One of the great attractions of this seventeenth-century, rose-covered village pub at Ovington, near Alresford, is its setting beside a meandering country lane on the Pilgrim's Way; a bonus is the garden right beside the banks of the River Itchen. The interior is thoroughly rustic, with a central wooden bar, big log fires and high-backed settles; no music or games machines disturb the peace.

Menus are chalked on blackboards, and the choice runs from sandwiches to fillet steaks. The kitchen sources good ingredients from across the land, making use of everything from South Coast fish to Balmoral Estate venison. Sample dishes from the regularly changing repertoire might include tempura shrimps with jerk-seasoned fries, grilled trout with hazelnut and coriander butter, and confit of duck with sweet potato chips, followed by desserts such as mille-feuille of white and dark chocolate mousse with strawberries. Wadworth's beers are on draught and the short wine list has some unusual New World offerings.

The Bush Inn is also featured in: Michelin Guide, AA Guide

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Gastro pub

Lunch: 12.00 – 2.30pm Mon-Sat (12.00 - 7.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.00 - 8.00pm Mon-Thu (6.00 - 8.30pm Fri & Sat)

Visa, Master Card

• Alfresco dining
• Disabled access
• 1 covers