The Bugle

The Bugle blows its trumpet for what people power can achieve. This historic waterside pub was on the brink of demolition until villagers campaigned for a rescue, and with guidance from English Heritage during its restoration, The Bugle is once again at the heart of local life. A table-filled terrace looking over boats bobbing on the River Hamble opens onto a textbook rustic interior of bare brick walls, foursquare timbers, flagstone floors, an oak slab bar, and a warming wood-burning stove. Local seasonal materials star on a chalkboard of daily specials, while the bar and restaurant menus major in big, clear flavours and textures. Ham hock terrine with home-made piccalilli and doorstop toast makes for a no-nonsense starter; at main-course stage, comfort doesn't come much deeper than 72-hour-cooked pork belly with champ mash, rhubarb and cider jus. Local artisan cheeses are mighty tempting, but if the sweet tooth wins out, warm treacle tart with Hampshire buffalo milk sorbet should hit the spot.