By Valley News ‘undercover’
What finer way of enjoying the glorious Indian Summer of the past week or two than to go for a proper pint and a bite to eat in a country pub?
Well, Netherhampton is sort of in the country, and it most certainly was when the thatched roof of the Victoria and Albert was originally laid in the 16th Century.
With the warm sunshine on our backs, we parked the car and stooped to enter this hostelry, which won CAMRA local pub of the year 2018. Host Maggie, sons and staff welcome you to their little bit of (according to the CAMRA Good Beer Guide) “Quintessential England”.
Next to a working farm and set back from the main road, it is easy to lose a couple of centuries in the journey from door to bar. We were soon brought down to earth as Maggie, who has been running the pub for 17 years, followed her warm welcome with an apology as the kitchen was limited due to a cooker hood fault and was out of action for the day.
She could, however, rustle up soup, ploughmans or sandwiches. This all added to the feeling that we had stepped back in time but we decided to stay and sample a light lunch and have a pint too.
As a rule, the V&A has three changing beers, including Flack’s Double Drop from Romsey, Hattie Brown’s Moonlite brewed in Swanage, and a cider from Frome called Lilley’s. My wife sampled the cider and as I was driving, I just looked miserable.
Our ordered soup and sandwich arrived very promptly and was tasty. With plenty of space to eat outside, both under cover and in the garden, it is a great spot to unwind.
It was a shame we had chosen a day when the menu was shortened as there normally is a good choice, including home-made soups, Hunters Game Pie, Warm Chicken and Bacon Salad, Moules Mariniere, Ricotta and Spinach Tortellone – and a good range of puds. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are normally available too.
If the weather is poor, there is the opportunity to play board games by the fire. Dogs are welcome too. I will certainly return, as a passenger, to sample the beer and full menu soon.
Victoria and Albert, Netherhampton, Salisbury SP2 8PU.
OPEN EVERY DAY 11-3pm
(12 – 5pm Sun) and 5.30 – 11pm (except Sun).
Tel: 01722 743174.