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4,1

Based on 2.001 opinions finded in 4 websites

3.6Ambience4.1Cuisine3.6Price4.1Service
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Nº 211 in 529 in Winchester

Nº 46 of 134 British in Winchester

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH.. roastoldcreamcookedbeautifulfishporkcheesepiesteakpuddingscallopslambbellycrab

comment_iconOpinions

Visited many times, the latest experience being rather underwhelming. Starters were great, without fault. Unfortunately, the mains below par except for the ravioli. The fish was rather stodgy, a thick (undercooked?) soggy batter, unlike its usual light golden crisp. Limited vegetarian options, too.

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Henry D-H . 2024-02-05

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Brilliant as always. Booked for a lunch as part of a cycle along the SDW, the team are excellent and the food is fabulous. Also very accommodating of my dairy allergy!

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Steff . 2024-02-02

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Stopped in for the first time after a walk. Had pork Belly and my wife had beef and wine pie. Outstandingly good food. So many places talk the talk on the menu and charge the prices and fail to deliver. Not here. I try hard when cooking pork belly myself (usually a 2 day affair), but I'm not afraid to admit that I can only aspire to this. Fat rendered out, super crackling and a deeply rich jus to go with. Dauphinoise and savoy cabbage also excellent. My wife's pie was also superb. Melt in the mouth beef in again a wonderful sauce. Pastry done nice and thin with decorative flair. All of the veg where different and special to the run of the mill. There's so much care and skill gone into this food. Can't wait to return.

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Stuart B . 2024-01-29

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Definitely recommend the Shoe Inn . They were excellent in catering for our party if 16. Thanks go to the chef for preparing the delicious food and to the helpful & friendly staff. I also recommend buying the bread.

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Annette Sant . 2024-01-27

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Great pub, wonderfully decorated with lovely service. We had some of the local ale which was well kept, and although the cask ale selection was limited, we were very impressed with the service.

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Ben . 2024-01-13

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Really good food, well presented and large portions compared with most pubs.

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Chris B . 2024-01-06

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Food was lovely as always and pleasant staff always friendly

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Ashley Watson . 2024-01-04

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Really cosy place with a great looking menu. Did not eat this time but will be going back to try some of their food. The vegan/veggie options look great; they've put some effort into their dishes to differ from the normal vegan/veggie dishes.

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Ryan . 2023-12-25

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Superb lunch, kids meal was delicious. Bread was an absolute find and the pork belly Asian salad and bang bang cauliflower were EPIC, BANG BANGIN

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Paul David . 2023-12-23

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Lovely little country pub next to a trout stream.....polite staff.....attentive landlord.. warm ... What's there not to like...oh and nice and clean

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Rob Walsh . 2023-12-20

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Walked here from Winchester on the South Downs way (12.5 miles of walking) - literally booked the pub then realised it was within sensible distance. In hindsight, the distance was perfect and a must for anybody who's walking the South downs at that sort of distance.

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Matthew Welland . 2023-11-29

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Fabulous food, service and ambience!

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David Roden . 2023-11-20

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Lovely little pub. Fantastic sunday roasts and a really relaxing beer garden by the river.

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Charlie Scott . 2023-11-14

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What a great find, with lovely atmosphere and great choice of yummy and wholesome food to tempt a Walker on South Downs Way, the pub is sited in the lovely little hamlet of Exton… definitely worth a visit.

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Ian Porter . 2023-11-11

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Phenomenal pub! The food was exquisite. The best meal I've had in years! The service was top-notch. Amazing.

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James Roper . 2023-11-07

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Great food, great location. On the down side the service was a little slow at times albeit on a quiet mid week evening, I was sat on a bench that had a straight up back which proved uncomfortable over the time we were there. Overall good but not the best.

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Mark . 2023-10-27

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If I could give this place 10 stars I would! Me and my partner were absolutely gobsmacked about how good the food and the service was. All of the items on the menu sounded amazing and our choices (the black pudding and the scallop starter and the pie and the prawn tacos) were incredible! We also work in the industry in Surrey in popular destination-pubs and the Shoe Inn truly deserves the awards they have received (and no doubt there will be many more)! It will be my go-to dinner stop every time we go down south.

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Nele Teinfeldt . 2023-10-20

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Fantastic food, highly reccomend 😊😊

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Nigel Heath . 2023-10-20

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Excellent service and great food very enjoyable

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steven trowern . 2023-10-13

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Happy staff and a great menu in delightful Hampshire village. Top tip, book a table at opening time, but arrive early to park without stress and have a stroll to work up an appetite 😀

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Bob Stoneage . 2023-10-07

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Food overcomplicated and very rich with little real taste. Under cover on veranda near door so a bit chilly. Would not recommend this current menu.

