The Vine at Hannington

Given the nature of North Hampshire's rolling chalk downland, you can expect rambling and cycling devotees to patronise this gabled Victorian inn. It used to be the Wellington Arms because it stands on what was once the Iron Duke's estate, but was renamed in 1960 after the Vine & Craven Hunt, whose kennels are nearby. A wood-burning stove heats the spacious, traditionally furnished bar areas and conservatory, where rural artefacts pop up here and there. The Ringwood brewery represents Hampshire at the bar, the other real ales coming from Black Sheep, Hog's Back and Sharp's. Seasonal menus and daily specials feature marinated lamb and vegetable kebab, saffron rice and tomato and chilli sauce; medallions of beef with red wine, tarragon and mushroom sauce; and spinach and ricotta cannelloni. Many of the herbs, salads and vegetables used in the kitchen are grown in the large garden, where there's also a children's play area.