variety of Crispy Honey Burger, Nashville Burger, and their Fish/Scampi and Chips. For desert, the warm chocolate brownie and their fantastic new ultimate cookie sharer (which finished so quick that I could photograph it) were must haves. It was all well as expectation. King Rufus is somewhere to visit if you live locally for sure.

Amazing place to visit! Went for dinner with a friend and were given great service from frank and genie, they both made sure we had everything we needed! Will definitely come back!

If you’re looking for somewhere to have a great burger and a pint, this is the place, the ultimate burger is to die for, my son had battered hot honey chicken and said it was amazing. Great service from the staff too

My family and I come here semi regular. We are never disappointed. Warm and inviting atmosphere, Becky and her team create the best mix of professionalism and humour, and the food is always top quality. Can’t wait to come back again

A very good small Sunday roast turkey with pig in blanket side dish, then cheesecake and latte coffee.

My family and I had dinner here, including relatives visiting from Canada. We first noticed the atmosphere of the pub, very warm and welcoming. The adults had the Sunday roast and it was fantastic! For dessert, the sticky toffee with bourbon pudding. Our server, Anna, was attentive, friendly and helpful. We'll definitely be returning!

We had 2 family birthdays to celebrate, so went here for lunch. I brought a cake which Becca very kindly put a new candle on as the one I took had broken. Nothing was too much trouble. The food was lovely and we had a lovely time and weren't rushed. Highly recommend.

What a lovely evening. Excellent service by staff in the King Rufus. Very good food. Becca and Genie were very good ensuring that everything was ok for us. Thank you

Had delicious food with a great server (Frank) who assisted us with anything we need. We had a great time out and are very thankful.

Becca and the rest of the team really create a nice atmosphere for a pub that used to have quite the dull reputation, they bring smiles and happiness into the building and what an upgrade the food has gotten! I had the mini grill during my visit and it was devine! I actually eat it in record time as I was soo hungry! The pub now I think is a must visit for your pub grub and chilled evenings! I think they even do a quiz too!

Very friendly atmosphere, fabulous staff with excellent service. Good food for a fair price, Friday nights are brilliant with their fizz Friday offer for £12.99! Will be back next week!

Excellent pub, we frequently visit every week with our dog Teddy, it's lovely to be able to bring him with us for a meal. With a dog station available with treats, water and toys. Becca, Nathan, Becks and all the staff are always lovely and extremely accommodating. See you next week!

I come to this pub because the salmon fillet was lovely last time i.came but I have an assistance dog of which I brought here with me before the last time we was allowed in the restaurant area but this time we was greeted by a woman with reddish hair who sent us to the back of the pub I explained to her that she is an assistance dog and she is allowed in the restaurant area of which she then made up a story that it was busy I had to go and check this out for myself and it was empty so if u have an assistance dog this pub is not assistance dog friendly so don't bother with buying your meal here because it seems that if you have a disability and need an assistance dog you shall be banished to the furthest corner of the pub on a table in the corner !!!! Ot disabled person or assistant dog friendly

Good place to have a beer, with good food and good service.

Came here on New Year’s Day for a meal and a beer , surprisingly the service was good and very quick (compared to the last time I came here 6months ago ) But the food was awful , butter milk chicken wings seemed like they had been deep fried and fried for far to long as they were hard . Honey chicken burger was solid . The bun itself had been over toasted and was so crunchy and sharpe to bite ! The chicken was also over fried , also seemed like this had been deep fried . Again this was hard and sharp and crunchy . Tasteless and dry and didn’t get eaten . Will not be coming here again anytime soon

The pup was beautifully decorated and warm. The food was delicious. The staff were lovely. I accidentally left my wallet in the pub and they found it and kept it safe for me to pick up later.

Just had an amazing… AMAZING Christmas Dinner at the Rufus! After having a few disappointing Christmas Dinners ‘out’ the past few years and not the most amazing experience, we were really hoping this would not be the same. But… it was delicious. Hot, tasty and a lot of it!! And again, lovely cheerful Christmas Spirit from Genie and the team. Thankyou everyone, would definitely spend our Christmas with you again! The Griffiths-Dunn family x

Rebecca and the other staff members were very helpful. And the service was exceptional definitely will be coming back to visit again!

Although our experience was great, we unfortunately had a very rude and unprofessional server but luckily was switched to a lovely girl called Natalya! (Big well done to her!)

We didn’t have a booking which is fine had we been told from the beginning that there is no table available. Instead we walked around aimlessly only to find out there was no place for us to sit down. The staff at the door was rude and unwelcoming. Appalling!

