Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<p>We might not have a constellation of stars &#8211; but there&#8217;s plenty of great Hampshire and Isle of Wight restaurants, pubs and hotels in the latest Michelin 2025 guide. Go forth and eat well.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/05/Fork-dining-image.jpg" alt="Fork fine dining" class="wp-image-22342" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/05/Fork-dining-image.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/05/Fork-dining-image-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/05/Fork-dining-image-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/05/Fork-dining-image-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/05/Fork-dining-image-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hampshire">HAMPSHIRE</h3>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-star-marle-heckfield-place-heckfield">GREEN STAR: <a aria-label="Marle, Heckfield Plac (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.heckfieldplace.com/food-drink/marle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marle, Heckfield Place</a>, Heckfield</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1401" height="1053" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/02/Marle-Heckfield-Place-meal.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29999" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/02/Marle-Heckfield-Place-meal.jpg 1401w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/02/Marle-Heckfield-Place-meal-800x601.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/02/Marle-Heckfield-Place-meal-1000x752.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/02/Marle-Heckfield-Place-meal-768x577.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/02/Marle-Heckfield-Place-meal-699x525.jpg 699w" sizes="(max-width: 1401px) 100vw, 1401px" /></figure>



<p>Recognising &#8216;gastronomy and sustainability&#8217;, Marle restaurant at Heckfield Place, the gorgeous, Georgian country house hotel, was one of the first restaurants in the world to get a coveted Michelin Green Star honour. Chef Michael Chapman uses produce from the estate&#8217;s biodynamic Market Garden and organic Home Farm, impressing the inspectors with &#8220;honest, natural flavours&#8221;.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nathan-marshall-clarke-house-liss"><a href="https://nathanmarshallsrestaurant.co.uk/">Nathan Marshall Clarke House</a>, Liss</h2>



<p>Previously Head Chef at Petersfield’s Langrish House, Nathan Marshall set up his own restaurant in 2019 with his wife, Evi, in nearby Liss. In 2022, Marshall sealed his cheffy credentials with a <a href="https://guide.michelin.com/gb/en/hampshire/liss/restaurant/nathan-marshall-clarke-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelin Guide listing</a>. Despite it, the teeny, rustic-style former courthouse flies well under the radar, even locally, although tables are limited so it gets booked up pretty quickly nonetheless. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elderflower-lymington"><a href="https://elderflowerrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Elderflower (opens in a new tab)">Elderflower</a>, Lymington</h2>



<p>One of the fanciest restaurants in the Forest, Elderflower has a solid following, boosted by celebrity fans including Fred Siriex. Elderflower continues to impress the Michelin inspectors with its creative modern dishes, making the most of fresh fish from the local fishing boat and other top-notch locally-sourced ingredients.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hoddington-arms-upton-grey-basingstoke"><a href="http://www.hoddingtonarms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Hoddington Arms (opens in a new tab)">Hoddington Arms</a>, Upton Grey, Basingstoke</h2>



<p>Better known to many as “the Hodd”, led by chef-patron Chris Barnes, this traditional country pub in the village of Upton Grey near Basingstoke has plenty of fans locally. Michelin raves about &#8220;the experienced chef’s well-crafted dishes&#8221; </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pulpo-negro-arlesford"><a aria-label="Pulpo Negro (opens in a new tab)" href="https://pulponegro.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pulpo Negro</a>, Arlesford</h2>



<p>The only Hampshire restaurant with a coveted Bib Gourmand, the Michelin Guide really rates Barcelona-born Head chef-patron Andres Alemany’s authentic tapas &#8211; and the great wine list. Rather than trotting out the usual, often clichéd small plates, you’ll find more imaginative fare here. Think pork belly tacos with langoustine escabeche, Catalan tomato bread and padron peppers. Yum.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-36-on-the-quay-emsworth"><a href="https://www.36onthequay.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="36 on the Quay (opens in a new tab)">36 on the Quay</a>, Emsworth</h2>



<p>A stalwart of the Hampshire dining scene, 36 on the Quay has long been on the Michelin radar but never managed to reclaim the longstanding Michelin star held by their former chef-patron. Nonetheless, Michelin loves the setting and cosy rooms. And local-born head chef and owner, Gary Pearce, still impresses with his informal fine dining menu and <em>those </em>harbour views. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wellington-arms-baughurst"><a aria-label="Wellington Arms (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thewellingtonarms.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellington Arms</a>, Baughurst</h2>



<p>This characterful inn near Basingstoke and Tadley is a foodie dream come true. On-site are chickens, bees, sheep, pigs and the most beautifully kept kitchen garden you’ll ever see, with a menu created by the classically trained chef co-owner leaning heavily on homegrown and locally-sourced ingredients. Michelin inspectors love the &#8216;smart, rustic bedrooms&#8217; and describe the cooking as “generous and satisfying.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chesil-rectory-winchester"><a href="https://www.chesilrectory.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Chesil Rectory (opens in a new tab)">Chesil Rectory</a>, Winchester</h2>



