The Market Hotel in East Hampshire

Stayed Bank Holiday weekend and had a fantastic stay. Stacy and the team couldn’t do enough for us. They made us feel really welcome and nothing was too much trouble. The rooms were very clean and the bed was really comfortable. No problems sleeping at all. We will definitely be going back soon.

It has closed but, if you booked through booking.com you won’t be warned. I eventually got a refund but it did not cover the cost of having to make an emergency booking elsewhere.

We arrived on Saturday for an overnight stay booked back in December, when payment was also taken, to find the Hotel deserted with letters on the floor and a closed sign. Having checked with businesses close by they confirmed its closure. We were lucky to find somewhere for the night, but if this comes up as an option please take note!

This review is regarding the bar only and not the hotel proper.

We didn’t eat here but had a drink before using the restaurant next door. Quirky decor and friendly locals. No squealing brats, which seems to be the norm in a lot of Alton pubs on a Saturday !

We have been twice in the evening over the last month. The first time was for the Thursday Steak Night and the second was for their Christmas Menu. The welcome and service was homely, the food was well cooked and well presented, the portion sizes were generous and the plates were hot. We were not rushed in anyway at all. It was easy to talk and listen, without the need for shouting. It was difficult to understand how they managed to produce what they did for such a low price. It was excellent value on both occasions.

Visited for dinner and not for the first time. Owner and staff extremely friendly and most accommodating. Interesting menu with some interesting variations. Starters very nice, Asparagus wrapped in Parma Ham and Mushrooms on Ciabatta. Sadly the Game Casserole was disappointing, it was very tasty but not a lot of meat and filled out with rather too much potato. The Sweets again were tasty but the Lemon Tart had rather a lot of heavy pastry. All meal very nicely presented and we were very well attended throughout. We will return as there is much potential.

Just visited the market is a local to me eaten before but not since new owners very impressed reasonably priced food excellent food definitely will be coming back and would highly recommend to all locals so impressed xx

We've visited a couple times since the new owners arrived and have been so far very impressed. Previously we've had steaks and pies which have been great, but on a rainy sunday decided to try the roast. It was brilliant. Great value for money, delicious, love somewhere that serves a yorkshire pudding with any order, let alone two! There was a good selection of vegetables, including cauliflower cheese with leeks. All served with a smile by a very welcoming team. Would thoroughly recommend.

Came in for a meal with family on the 15th September after coming a week prior and been blown away. The food was cold and was not visually appealing. Our first visit we ordered off the specials menu, a roasted pork loin and a duck breast which were amazing especially the pork which came with a potato rosti (my favourite), which we were told were made from scratch by the chef, this time the specials menu had been changed and it was as if there had been a complete change of kitchen staff as the menu was the same as the week before but had been altered to simpler ideas which did not work, a duck breast with peppercorn sauce?!? Service was perfect as usual but the food side had completely disappointed us compared to the first visit. If its not broken dont change it!!

Had a great meal here! Lovely lamb cutlets and chocolate torte. Generous portion sizes and very tasty. Would definitely recommend!

Had a lovely meal, big portion, absolutely delicious and great value for money! Warm, friendly atmosphere! Modern but cosy interior and staff were very welcoming and attentive! Such an improvement with the new owners there! Looking forward to going back :)

Went to go here for a drink yesterday evening after having a meal next door at Prezzo, only to be told that they had closed early due to it being quiet. To be honest we thought it seemed a bit strange as it was only 9pm and there was a table of people sitting in the front window drinking and laughing. Just a word of warning from people that have been in the pub industry for many a year, consistency is KEY. Once you start closing early like that people will stop bothering to go there.

Dinner for four. Pleasant surroundings in the Market Square and well appointed dining area. The restaurant and bar staff were very friendly and helpful. Interesting selections on the menu and wine list, there are also daily specials. All meals were very good, freshly cooked with nice selection of vegetables. Only comment would be the time it took for meals to arrive but all were obviously cooked to order. Ice creams were very tasty but quite small as an order. Would certainly return.

