The Greyhound on the Test, Hampshire

Overview

Former Hotel du Vin chef and much loved and respected pub operator Lucy Townsend has transformed this 15th-century building in Stockbridge, England's fly-fishing capital, into a civilised country inn with plenty of passion and panache. It's a stunning riverside inn with a gorgeous garden backing onto the River Test.

Featuring heavily beamed interiors, a proper bar set in the intimate parlour and a beautiful garden from which to enjoy the river, it's a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike, and with local fishing rights, fisherman hampers and a fisherman's hut, it's also the perfect pitstop for fishing first-timers and enthusiasts too.

The roaring fire in the huge inglenook, sophisticated grey décor and flickering candlelight make the interior bar a cosy, comfortable option to enjoy a pint from a local micro-brewery. Come summer, follow the pergola-edged path to the glorious riverside garden, where you will find a fabulous tipi for summer dining, a garden bar, and gorgeous views across the Test Valley. Warmer months also mean summer jazz evenings in the courtyard, riverbank plays and private dining, or monthly wine dinners with local wine aficionados Wine Utopia.

Rooms from

Dinner, B&B: £260

Good to know

Amex not accepted, Visa / Mastercard / Maestro all accepted
Disabled access
Alfresco & private dining
Fishing rights
Parking available

Water and waves
With the river Test right on the doorstep, enjoy the riverside garden or try your hand at fishing. Residents have access to the fisherman's hut on the banks of the river, if not being used by fishermen.

Quiet romance
The candle-lit bar, roaring fires and extensive wine list makes for the perfect date-night, along with a bottle of something special from Wine Utopia.

A touch of culture
You're not far from the awe-inspiring Salisbury cathedral, with the tallest spire in the country, as well as a 12th-century former Augustinian priory, Mottisfont Abbey.

Rooms

Quirky 16th-century charm meets contemporary chic in the seven warm and inviting upstairs bedrooms and the three Leet rooms created in an adjoining cottage. Cosy and comfortable with a smart country-home feel, each room is painted in calming pastel hues.

Soft throws, scatter cushions on king-size beds, patterned rugs and bold artwork add splashes of colour, antique furnishings creates an eclectic feel, whilst thick feather duvets and pillows, fresh coffee and home-made cookies ensure guests feel right at home. Grab a drink from the honesty bar on the landing, pick up a book or country magazine and relax.

Why not splash out and book one of the gorgeous Leet rooms, equipped with Ralph Lauren beds, rich fabrics and furnishings, mini-bar and roomy bathrooms with deep roll-top tubs. Some look out over Stockbridge High Street, others over the garden and River Test. Don't miss breakfast, whether its home-made muesli, banana bread, or Greenfields Farm Full English.

Restaurant & bar

Phil Bishop's eclectic menu evolves with the seasons and utilises the very best produce sourced from local artisan suppliers.

Typically start with nduja chorizo and aged cheddar Scotch egg with chorizo jam and spiced tomato sauce, follow with roast cod loin, salt-baked golden beetroot, roasted salsify, sea purslane and smoked mussels, and finish with vanilla creme brûlée and shortbread. Good set lunch and Sunday sharing roasts menus, riverside picnics, and summer pizza and grills in the garden.

Working closely with Wine Utopia, based just four doors down in Stockbridge, the Greyhound on the Test has created a bespoke wine list that enhances the seasonal menu. Beer drinkers have a choice of three ales on tap, with guests from local micro-breweries, such as Flack's Double Drop, alongside the regular bitter Ringwood Best. Among the top-end range of spirits is a collection of 19 interesting malt whiskies.

Private dining

Guests can splash out on a riverside lunch for four, a shooting breakfast for twenty, a small private party or a wedding, with the team providing a bespoke and very personal service to fulfil your needs.

Things to do

You're not too far from the majestic Salisbury Cathedral here, which boasts the tallest spire in the country. Immortalised in John Constable's famous painting Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows from 1831, you'll feel like you've stepped into a romantic painting - don't miss the original copy of the Magna Carta.

Also in the area is 12th-century former Augustinian priory, Mottisfont Abbey, now a beautiful house and garden. Managed by the National Trust, Mottisfont includes a drawing room decorated by Rex Whistler and a superb walled garden containing one of the finest collections of roses in the country, with a tributary of the Test flowing prettily through the grounds.

When exploring charming Stockbridge, don't miss Wine Utopia, the well-stocked wine merchants a few doors down from the inn. With hundreds of top quality and great value wines from across the world, as well as from small producers and estates, its a great pitstop for any vino aficionados.