The Thomas Lord, Hampshire

Overview

Named after Thomas Lord, the 18th-century founder of London's Lord's Cricket Ground, it's no surprise that this unpretentious, rustic and atmospheric gem has been bowling over the locals for years.

Brimming with cricketing paraphernalia, this beamed and half-panelled gem is decorated with old cricket bats, caps, pads and associated prints. There's an endearing medley of characterful wooden furniture, big candles on tables and a herringbone-patterned wood floor too, while the small back room makes an ideal private dining room.

In the garden, there are a clutch of quirky and fabulous cabin rooms, while the kitchen delivers great pub food that draws solely from quality local suppliers. On fine summer days the pub's glorious garden is the place to be, so arrive early to bag a table on the flower-bordered lawn and watch your pizza being cooked in the wood-fired oven, or why not book the thatched dining hut for an intimate lunch or supper. Beyond, box-edged gravel paths lead to rose-covered arbors, flower borders and raised vegetable beds, along with secluded tables and chairs that are perfect for enjoying a peaceful summer evening drink.

Rooms from

Doubles: £129

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Alfresco dining
Parking available
Dogs stay: £15 (beds & bowls)

Family favourite
Kids are very welcome throughout and will enjoy the garden, freshly made pizzas and quirky cabin rooms.

Outdoor adventures
If you're interested in great views, attractive wildlife, fine pubs and pretty villages, don't miss walking in the stunning South Downs.

Dog-friendly
This is prime walking country so dogs can expect a big welcome in the bar (water bowls & biscuits!) and are welcome to stay overnight.

Rooms

Bespoke and very cool rooms are the icing on the cake, especially as the village setting is fabulous and the pub's location close to wonderful South Downs walking and cycling, and both Winchester and the south coast have made it a popular base for exploring east Hampshire.

Expect the unexpected, five luxury wooden cabins neatly tucked away in the fabulous garden. Smart, contemporary and very cosy, all feature the best beds topped with quality linen, down and woollen throws, big lamps, two leather chairs, a desk, mini-bar, a Smart TV, fresh coffee and biscuits, and super bathrooms with walk-in showers, thick towels and pampering Ren toiletries. Order a bottle of wine and enjoy the peaceful garden location on your private alfresco porch.

Restaurant & bar

The menu has been delighting locals since it opened, serving innovative seasonal dishes using a wonderful variety of locally produced fish, meat and cheese alongside freshly picked seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Enjoy fabulous snacks at the bar with a pint - venison & black pudding scotch egg with piccalilli mayo or asparagus, crispy duck egg and wild garlic aioli - or tuck into a lunchtime doorstop sandwich. If you're staying over, then settle in for three delicious courses - and expect locally brewed ales on tap and a good selection of well-chosen wines.

Things to do

One of Britain's most prestigious provincial theatres, and an instantly recognisable landmark in Chichester, the hexagonal-shaped, 1,300-seat Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the largest in southern England. Recently restored and attracting famous acting talent, it's the perfect place to see top quality productions before they head to the West End. Set in large grounds, theatre lovers can bring picnics or visit the new bars and restaurant for a gorgeous summer evening.

There's plenty of wonderful beaches not too far away from The Thomas Lord - and one of the best is the stunning West Wittering, south-west of Chichester, one of the premier Blue Flag beaches in the country. This stretch of coast is popular with wind and kite surfers and is an obvious venue for lots of exhilarating recreational activity.

Horticulturists can enjoy the award-winning West Dean Gardens, which feature a Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden, Sunken Garden, selection of Orchards and a lovely circular walk set in beautiful parkland. Delicious homemade goodies can be eaten in the Garden's restaurant too.