The Sun Inn

Hidden down a tiny lane on the village edge, this pretty flower-decked and unspoilt rural pub dates from the 17th century when it was a pair of traditional cottages. Little has changed inside over the years, where brick and board floors are laid with a rustic mix of scrubbed pine tables, benches and settles, original beams are hung with sparkling horse brasses, walls are adorned with prints and plates, and tasteful cosmetic touches - magazines to peruse, fresh flowers, flickering candlelight - enhance the overall unblemished atmosphere. Crackling log fires warm the three inter-linked rooms and you can expect a friendly, relaxed atmosphere throughout. As well as The Sun's charm, real ale and an extensive selection of hearty home-cooked dishes (listed on the changing chalkboard menu) are prime reasons for visiting. Dishes range from ploughman's lunches, home-made soup and sandwiches (chicken and avocado), to beef stew and dumplings, beer-battered cod, calves' liver and bacon, pork and Stilton pie, and half-shoulder of lamb with redcurrant and mint gravy. Game in season includes venison, cooked in Guinness with pickled walnuts, and pheasant. For pudding, tuck into apple and raspberry crumble, white chocolate and strawberry cheesecake, or a warm chocolate brownie. A thriving free house, the bar groans with hand-pumps, dispensing Ringwood Fortyniner and Stonehenge Pigswill, plus Fuller's London Pride and regular guest beers. There is much to see and do in the area: Gilbert White's House and the Oates Museum in Selborne are not far away, and neither are Jane Austen's House at Chawton, nor the Watercress Line at Alresford, where you can enjoy a 10-mile steam train ride through glorious Hampshire countryside to Alton.