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David Bates . 2023-10-06

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We visited for my parents anniversary on a Sunday evening and enjoyed a lovely dinner as a family. We sat in the covered area outside, which was lovely and had lots of space. The only slight problem was that the table wobbled quite badly! We managed to wedge a napkin under it. The other problem was that the staff didn't really seem ready for our booked table. There weren't enough napkins (minus the table holding one) for everyone and even after asking the waitor for table water several times, we never got any the whole evening! The best thing we ordered was the crispy Asian pork starter! I would go back just for that! Everything else paled into insignificance after having that. I had the roast belly of pork, and although tasty, it was quite rich and needed something to cut through it. Maybe some tart apple sauce. The fries however are out of this world amazing! They're so unbelievably crispy and delicious. Highly recommend a draft of local cider and portion of fries

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Jessica Jago . 2023-09-23

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Nice location and great place to visit with a dog after a long walk. Have come once after walking the south downs for a drink and some chips. It's a pretty small portion of chips for £4 but they are probably the best chips I've ever had. Fresh, hot and crispy with a nice soft middle. Second time we came in a group of 5. Service was decent, although the waiter didn't seem to know much about the menu or drinks on offer. I shared the crispy asian pork to start and it was the highlight of the meal. Really different, super tasty and fresh. I then had the chicken burger which was good but didn't live up to the starter. Everyone else's main meals seemed to be decent but not outstanding. Prices are fairly typical for a slightly posh pub/restaurant and the portions were a good size.

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Lawrence Jago . 2023-09-23

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Fantastic pub in a gorgeous setting!

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Jake Brecheen . 2023-09-20

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Beautiful pub in a fantastic location

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Alan Redman . 2023-09-15

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Lovely place to eat. Very friendly staff, gorgeous food.

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Elly Zeelenberg . 2023-09-11

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Best Pub food I've had in a long time, would definetly come back again.

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Chris Barry . 2023-09-10

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Literally amazing every time, can't fault it, best food around.

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Beth Larcombe . 2023-09-09

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Absolutely outstanding food, lovely location. Setting as the destination of a long walk makes the hard work worth it. One of the best beer gardens in Hampshire.

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Matt Rushton . 2023-09-05

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Stopped in on a day hike with family in meon valley. It was a Sunday but found space in the garden. The food was great and our boys loved the twice cooked chips. My wife and I had the gourmand coffee for dessert and so generous we should have shared as enough for two. Surprisingly good value for great meals. Would recommend.

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Phillip Webb . 2023-09-05

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Nice position.parking can be problem.

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David . 2023-09-04

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This place is amazing! Great food, great people, outstanding vibes!

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Ananya Pal . 2023-09-02

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Great food pub - I ate too much, what's new? We enjoyed our starters and got defeated by the mains. Going with the asian pork starter and brisket burger with mac and cheese main should carry a health warning... Tasty bread and oils! And lovely staff too.

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Jason Murray . 2023-08-26

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Friendly welcome and buzzing atmosphere, the tables a little close together is about the only issue we had. Good 6X beer, and five of us had different foods. Excellent chicken sandwich, the lamb and pork dishes were described as delicious.

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John Stubbing . 2023-08-22

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Great food! Service was hostile, Manager was hostile towards customers! If the front of house can display the same quality of service as the excellent food then we have an amazing establishment!

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WAYNE EVANS . 2023-08-21

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Amazing food. The bread is to die for.

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Thomas Rippon . 2023-08-19

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Great pork main and great friendly service

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Daniel Barber . 2023-08-18

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Outstanding food, great service and good atmosphere. Recommend if your looking for a posh pub vibe or just generally looking for a good meal out.

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Joe Castle . 2023-08-15

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One of the best meals we've had out in a pub for a long time. Staff very friendly and food delicious. Price for the quality was very reasonable. The waitress recommendation of panko scallops and lamb steak were well founded. The roasted peach dessert was one of the best desserts I have ever had. We will certainly be returning when a different menu comes out.

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Andrew Cashman . 2023-08-13

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Nice beer garden next to the river Meon .

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simondo55 . 2023-08-12

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Had a lovely meal here today. It was just what my husband and I needed. The food, especially the scallop starter and lemon tart dessert, was incredible and the staff were friendly and attentive.

