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The Star Inn - Tytherley

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Comfy country pub with fantastic food

Country pubs with rooms can be the best way to get away from it all, without the anonymity of some fully-fledged hotels. Country pubs with restaurant and rooms are even better. Country pubs with an award-winning restaurant, really comfy bedrooms and within striking distance of London? Well, you can’t get much better. The Star Inn in the tiny Hampshire village of East Tytherley is a great place to chill out, enjoy the fresh air and, well, eat good food ‘till it’s coming out of your ears.

The seventeenth century inn sits on the edge of the village cricket green, and despite its growing reputation as one of the best gastropubs in Hampshire, is still very much a friendly and welcoming local. The cosy bar and dining room are warmly and eclectically furnished, with fireplaces and beams intact. The Star’s bedrooms are in a small cottage in the inn’s grounds – not the anodine, modern blocks that many pubs have built in their car parks to real in overnight visitors, but a real haven, with stylishly decorated rooms, comfy beds, White Company smellies and shiny en-suites.

Back in the main building, guests can expect fantastic breakfasts served up at a civilized hour, and the opportunity for a day, or a whole weekend, curled up in the bar doing very little. Dining at The Star Inn is a treat, with a mouthwatering dinner menu, hearty and relaxed supper menu, delicious everyday lunch menu and outstanding Sunday lunch options. All use as much local and seasonal produce as possible, and revolve around a pleasingly British theme. The puddings, in particular, are to die for.

Where is it?

Picturesque East Tytherley is the smallest village in the beautiful Test Valley. Surrounded by woodland, it’s church, school, cricket green, pub and smattering of houses are hidden from the rest of the world. The Valley is a lovely spot for some scenic, but undemanding walks, with trails and footpaths all over the place. The 44-mile Test Way, which follows the river through water meadows, tidal marshes and past some of Hampshire’s prettiest villages and best pubs, is perhaps the best known, but there are a number of lovely walks that start right at The Star Inn’s car park. The Test is also world-famous for its trout fishing, and anglers (or anyone simply looking to escape their other half for a day) can try their luck at catching a few. Holbury Lakes in Lockerley (www.holburylakes.co.uk Tel: 01794 341619), just 2 miles from The Star Inn, is the local trout fishing mecca. For something slightly less sedate, nearby Thruxton Race Track (www.thruxtonracing.co.uk Tel: 01264 882222), about 15 minutes from The Star, offers the opportunity to try out some of the fastest, and flashest, cars out there.

The rest and the best of Hampshire are within easy reach of East Tytherley, with the historic and buzzy city of Winchester just half an hour’s drive away. Closer still is the breathtaking Palladian home of Lord Mountbatten, Broadlands (www.broadlands.net). Only open from June to September each year, it’s really worth making the effort to visit the Capability Brown-designed house and grounds for a romantic trip into the past. Broadlands is also home to some great firework displays and concerts throughout the year (check on the website for more details). The New Forest is also within spitting distance – for the best places to see, visit and eat there, read The Weekenders Guide to The New Forest.

Where can I eat?

The lovely Star Inn is a no-brainer option, as the menus are superb, and, after all, there can be nothing better than eating a great dinner and drinking a bottle, or two, of great wine within staggering distance of your bed.

If you’re looking for an alternative, however, The Greyhound at Stockbridge (www.thegreyhound.info Tel: 01264 810833), about 8 miles from East Tytherley, is a multi-award-winning and very popular restaurant. It’s also the best place to sample some of the River Test’s fishy inhabitants. Winchester also offers some fantastic eating options. The bistro at The Hotel du Vin (www.hotelduvin.com Tel: 01962 841414), where chef James Martin cut his teeth, offers simple, but sophisticated classics for a special night out.

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The seventeenth century Star Inn sits on the edge of the village cricket green, and despite its growing reputation as one of the best gastropubs in Hampshire, is still very much a friendly and welcoming local.