We had a lovely evening dinner, the rib eye was fantastic.

Great Christmas meal for a group of 15. Very accommodating and generous. Geoff was warm and welcoming and one of the waiting staff particularly quick- witted when it came to the magician.

Great pub good selection of beer and food.

Great evening at the King Rufus, catching up with friends and the food, service and atmosphere were the perfect companions to that, as well as being reasonably priced.

Visited on Friday evening for a family meal. The pub was packed but the atmosphere was brilliant, staff were very attentive and friendly. Food was delicious, will be back again soon. Thank you to all at the King Rufus.

I have been going to this pub, in its various incarnations, for decades. Though only a couple of times a year more recently, when I'm in the area. I stopped with two colleagues for lunch. The staff were welcoming, pleasant and service was pretty quick. I just think the food needs looking at. One colleague had the scampi, no issues there. Another colleague had the lunch menu of salmon. I believe another review has a picture of it. It just looked a bit sad, over cooked, and with a heap of anemic looking potatoes. Presentation is everything guys. My colleague described the salmon as 'rubbery'. His dessert of ice cream 'didn't taste of anything'. I had the steak and Ruddles ale pie with 'buttery' mash. It was nice enough but the pastry a little thick and cloying, just enough crunch to keep me ploughing on. The filling was tasty but a little on the stingy side, and if buttery mash sits under a heat lamp (?) It won't be overly pleasant after a while. But then, at £12.99, it was very reasonably priced. The lunchtime crowd, busier then I've seen it in a while, all seemed happy enough, so maybe we just chose badly. I've eaten there several times and never had issue before. I want this pub to be a little better, I like it, I want to go back. A touch more effort?

Really enjoy eating at this pub. Been many times, but they frequently have either no beer or no puddings. Sadly this will be our last visit for a while, as we know the menu too well and we're fed up with shortages.

Gents toilets needing some TLC.

Always a great place to eat. Lovely atmosphere and great staff!! Would definitely recommend!

We use the King Rufus regularly and always enjoy hot delicious meals. All the staff are very friendly and attentive but special shout to Robbie, who is so customer focused and to Finn for cooking our lovely meal, the steak was cooked to perfection. See you again soon

Wonderful evening had by the whole family. Great food and great service. Would highly recommended and will absolutely be back. Thanks :)

Lunch with the family. I had the ribs, which were expensive, although I haven't stopped thinking about how lovely they were, so definitely worth it. The others finished their meals, Pie and Chicken Fajitas which they also raved about so food was on point, well done to the chef and staff were friendly and attentive - had a lovely lunch, would definitely return.

Nice enough, had a pleasant Sunday roast. Service was friendly although a tad slow.

This is my local, has always provided great food and friendly service, would recommend to anyone!

Party of 6. Pub was mostly empty maybe 3/4 other tables in use when we arrived at 3:15pm so not a busy lunch time or tea time! No drink order was taken until all of the party arrived which is unusual for pubs. Drinks order was taken and then meals, there was a long wait for food even though pub was empty but was told there is only one chef. Food has gone down hill massively since we last visited. The waitress we had couldn't even hold the plates and place them on to the table instead handed to us or literally dropped down. The steaks were not cooked to how they were asked and were very fatty. Glasses for drinks were not clean this was changed but even when we went to pay other customers were handed glasses that were filthy and this was questioned. When paying we said about the wait and service being poor and that the tables were also sliding everywhere and very wonky, causing a drink to be spilt (lucky it wasn't hot). Was told it's something they are working on and thanks for letting them know and that £30 had been taken off the bill. Silly me didn't think to check, no money had been removed off the bill and the 2 orders from the lunch menu that's on a deal till 5pm was not even accounted for and we was instead charged full price for them individually. A phone call has been left and i will be returning in the morning if no call back for the money owed. If i wasn't 40+ weeks pregnant and lived closer i'd have gone back tonight.

Always a great place to go and grab food. Family friendly and the staff are always very welcoming. Great portion sizes. Food tastes great and is reasonably priced. Children's menu here is fantastic - giving them a much wider range of options than most pubs

We have just got home after a great meal at the King Rufus, the food was fantastic and the service, was good, we were served by quite a few of the staff who were on duty and they were all very professional. Looking forward to our next visit for either Breakfast or Dinner. Louisa

Once again, superb service, delicious food and lovely atmosphere. Thank you for accommodating our dogs too! Great family pub and dining and extensive menu for a wide range of tastes. Well done King Rufus team.

Disappointed that we have to walk through the smokers congregating around the entrance and no outside no smoking area.

