THE BEST HAMPSHIRE PUBS
Michelin Eating Out in Pubs Guide
The quality of food and hospitality at six pub members of county food group Hampshire Fare has been recognised with an entry each in the new 2012 Michelin Eating Out in Pubs Guide.
The Thomas Lord in West Meon,
The Bugle in Hamble,
The White Star Tavern in Southampton,
The Purefoy Arms in Preston Candover,
The Three Tuns in Romsey and
The Bakers Arms in Droxford have been selected to feature in the new Michelin guide which is based on ‘good food in informal surroundings’. Also included is
The Wykeham Arms in Winchester, run by Fullers’, one of Hampshire Fare’s Corporate Partners.
The 2012 guide recommends more than 530 pubs across the UK. Among these pubs are 86 new entries, including the Three Tuns in Romsey. The Three Tuns, The Purefoy Arms and The White Star Tavern are also listed as ‘Inspector’s Favourite’, which is given for those pubs that are extra special, because of their setting or character, the charming service or the exceptional quality of their cooking.
The Guide’s Editor, Rebecca Burr, said: “
We can all feel justly proud of our pubs and the way they have adapted to changing times. The pubs in our guide offer great food, often at competitive prices, and our inspectors keep discovering more and more of them. These pubs make terrific use of local produce and often champion regional specialities”.
Delighted at their inclusion, Andres and Marie Lou Alemany of The Purefoy Arms said: “
For us, being a new business, just two years old, we're incredibly proud and happy to be included in the guide. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team, and we like to think it reflects the passion with which we approach the pub”.
Chef Adam Cordery at The Bakers Arms in Droxford said; “
The Bakers Arms is a village pub that happens to do very good food, we have a strong local drinking trade that sits comfortably alongside people who have travelled along way for the full dining experience without any of the pretence. While a local drinker might be having homemade chips, hot baguette and roasted chorizo at the bar, one of our tables might be finishing their 3 course meal with a selection of 6 Hampshire cheeses and a glass of dessert wine. We source much of our produce locally including from our own allotment and from foraging”.
Ideal Collection’s Executive Chef Jim Hayward added: “
We’re all delighted to have both the White Star Tavern and Bugle in the guide again this year, with one marked as inspector’s favourite. It really demonstrates our commitment to delivering high quality food using the best of local and seasonal produce”. Richard Taylor of The Thomas Lord in West Meon enthused: “The Thomas Lord has achieved recognition for its commitment to serving and preparing only the best quality food from British and local producers. Every week lamb, beef and game are sourced from local suppliers with the freshest vegetables delivered from the locality and from our own potager, including edible flowers. The Thomas Lord is proud to be included in the Michelin Guide which epitomises all that we strive to achieve”.
The new entry for Romsey’s Three Tuns is the icing on the cake for the Grade II listed pub, which only re-opened in February following a complete refurbishment by the team from Winchester’s Chesil Rectory. Three Tuns owner, Mark Dodd , enthused: “
The whole team is absolutely delighted. It’s great for customers who want to eat well and spend a bit less - it’s great for us and it’s great for Romsey.”
Hampshire Fare Chairman Mike Wright summed up: “
The Michelin Guides give impartial recommendations of places to eat which offer good quality and value for money. It is gratifying to represent members who deliver such a high standard of hospitality and help make Hampshire a recognised foodie destination”. The Purefoy Arms, Three Tuns and The Bakers Arms were also recently awarded a coveted ‘Bib Gourmand’ in the separate 2012 Michelin Guide, awarded to establishments that offer good food at a moderate price.
Michelin’s Eating Out in Pubs is widely available in bookshops and online.