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Hayley Castle . 2023-08-12

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Popped in for lunch; great food and service in a quintessential English village.

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Stephan Peters . 2023-08-12

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Arrived and sat down at a table, only to be told rather bluntly and abruptly that it was reserved. Had a couple of drinks and bar snacks, as the menu wasn’t great for vegetarian (with a dairy allergy). Upon leaving, asked if they’d mind filling up a water bottle at the bar and was told that we’d have to use the sink in the toilets.

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P . 2023-08-10

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Lovely lunch, great food, will definitely be visiting again

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Miriam King Makeup Artist . 2023-08-09

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Great food, sadly served by a very grumpy and rude young waitress.

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Graham Jacobs . 2023-08-05

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Fantastic lunch menu. Relaxed atmosphere and great service. Sitting by the river. Just need a Sunny English Summer!! Many thanks. Chris and family.

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Christopher Heaton . 2023-08-03

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Fabulous lunch and lovely location

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Sarah Dowding . 2023-08-03

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Great menu. Great service. Great venue for all weathers We will be back. Many thanks Chris and Family.

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Christopher Heaton . 2023-08-01

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Excellent place staff fantastic Food great the best . And was recommended to this place . Home made bread there fantastic . Would go again

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Sharon Carpenter . 2023-07-27

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Lovely food, lots of choice, well presented. Staff very polite and attentive. Delicious complimentary bread and oils made locally. Picturesque setting and tasteful decor

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Karen Gamblin . 2023-07-27

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Everything great here. But I'd recommend visiting in the summer. You might get a table on the terrace in poor weather and although it's got a cover and heaters its bloody awful. Bread here is fantastic as is coffee. Food is wonderful. But it's where you get sat that counts on the day.

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Mark Jones . 2023-07-25

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The food was excellent and it is a lovely pub

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Andrew Ozioro . 2023-07-22

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The bread they make here is incredible, so light and fluffy and you can buy a loaf to take home which is great. I had korean cauliflower as a starter which had good flavours but wasn't amazing. Then I had the prawn tacos which I personally didn't like much, not quite sure why because they sounded great on the menu.

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Elliot . 2023-07-20

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What an amazing pub. Lovely location by the river Meon, you're welcomed by the smell of their freshly baked bread that you can take home with you! Food was out of this world. I couldn't rate the service as a 5* as there wasn't a warm welcome by them/the team when we arrived or throughout our dining experience. But overall a great pub and we will come back!

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Rosie Red McLaughlin . 2023-07-19

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A superb reasteraunt, food excellent and great service

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James Watt . 2023-07-11

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Very disappointed! Rude staff who were not accommodating when we came with DofE using the pub garden as a check point. We were going to have lunch and drinks but they told us we were not welcome and move away. Would not recommend! The only pub who have ever been like this in all the time we have been doing DofE!

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Ieuan Williams . 2023-07-09

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My second time coming here and I was a little disappointed this time. The sunday lunches have the makings of being great, and the last time I was here, they were. This time (Jun-18th) the gravies on both the pork and beef were over-reduced and tasted acrid, salty and burnt. The dishes were smothered in this so it was impossible to avoid. The apple sauce with the pork was inedibly sour (I can bite into a lemon but still found the apple sauce too sour). The roast potatoes were under-cooked and the skin very tough instead of crisp. The gluten free option was just by removal of items rather than replacement so looked very meager compared to the standard dishes (put a few more potatoes on or something - not all gf folks eat like birds!). Overall a very disappointing trip. I really hope this was just a one-off

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Christopher Goatley . 2023-07-09

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Food is lovely, the river in the pub garden is nice (separated from pub by a quiet village road) the pub itself is quaint

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Richard Morton . 2023-07-07

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Worth going for the smell of freshly baked bread alone. Good menu and friendly staff. Will be returning.

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Toby Coulson . 2023-07-06

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Great pub, had lunch here. Great food and good service

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Marion Traylen . 2023-07-06

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Ate there today, 6 in party. Decided on the roast pork. Wish I had had the fish and chips. The meal was awful. Completely drowned in a sickly gravey. Roast potatoes you could have thrown threw the wall. Hardly any pork on the plate. Yorkshire pudding was over done. The veg was a putrid mess that made me want to vomit. 5 of us had roast meals and all were vile but my father's fish and chips did look OK £180 for each of us to have a main meal and 1 drink each. Disgusting . If the food had been as expected then fine. Service was excellent which is only reason we left a tip. Would not recommend having a meal at The Shoe Inn

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mark barnett . 2023-07-02

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We arrived after a Sunday hike, nice pub with garden out front by the river. Staff were friendly, but we were too late to order any food (std limited sunday hours) so just drinks. Would consider visiting for food in future.