We came to try the food as there have recently been new owners. We were really impressed. Really delicious, high quality Sunday Roast. Fresh and tasted like a homemade roast. We tried the beef, chicken and veggie roast. The beef was ordered rare and was perfectly cooked. The chicken and veggie roasts were both very good too. Lovely veg, not overcooked and good yorkshires. Good size portions and decent prices. Staff were lovely and helpful. We will definitely return and are so pleased to have a new, good local eatery.

Myself and my boyfriend have been going to the market hotel for a long time and we have always enjoyed ourselves. The pub has now been taken over and the new owners are doing great! It looks great, great atmosphere and very friendly owners and bar staff. We have had a handful of meals here over the last month and the food is amazing. Every meal we have had we haven't had anything bad to say about it. The roast on a Sunday is something else!! I had it today and I wanted it all over again. The beer and cider tastes really nice also and they have a great selection of wine. (I personally think the food is this best in the town!)

After seeing the chalkboard on the edge of the market square we thought we'd give it a go and so glad we did. The pub was light and airy, with fresh cut flowers on the tables and a big open bar. Staff were very welcoming and friendly. Two of us had roast pork, the other the vegetarian filo pastry. All were good-sized portions and came with crisp Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes like your mum would make, cauliflower cheese and vegetables. The prices were very reasonable for Alton - £13 each for a drink and enough food to keep us going for the day. The owners were so lovely, wish them all the best with the hotel.Very happy to have discovered a new place to eat in our own home town.

I love coming here with 2 tear old daughter, very comfortable and always warm, the staff are lovely and enthusiastic, the surroundings make you feel as if you are lost somewhere in London with the chilled out music in the background and the rustic look of the table and chairs make it feel more exciting, there is always something new to look at rather than the same old table and chairs situated everywhere, the food is great and really good quality for what you pay, I highly recommend people coming for a bite to eat and a chilled out drink.

sofa's and chairs that do not match and all look a little worse for wear. Live music that was far too loud, so that we could not hear each other (and we sat in the other bar). All in all, a little expensive, trying to be what it is not and disappointing.

Met some friends for lunch however we only stayed for a drink as the kitchen is apparently being refurbished. Members of staff sat the bar eating while not selling food is rather off putting. Furniture seems sparse, tables and bar sticky and a general feeling of apathy. I used to love the vibe in this pub but this visit was very depressing and quite sad.

Extremely disappointing. Staff member had no greeting or smile. Has no idea how to serve the soft drink Lime and soda. Despite being the only two people in there on our arrival the music was too loud to talk over and the food which was not freshly cooked took 40 minutes to come.

Situated in the heart of Alton, The Market is in an ideal spot. I love the deco - so girly and quirky! Didn't try the food but was made to feel welcome as a solo female cradling a glass of (good) wine. I left before it got too busy but what I saw of the clientele was nice. Guy serving was friendly. Nice to know there are a few nice places in this town where a girl can get a drink without letchy men in tow!

Up-market hotel and pub in Market Square. Nicely decorated with sofas round an open fire. Cheerful staff. Evening meals available but only a short menu.

A great pub venue with an excellent atmosphere. A different live band on most weekends. I have always had excellent, varied and well priced food. Best chef in town! The staff are extremely bright friendly and always there to help. A venue you can spend a whole day at or just come for an evening meal. I would highly recommend this place!

Used Bar 200 to celebrate my 50th.A really cool environment in a really cool hotel.No room hire just a commitment to invite 50 other old gits/girls who would drink lots - which they did! .... and stayed open until 12.45am tooThey set up the bar beautifully and could not have been more helpful during both thepreparation - and on the night. Hot buffet was enjoyed by all my guests - so much so that I did not get to eat any of it.Great nite......Thanks to Tara, Richard, Chef Dave and the team.

We are local and popped into the hotel for a catch up and a meal. The food was lovely, nothing was a problem. We were warmly welcomed and well looked after. The wine was good and there was no urgency for us to leave even though it was late. The hotel is comfortable and attractively decorated, adding to the inviting ambience.

Love this place! Great decor and atmosphere. The staff were really friendly too. Ate there for the first time last night and wasn't disappointed at all. The food was cooked to perfection and presented beautifully. Will definitely be going back.

