White Horse at Ampfield

With roots as a pilgrims' inn in the 16th century, the timber-framed White Horse is the only pub in the village in which The Rev W. Awdry, Thomas the Tank Engine's creator, lived as a boy. The building is home to three large inglenooks, the one in the public bar having an iron fireback decorated with the crest of Charles I and hooks for hanging bacon sides on for smoking. Typical dishes are pan-fried monkfish with chorizo and bean cassoulet; mixed game hotpot; and aubergine and lentil moussaka with 'Greek-style' sweet potato.