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Alexander Eichhorn . 2023-07-02

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Absolutely incredible food and the staff were so attentive and lovely. The Shoe is quickly becoming my favourite place to eat out.

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Katie Aldridge . 2023-07-02

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Best bacon sandwich I have ever tasted. Not cheap to eat here, but then name a decent pub nowadays that is. Lovely food, sourced locally in many cases. Busy and successful place.

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ROBERT . 2023-06-29

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Very nice little pub, food was lovely, waitress was great, only down side is parking especially as everyone has to use cars to get there

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Tim Jenkins . 2023-06-28

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I have visited the Show Inn on numerous occasions over the last couple of years, whilst out walking in the area; the food, service and atmosphere have always been excellent. Great sitting in the garden during fine weather next to the River Meon.

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Terry Russell . 2023-06-28

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Beautiful little place. However I had the pork belly which was very dry and the jui was totally over salted to the point I could barely eat it. Shame because we were really looking forward to it after the glowing reviews.

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FwardTM 77 . 2023-06-25

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Staff and service were excellent. However the food was okay but didn't come close to the description on the menu. Fish was generous but batter was soft in places.Lamb was ok the Korean Cauliflower was sad. Lovely setting but next time we'll head back to the Bakers Arms 10 minutes down the road

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Mike M . 2023-06-23

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Lovely pub excellent service and food was really good.

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James Brunnen . 2023-06-23

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My wife felt the bellypork was a tad salty. My steak pie was gorgeous. Will go back.

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Charlie Gunston . 2023-06-22

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Beautiful pub, friendly staff, fantastic food

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Andy B . 2023-06-21

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Great country pub, great food and a very picturesque location

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Andrew West-Thomas . 2023-06-20

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We walked 12 miles to this fantastic pub on a very very hot day but worth every step. We ate some really delicious food such as potted Devon crab, slow cooked lamb and local asparagus, we drank a lovely local sparkling rose wine and were also served some fantastic bread. The service by all the young team was terrific, very friendly, prompt and knowledgable, thank you all. We ate on the front terrace but then cooled down next to the river in the beer garden over the road. What a fantastic pub and near to a lovely walk along an old railway track. Highly recommended.

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nick davies . 2023-06-20

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Sat outside by the river. Nice pub

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matt simpson . 2023-06-19

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Lovely setting with a beautiful brook/ stream, lots of wildlife. The garden is lovely. Food is okay, a little overpriced but service is fast, bar staff can't seem to muster up a smile, bit moody. Still one of my favourite pubs in the area.

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Loubna Zaoujan . 2023-06-14

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Lovely place by the river...food was really good 😊. It's dog friendly.

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Nalini Mathur . 2023-06-13

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We felt that the quality had gone down since our last visit. Firstly the staff. Pleasant enough but clearly overworked, which reflect in the service. Trying to get another drink or even the sweet menus meant having to go find a member of staff. 2. The food was poor. The Fish ON Chips was poor quality. Firstly, the fish was placed on the chips, which disguised how few chips there are. Secondly, placing the fish on the chips makes them soggy from the oil/fat draining from the fish. Thirdly, the fish was appalling. Very thin with what seemed like an inch of batter. For the price, very poor. The choice of sweets are usual bog standard pub fare!!! Expensive and nothing special. 3. It was a nice sunny bright day and we sat outside on the veranda with had a nice atmosphere. Considering the length of drive to give them our business we were not overly impressed.

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Tony Russell . 2023-06-12

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Dropped in for dinner on a quiet summer evening. A great choice of food, lots of choice and some items that are different to the usual. Starter and main course which was excellent, Need to go again soon

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Andy Little . 2023-06-12

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Food simply amazing,ingredients fab, English sparking highly recommend from local exton vneyard staff very professional.

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Sharon Berry . 2023-06-10

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After not being to The Shoe Inn for a while, it was nice to sit across the road in the sunny garden. Although busy, the food was quick to arrive, and my goodness was it good. All four of us very much enjoyed the food. We'll be back soon.

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John Dennis . 2023-06-05

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Lovely pub close to the South downs way

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Jeremy Davis . 2023-06-03

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Good food and quick service. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

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Philip Lee . 2023-06-03

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Lovely setting. Only stopped for one as we passed through on the South Downs Way. Lovely beer garden by the river!