I attended a baby shower last Sunday which we couldn't fault in anyway. From arriving at The Market to see a beautiful traditionally laid table for a perfect afternoon tea, the very kind chef who came out to explain everything he had made fresh that day, to advising the pregnant ladies what they could and could not eat, the friendly & helpful bar staff and the very reasonable price we paid for the tea and delicious food received. I would highly recommend & everyone left very full after a lovely afternoon with thanks to The Market Hotel

An extremely welcoming place. Also very comfortable seating and a lovely ambience. The steak and chunky chips were absolutely delicious. Also the carrot puree and baby tomatoes were absolutely delicious. The chef is excellent at this establishment and he even came and asked what I thought of the meal. This is a first class place to eat and will definitely be back when I am next in the area. Well done. Would thoroughly recommend this place.

Me & my partner just got home from a lovely afternoon at this beautiful hotel, loved the chic decor, owners and staff (Jamie, Tara & Dave, the chef) so welcoming, food absolutely gorgeous! I had a special lamb, which was cooked perfectly, my partner had the burger, which was beautifully moist, one of the best burgers I've tried! The triple cooked chips are lovely! Nothing too much trouble for the owners whose service was well timed and friendly. We then had the very rich and lovely chocolate fondant (melt in the middle was spot on!) & the G&T jelly. Lovely building, great staff and fantastic food, will definitely return!

My wife and I had the pleasure of finding this wonderful establishment by accident, Market square is not known for good food, well it is now. we were taken by the out of the ordinary specials. The chef, Dave, came to the table and gave us run down of the specials and we were blown away by his passion and knowledge about his food, the source, and the methods of preparation. As a "foodie" couple we have nothing but high praise, a real 10/10,a gem in market square. Every time we find ourselves in Alton we will be excited to return.I ho

Popped in here again the other day and found the food, atmosphere and people as good as always. The best place to eat in Alton by far. Yum!

We stopped here for a drink on one occasion last summer and paid almost £10 for a glass of wine and a lager. We were not made to feel welcome by the owners and it seems an unfriendly 'clicky' pub. We never returned

We spent a delightful afternoon here enjoying the delicious Afternoon Tea. The staff were wonderfully accommodating especially as we had two small children - both of whom loved the sumptuous cake selection! The sandwiches were really tasty and showed that a lot of thought goes into every aspect of the afternoon tea. The presentation in vintage tea pots and cups was another beautiful touch but for me the highlight was the delicious fruit tartlet, I would return for that alone (and plan to).

Nice bar with a great atmosphere if you’re just in for a drink; excellent food and a comprehensive menu if you fancied dining out. Tara and Jamie are very welcoming and their staff are friendly and attentive. Often some live music on a Friday night makes this a thoroughly recommended visit.

The Market hotel hosted and provided a buffet for our daughters first birthday and christening.There were great package options and all at a reasonable price. The food was fantastic, the staff friendly and accommodating and the venue its self was perfect for our occasion.I have also attended a 30th party at the venue as well as a christmas party in their private function area. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a reasonable, classy and accommodating venue, for any event.

I have been to Alton a few times and had drinks at the market hotel before. When I arrived here the menu had been recently updated (of which I wasn't previously aware). Anyway I had a chicken pate starter followed by the rump of lamb. Wow! The lamb was absolutely awesome, cooked really perfectly, it was tender and juicey. Served with dauphinois potatoes (can it get any better??) I was a bit sceptical about what size portion id get as lamb seems to be all or nothing these days..... It was a big portion of yum! Friendly staff, good value, great food. Good selection of everything else too! Nice one market hotel!!

A great deal of thought went into the 'open day' when we were invited to sample the delicious sandwiches and pastries, right down to the table cloths, music, bunting and general ambience. Loved the retro crockery and teapots. Felt really at home, yet that it was a special occasion too. The staff couldn't have been more helpful and we will definitely be back to sample the new chef's menu which looks fantastic. Take time out to have tea there - it's worth it!

Enjoyed a great lunch with some fantastic wines, the staff were so helpful. We sat in the bay window enjoying the sunshine, I will definitely be visiting again and working my way though their delicious menu.