Was seated by Genie, who was very efficient, in this very amenable pub. Good food, good Menu, with a wide variety of drinks and good atmosphere.

Always a great place to pop in for a beer or food.....friendly staff and very welcoming and child friendly. Always great service with a smile

We went as a group of 16 for a Halloween treat. Staff were friendly and food was good. Alexia our waitress was really helpful

Everytime you visit, despite putting your reg into the machine you get a parking fine and debt recovery letter. 3 now I’ve had - it’s a rural pub, who’s idea this was has no geographic knowledge - why else would I park their!!!

Chosen because it is near J14 of M3. Very slow service which meant we only had time for a main course which was ok. I doubt if we would go again.

Visited the king rufus yesterday for just drinks in the bar area, was served by Kirsten who was very friendly and efficient. Will definitely be returning soon.

Excellent food friendly service all at a very reasonable price. We were in 29th when my mother inlaw was taken ill. The staff we compassionate and helpful and should be commended for there actions throughout

I was about to leave a bad review for this place due to a rude blonde waitress I encounter every time I visit. However, I was then assisted by a really sweet girl named Lily, who went above and beyond with her service and completely turned my experience around. Because of her, I’m now leaving a 5-star review! Thanks lily 😊

Really friendly staff with good service. The food was nice too.

My family and I attended the Macmillan Family Fun Day on Saturday 17th August and we had the best afternoon! Lots of things to do for the children, the staff were very friendly and helpful, they were wearing Macmillan t shirts which was great to see. Would definitely recommend the King Rufus as a family friendly pub, always a great time!

Food was good but a very rude girl served us more shouting at us who having the grill who having the grill no would you like anything else or is you meal okay just slammed plate down and walk off try to get a drink at bar had to waite as the person behind the bar was busy make about 5 coffees then was told couldn't have

Long wait for order to be taken and both courses slow to arrive.Chips cold, Chicken tough,crumbles x 3 cold in the middle.Poorly attentive staff. Shame as been coming here for a long time.

Came here for lunch today service was brilliant from sian food was good will be back soon

Good Greene King pub. Very good menu and selection of beers all reasonably priced. Plenty of parking and outside seating. Dog friendly in the bar. Nice log burner in the bar for those cold winter evenings Controlled car park so enter your car registration number inside.

Love this place. We go weekly. Food is always amazing. Our regular waitress Sian is wonderful. Friendly and very attentive.

Had breakfast on Sunday morning - food lovely and staff very welcoming and friendly. Very quiet on the morning we went but the pub has a lovely feel even with just a few customers. Will definitely be back.

Sian was really friendly and helpful

Our party of 6 had a very enjoyable evening at the King Rufus and were very well attended by Anna our assigned server for the evening. We took advantage of the great 2 mains and 2 drinks deal for £20. The food was freshly cooked, delicious and the portions generous....even the vegan option!. Large carpark which is free if you enter your car reg at reception

Fantastic meal and service, friendly staff .

Great place to eat as food is sooo good and the service we received from " Genie" who was our waitress was fantastic and professional

Our lunch was lovely, my friend is not one to moan but her lunch was not hot but only warm, it was lovely but could have done with being nice and hot. Our service was fantastic and thank you to Becca who was very polite and professional and a credit to your company.

Always so well looked after at The King Rufus. Rebecca and her team really make you feel welcome. The food is great and the service too. Would recommend it!

Table of 4 yesterday lunch time . Excellent service . Good value for money . Fish and chips excellent. Couldn’t fault anything. Well done all!

Went there for a surprise birthday party in the function room. Well organised and staff were excellent. Would definitely recommend.

Brilliant pub. Amazing breakfasts at the weekend!

I recently visited this pub and had an exceptional experience! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, setting the perfect tone for the afternoon with friends. The service was truly outstanding, with Rebecca going above and beyond to ensure everything was just right. She was attentive, friendly, and made the entire experience feel special. Overall, this pub offers a perfect blend of great service, excellent food, and a cozy atmosphere. Highly recommended!

Best Hot Chocolate I’ve had in a while, followed by a quality vegetarian roast dinner, thank you Rebecca for the best service. Dog Friendly 🐶🐾🖤🤎

Nice evening with my boy. Great food, good service.

We went to the Mcmillan charity event it was well organised, and staff were so helpful. Highly recommended.

Great fresh food at good price. Cant fault it . All staff make u very welcome

We visited without a booking for 5 adults and 2 children, and they were more than accommodating, even moving us when our 3 year old fell asleep so he could be laid down. Genie, who was serving us, was pleasant and attentive and made the afternoons visit very enjoyable. Food and drink were lovely and a fantastic time was has by all!