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ryan mccann . 2023-06-02

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Lovely country pub, great location, friendly staff. If Carlsberg made country pubs....

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Nick Davis . 2023-06-02

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A charming English country pub nestled below Beacon Hill next to the River Meon. Serving great ales. I would recommend the Horizon, a smooth golden ale .

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Kris Newton . 2023-05-31

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Really really nice pub in a lovely part of the world. Hidden nicely in the beautiful meon valley. The pub itself is nice in a quiet picturesque village. The food was delicious through a little bit pricey for a main :) the garden across the quiet road has seats by the river meon itself. Really nice atmosphere.

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Mark M . 2023-05-31

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A beautiful setting with delicious food.

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Ann Atkinson . 2023-05-31

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We love coming here in the warmer weather. It's a beautiful pub in a hidden village with a beautiful stream running right through. The menu is great, with lots of variety and not run-of-the-mill, which is very refreshing and very tasty. Lovely staff and great atmosphere. Perfect for family and friends and couples.

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Sarah Morris . 2023-05-30

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Lovely location, had coffee in the garden

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David Dewis . 2023-05-29

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Beautiful spot, wonderful riverside beer garden, great food and friendly staff. Always a pleasure to go to The Shoe!

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Luke Smith . 2023-05-29

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Lovely beer garden, friendly service and delicious food. Sunshine too!

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Ellen Bryson . 2023-05-29

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Incredible service 👍 all members of staff went above and beyond what was expected to make my meal and experience enjoyable. Will definitely visit again

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J stilwell . 2023-05-29

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Nice place to stop when doing the South Downs Way.

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Richard Nienaber . 2023-05-28

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Fabulous setting and great food

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Jane Davis . 2023-05-28

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Stopped in as we had been let down by a booking at another pub and hoped we would be able to get a table, even thought they were busy they managed to fit us in, the food was delicious and the location is just stunning. Well worth a visit and sit in their lovely covered Veranda, perfect for a chilly evening.

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Serena Wright . 2023-05-22

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This is what a country pub is supposed to be. Welcoming, cosy and offering great food and drink.

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Peter Guberg . 2023-05-19

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Recently passed through Exton on my way along the south downs way. The beautiful looking traditional pub with a garden next to a river that would be really nice on a sunny day. Unfortunately, only had time for a quick drink as it was closing for the afternoon. (Bad timing on my part). I did find the staff to be a little unwelcoming as they struggled to raise a smile or any conversation, other than the coat of the pint I just bought followed by passing me the card reader. A lovely old pub, let down by the staff... Hopefully just having a bad day.

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James Chapman . 2023-05-15

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We started with complementary slices of beautiful bread and a dip of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Don't leave without buying a loaf to take home. We had a Light Lunch, lovely, so we had room for pudding. The pudding, sticky toffee in my case, was delicious. Super spot for lunch. The view is ace and there's a beautifully clear stream at the end of the pub garden. It was the highlight of my week.

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Terry Savage . 2023-05-14

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Wonderful pub off the main road by the river, the service is fabulous. Best to book ahead!

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Bruce Williams . 2023-05-12

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Unreal service unreal food. Sunday roast was worth waiting for, for four weeks. Definitely will be back. Staff were all very attentive. We had a young girl on her second week looking after us. You wouldn’t have known.

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Steve Warren . 2023-05-09

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4,1

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The swan hotellocation-iconWest streetBritish

We didn’t stay here; this review is for the restaurant only! We came here for lunch on Mother’s Day, but the experience didn’t match up to what we were expecting. While the staff were absolutely lovely and extremely attentive, the food just wasn’t up to scratch. Lots of the food was lacking flavour, for example the ham hock starter was really tasteless (somehow the ham just didn’t taste like anything). The overall theme felt like they were focussing more on quantity rather than quality. For example the roast dinners were covered in a generic instant gravy, plain boiled vegetables, dry roast potatoes that had been sitting out too long, and a cauliflower cheese that didn’t taste at all cheesey. The chicken and ham pie was, again, massive, but with only a bit of pastry along the top instead of around the whole filling it felt lacking again. The flavour again was quite plain and didn’t deliver what we expected. Our mothers had the salmon and I wish I did too! It looked great and they seemed very happy with it. I also had a taste of the spicy chilli beef starter and that really was great, so I know big flavours can be done! However when paying £18 for a main, I’d really expect all of it to have a lot more care and attention paid to it and it be packed full of flavour.

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