We (my partner & I), hope these evenings are going to become a regular thing. The Market Hotel had booked a group called The Coops (AKA something to do with dragons).Two blokes started singing about 9:00pm. Can't really pin them down on a gendre, both obviously talented musicians and vocalists. They seemed to be able to play any style thrown at them. It was a shame that more people weren't there. (still about 30 at one time), but they deserve a wider audience. We just hope that word spreads & that the Market Hotel will continue to support local talent. Had a couple of bar snacks - the sausage & onion baguettes are to die for...I need to also mention that the draught Lowenbrau is kept in excellent condition & this is from someone who lived in, & worked with a German company before retiring.To mine hosts, Tara and Jamie - keep up the good work

I was so impressed with the selection of cakes & pastries that came with the afternoon tea, it was all delicious. All served in cute mix-matched crockery - so cute.Coffee was outstanding! I will be taking my mum! :)

Went to the "High Tea" Open Day. We went at the time agreed & everything was perfect. The room was very busy, yet service was excellent, attentive, yet unobtrusive. The standard of the sandwich samples, if that's what they will serve every time, was excellent. The pastries were to die for. I only drink 'Redbush' Tea, which they did not have, Nevertheless, they said that they would make this available in future. The Americano I had was more than acceptable. Good food, good service & good ambience.Returned yesterday (5th April 2015) for Sunday lunch. Immediate problem...I wanted to try everything on the menu. My partner had the Devilled Whitebait & I had the mushrooms to start. We shared & oh boy, were they good! I didn't think I like Tartar sauce until I tasted the chef;s home-made tartar..... divine!Quite independently, we both had the Trio of Sausage & Mash etc. What a delight. I saw some of the roast beef dimmers being taken to another customers table.... the look of it was enough to guarantee I'll have that next time. For desert, I had the home-made 'Sticky Toffee Pudding' with all the trimmings.....the fact that anyone can read this stops me from describing the feeling I had with the first mouthful...OOOHHH! My partner had the Lemon Possets with raspberries, again, I'll definitely have that next time.Our waiter, Richard could not have been more professional. You would not have got better service in a 3* Michelin Restaurant. What a find Tara & Jamie (owners) have in this young man.The owners were on hand whilst we were there & you could not meet two nicer people. Friendly, welcoming and obviously totally Customer Orientated.Having read some of the rather negative reviews some people have written, I can't help but wonder if it was a different Market Hotel. I am in no way related to the owners or have any vested interest in the place. It's my real, honest review of the experience I had on these two separate occasions. I'll be returning, often, and will continue to give my honest opinion from time to time.Dr Keith M Bingham

A beautiful unique pub with a wonderful feel as soon as you walk through the doors. The afternoon tea is a real treat, and the staff and management really are extremely welcoming. I would definitely recommend the Market for a quick drink (or a few) a meal or of course the afternoon tea. Thank you for a really lovely afternoon. We will definitely be returning soon!

The new chef at The Market Hotel is absolutely amazing. The food was just fantastic, it was prompt and the flavours all worked so well together. The new menu is also paired with a great selection of wines, and there is a great choice of dishes on the new a la carte menu. I visited with family and we were very well looked after by the lovely staff. The service and feel of the restaurant is perfect & I would recommend The Market Hotel to everyone. They also do a delicious fantastic afternoon tea. Filled with freshly made sandwiches, cakes and pastries! A perfect Easter treat for the family! The entire atmosphere of The Market hotel is wonderful; the decor, team, food and drinks. Well worth a visit!!

Simply the best afternoon tea I've had. Tasty dainty sandwiches followed by delectable little cakes and pastries, all homemade. Tara has set the scene so perfectly too by using vintage crockery and table cloths and retro music playing softly in the background.We treated ourselves to a bottle of Prossecco too which complimented the cakes really well.Wonderful attentive service and good value for excellent quality.

I've been a fan of this local gem for a while, family run and really warm. The food has always been really good, but have gone in today to taste a new menu devised by their newly employed chef. Literally brilliant. The food is again locally sourced where possible, and carefully put together taste wise. Very well worth a visit, and a return visit too! What a good pub to support, championing the best of local, when the best Alton can muster at the moment is a rubbish Weatherspoons with microwaved curries. Thank heaven for the Market!

