Pictured above from left to right: Shauna Brame (Chef-de-partie), Lenny Carr-Roberts (Chef Patron), Marco Pierre White, Harry hardman (Trainee Chef) & Simon Bell (Sous Chef)

Eating out for the English is a relatively new experience, my early memories of eating out with my parents was in a Hotel, I don’t think restaurants existed 50 years ago in England, maybe in London.

I have been “banging on” a Graham Hill expression, for some time about how lucky we are in Hampshire to have such a wealth of fantastic locally produced food. Well here in Twyford is a refreshing example of a Chef putting my words into practise. The Bugle Inn Twyford, was purchased by Lenny Carr-Roberts and his partner Francesca Luckett in 2008, and the business has gone from strength to strength based on “Localism” .

I met Lenny today at The Bugle, and we had a real foodie talk, myself being easily excited about food found his background of 25 years in the business and the odd name dropped like Marco Pierre White and Albert Roux a bit like talking to a star, well at least a Michelin star, but his success also comes from 8 years working for the DeVere Group where no doubt he learnt the all important lesson of how to make money in the restaurant business.

Lenny’s enthusiasm for buying local was amazing, meat from Jody Sheckter’s Laverstoke Farm, local asparagus and watercress and fish from Viviers in Portsmouth.

The menu at The Bugle changes almost every day, whatever is brought in fresh that day, and locals are encouraged to trade their vegetables for a pint of beer or a glass of wine, who said bartering was dead.

Lenny was not ashamed to admit the majority of his dishes were aimed at the ladies, I thought the men paid the bill, but at least you don’t have to discard unwanted salad and the slice of orange, or has that had its day. There is a hint of French cuisine to most of his dishes, Lenny having spent some years in France, and I believe that will continue, but not as some of us regard French cuisine as heavy covered with cream but light and full of complex flavours.

Monday is Special Offer Night.

Well done Lenny, hope to revisit you soon.

HAMPSHIRE PRODUCERS OF FOOD AND DRINK

The original coaching inn was built on the site of the King’s Head during the tenure of the Heathcotes in around 1810. ( see History of Hursley)

Probably 100 years separates these pictures, mode of transport certainly different.

The Kings Head free house is a traditional Four Star Georgian coaching inn situated in the historic downland village of Hursley, just south of Winchester in Hampshire.

Totally refurbished three years ago, The Kings Head is under the management of Jimmy, formally of Oxfords, Southampton. The friendly staff offer you a warm welcome whether joining them for drinks, a meal or an overnight stay in one of their eight, beautifully decorated rooms.

Also the cellar can be hired for functions along with its skittle alley.

01962 775208  Visit The Kings Head Website

See more Pubs with Rooms in Hampshire.

Some years ago I stumbled upon a great Italian restaurant in the Hythe Marina and wondered if it was still in business. Last Sunday I made the trip to Hythe and yes La Vista is still very much in business and we had a fantastic lunch there. La Vista was busy without feeling crowded and very much a family venue on a Sunday, so typically Italian, always having time for children.

Walking around the Marina it is obviously the place to eat, with Boathouse Hotel newly refurbished and offering “boutique” rooms for those wishing to explore the area or just don’t fancy the trip home that night! Eating out on the decking is fun in the summer and is well catered for from both La Vista and the Boathouse.

Hythe village is full of interesting shops and the Hobbits Pub in the old Georgian part offers a wide range of Mediterranean and English meals.

WHY NOT LEAVE THE CAR IN SOUTHAMPTON AND TRAVEL BY FERRY

Hythe Can be reached by Ferry from Town Quay, Southampton and takes approx 20 mins costing £13.00 return for a family of 4. The Ferry passes the big liners (if in port) and then at the end of one of England’s oldest piers (1879) you catch an electric train, introduced in 1922, to the village of Hythe.

Marina courtyard shops and restaurants

La Vista Restaurant, not for slimmers!

The electric train taking passengers to the Ferry.

Do something different this Summer with the Family.

See other ideas for days out with the family

See Cruise Ship Movements for Southampton Docks

See other recommended restaurants in Hampshire

It’s nice to write a review when you are pleased with the experience from a particular pub or restaurant, well here is one.

Sunday the 5^th of June, terrible weather, unfortunate for Winchester’s  “One Big Table”, despite this still enjoyed a dish of Philippines’ stir fry but somehow the cold and my English appetite left me still wanting. So off to the Wykeham Arms for a red wine and low and behold they had a bar meal of Large Yorkshire pudding filled with roast beef, potato and beans, actually broccoli, and boy that filled the gap, well done Wykeham Arms all for £5.00, not including the wine!

Let us know of other great Pub meals from your favourite haunts info@agentsmart.co.uk

Directory of Hampshire Pubs