Had opportunity to sample the new business lunch menu at The Market Hotel today - this new venture by Jamie and Tara has really 'hit the spot'. Beautifully refurbished and cosy venue, very helpful staff, great wines and good food. Will definitely be back.

The place is like a hug, Tuna was perfect, Tara & Team were brill! Decor is simply fab, range is just right.1000% recommended.

A great afternoon tea had by all. Lovely tea, sandwiches and beautiful cakes. Lovely venue. Can't wait to come back and try the a la carte menu! Thank you

Went today to sample the new Afternoon Tea Menu. The service and food, was as expected, excellent. Tara and Jamie are excellent hosts and we will definitely be back to sample the new A la Carte Menu and some more Afternoon Tea! Thank you.

My mum and I have just had a truly enjoyable couple of hours here tasting the new 'Afternoon Tea' now on offer. The setting and atmosphere were gorgeous, the staff could not have been more attentive and the tea, sandwiches and cakes were delicious. We even treated ourselves to a bottle of Prosecco as we were enjoying ourselves so much! I often go to this pub for lunches or evening drinks, and now with the afternoon teas and what looks to be a delicious new menu from the new chef, I am certain I will be visiting even more.

Came here on a recommendation and couldn't believe the quality of the food. Having been to most places locally, this place beats most hands down. Not only was the service flawless from the moment we entered, but the food we ate was locally sourced and cooked on site, something most restaurants, alton based or otherwise, can't boast. Great atmosphere, great food, literally can't believe this is our first time...it won't be our last!

I love this pub for drinks with friends. Have also stayed here in the really quirky rooms.The only thing that let's it down is the food.Have had a birthday meal here for 12 people and it was a disaster.I supported them again for my staff Christmas do hoping my birthday was a one off as it was busy, but it was awful and none of the 16 that came with have eaten there since. And i popped in a third and final time for food with a friend when Prezzo's was fully booked and they misplaced our order.All in all, I wouldn't recommend food here but it's a beautiful pub. Very well decorated. Great drinking vibe. Good bands. Lovely for couples and friends. Even solo! Just stick with sandwiches and bar snacks :) and watch some good bands.

We had our wedding reception in the 1902 room, the food, staff and service was amazing.The management planned everything with me to make sure our day ran smoothly, it ran that smoothly our day was absolutely perfect with no hiccups at all. They catered for children and also the fussy adult that was in our party, nothing was problem they accommodated everyone's needs.The food was amazing it was top quality not cheap and nasty that some may expect from most venues and the presentation of the food was amazing. All my guest enjoyed their meals, I would recommend to anyone to use this venue for weddings, christenings, party, now trying to plan another event so we can go back.Many thanks to the market hotel management and staff you made our day perfect and we are truely thankful

As a business owner - it takes a lot to inspire me to write about a particular establishment as I am critical of service, value for money and In particular...quality. We dropped by for a meal on Steak night Wednesday and have to say was superb. Reminded me of days of old when you could get a quality steak, cooked properly, plenty of it and in good surroundings! Rare this day and age. The house bottle of wine included in the meal deal (expecting something pretty basic) was a really good Merlot. Genuinely - save yourself cooking, get over there and try it for yourself!Simon CollinsPalmerstons Property Management. Review date Friday 19th September.

Just wanted to say what a fab location, great ambience, great staff and great food for our regular weekly meeting of the local Alton business networking organisation! Did not sample the rooms as not staying in the hotel but the rest of the location is excellent so I'm sure the rooms are as well!Steve S

Went here for a quick drink at 4.30. Every table was reserved. We asked for when, and were told 7.30. We asked if we could have a quick drink, and were told no as they had to keep the tables clear. Go figure that one out. Will not return. Shame!

My husband and I ate at this establishment on Friday lunchtime with a number of our colleagues as an end of term celebration and farewell to a longstanding member of staff. We waited a full 1/2 hour before anyone took our order and then another HOUR until our food arrived. When it did arrive some of it was cold and some burgers were still raw in the middle, my husband and I had fish and chips. Within hours of consuming our meals we were both violently sick - I continually vomited for 4 hours as well as having chronic diarrhoea. I shall not be eating at this hotel again.

Very good place for drinks in Alton. One of the top pubs in Alton, much better than the George. You get a great atmosphere, good drinks and all in amazing surroundings! The management are doing a great job.

Had a very relaxed and enjoyable evening. Attentive, friendly service, very pleasant and comfortable surroundings and reasonably priced good food.

Young staff thought that on a Thursday night it was appropriate to turn the place into a dance club, playing fairly obnoxious music at ear splitting levels. The manager should have known better. Beer is fine, everything kind of sticky.

The menu said they could cater for special dietary needs - I asked which items on the menu were gluten free, and was told there was nothing. No alternative was offered - my husband had to suggest they made me a chicken salad. The food was poor - and although I have emailed my concerns, I have not had a response

A great find in Alton, popped in for lunch with the family and was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food. Good friendly service and modern decor and lovely secret garden at the back. Would certainly recommend and deserves to be higher up the pecking order in Alton.

We recently visited this local inn, and were treated to an extremely friendly welcome, from a young lady behind the bar, who we found out also cooks in this establishment. The meal ordered was delivered in a timely manner and with grace. We ordered from the specials board and all 3 meals were tasty and well presented. The young lady was attentive without being overbearing and if this is representative of the service and quality of food my group will have no hesitation in revisiting this inn.

The wife and i met up with another couple, for a few cheeky drinks and a bite to eat.Lovely decor, nice staff. Food was really nice, though the service was very slow indeed. That said we had a really good evening,

Love the ambience of The Market Hotel. Since it was refurbished a couple of years ago, The Market has become a classy, well-favoured venue for meeting friends and having a drink. Although prices are quite expensive, the setting is perfect and the decor is really comfy and cosy. Great plaza-style seating outside, perfect for the summer months. One of the best pubs in Alton.

The new market (although open long enough now not to be called new) is a nice bright pub a far cry from its predecessor (although that was still good).Going there for a drink on a Friday night is worth it. It's not the place I would go for food but a relaxing drink is a yes and sitting out front on a summers day is always a treat.

this hotel doesn't aim its business on food , but the food was brilliant please bare in mind there is two italian restaurants next door to the hotel .

We held our daughters Baby Shower here, and couldn`t have been happier! The girls behind the bar were really friendly, and very accommodating, and nothing was too ever much trouble! I hadn`t had any lunch, and was starving, one of the girls kindly offered me some of her cheesey garlic bread! Boy! It was yummy! (Sorry girls, I can`t remember your names!) The Hotel provided napkins, and had set the table all ready for us to put our cup cakes on. We had a variety of sandwich platters which were soon empty! Absolutely first class! Everyone that came to the Baby Shower said what a lovely place it was. Thankyou all, a lovely Hotel which is beautifully decorated. x

When this was taken over it was fantastic. The food, service and 'prices' were good. Sadly the service, prices have risen and its considered expensive now.They do a great cocktail night on Thursdays 'buy one get one free' BUT....... they do not have the staff working to cope so you need to double order and even then have to wait ages. We have ordered and then told it would be brought out to us and then seen bar staff serve other people while we are still waiting. If they are going to offer a cocktail night they need to have staff working who can deliver!The décor is beautiful - please do not let the service, prices make the business fail.

Let's keep this simple. The food wasn't bad, and we used a TASTE card so it was cheap. The drinks were fairly priced too and you totally get what you pay for here. We went for a family meal (6 of us) - Our food took OVER AN HOUR to come. The staff were perfectly nice, but useless - almost as if it was EVERYBODIES first day, or as if no one had been trained! Go here if you want a casual, slooooow lunch or dinner - not if you have somewhere to be!

We came to Alton for a friends party where she had reserved a table at this pub. The staff managed to mess this up and said that the reservation had been cancelled despite a call an hour before to let them know we were running 10 minutes late and a birthday cake being dropped off. The staff were rude and unhelpful and did nothing to resolve the situation. We will never be returning. The George pub nearby is a much better bet