<p>Tucked inside a beautiful Medieval timbered house, ex-Mirabelle and Fortnum and Mason chef Damian Brown cooks what Michelin describe as “classically-based dishes informed by local, seasonal produce and given a modern twist”. Think chalk-stream trout pastrami, crisp, Bere Mill Lamb Shoulder and a mighty Sunday roast. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-greyhound-on-the-test-stockbridge"><a href="http://thegreyhoundonthetest.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Greyhound on the Test (opens in a new tab)">The Greyhound on the Test</a>, Stockbridge</h2>



<p>Summer nights by the River Test, cosy candlelight meals in the characterful oak-beamed restaurant and fantastic food from Head Chef Phill Bishop at The Greyhound on the Test. The Michelin Guide really rates this Stockbridge stalwart’s “elegant décor” and “appealing modern British dishes” – and so do we.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hartnett-holder-amp-co-lime-wood-lyndhurst"><a href="https://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk/food/hh-and-co" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Hartnett Holder &amp; Co (opens in a new tab)">Hartnett Holder &amp; Co</a>, Lime Wood, Lyndhurst</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="795" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/LUKE-ANGELA-®-Amy-Murrell-3.jpg" alt="Angela Hartnett Luke Holder Lime Wood" class="wp-image-20809" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/LUKE-ANGELA-®-Amy-Murrell-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/LUKE-ANGELA-®-Amy-Murrell-3-300x239.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/LUKE-ANGELA-®-Amy-Murrell-3-629x500.jpg 629w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/LUKE-ANGELA-®-Amy-Murrell-3-768x611.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/LUKE-ANGELA-®-Amy-Murrell-3-660x525.jpg 660w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The all-conquering Angela Hartnett and Lime Wood partner Luke Holder (<em>above</em>) serve up a fabulous menu of Italian-influenced dishes like seabass, squid &amp; chorizo bolognaise alongside their own Tuscan wines at this destination New Forest hotel restaurant. Michelin say: &#8220;Angela Hartnett puts her stamp on the appealing, classic Italian dishes, which come with a refined edge&#8221;.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isle-of-wight">ISLE OF WIGHT</h3>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-listing-rt-cafe-grill-ryde">NEW LISTING! <a href="https://www.robertthompson.co.uk/rt-cafe-grill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RT Café Grill</a>, Ryde</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/RT-Cafe-Grill-1.jpg" alt="RT Cafe Grill Ryde Isle of Wight Robert Thompson" class="wp-image-33720" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/RT-Cafe-Grill-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/RT-Cafe-Grill-1-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/RT-Cafe-Grill-1-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/RT-Cafe-Grill-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Newport&#8217;s loss was Ryde&#8217;s gain when top chef <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/life-2/people/chef-robert-thompson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Thompson</a> opened RT Café Grill at the Royal Maritime House in 2024. Snagging a Michelin Star aged just 26 &#8211; the youngest British chef at the time to do so &#8211; he&#8217;s clearly still firmly in the Michelin Guide&#8217;s sights. And that&#8217;s before his second, fine-dining Thompson&#8217;s restaurant opens in the same spot this year. Describing the modern, relaxed British menu at RT Café Grill, Michelin say: &#8220;The dishes may appear straightforward, but the care and technical skill of the chefs ensure they really deliver on flavour&#8221;.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hambrough-ventnor"><a href="https://www.thehambrough.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hambrough</a>, Ventnor</h2>



<p>A former Michelin star on the Island, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-hambrough-ventnor/">The Hambrough</a>, a gorgeous, five-star B&amp;B in Ventnor with sea views reclaimed a Michelin rating in 2022 for super-fresh seafood and beautifully presented dishes. &#8220;Carefully prepared dishes use island grown and reared produce where possible and natural flavours take the lead,&#8221; say the Michelin Inspectors.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-terrace-yarmouth"><a href="https://www.theterraceiow.co.uk/">The Terrace</a>, Yarmouth</h2>



<p>Launched in 2020 by Ashley and Tom Fahey, The Terrace sits prettily above the Wightlink ticket office in Yarmouth, a hidden gem with fabulous panoramic waterside views. Added to the Guide in 2022, Michelin say: “With fish to the fore, the concise menu reflects the seasonality of the island’s ingredients, and the classical dishes are well-executed and very tasty”. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aquitania-the-seaview-hotel-near-ryde"><a aria-label="The Aquitania (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.seaviewhotel.co.uk/dining/hotel-restaurant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aquitania</a>, The Seaview Hotel, near Ryde</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="807" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/05/Seaview-Hotel-Aquitania-restaurant.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22350" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/05/Seaview-Hotel-Aquitania-restaurant.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/05/Seaview-Hotel-Aquitania-restaurant-300x242.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/05/Seaview-Hotel-Aquitania-restaurant-620x500.jpg 620w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/05/Seaview-Hotel-Aquitania-restaurant-768x620.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/05/Seaview-Hotel-Aquitania-restaurant-651x525.jpg 651w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic: @jujuwins </figcaption></figure>



<p>Named ‘The Aquitania’, (after the1914 ocean liner, known as &#8216;the ship beautiful&#8217;), dinner at the Seaview Hotel&#8217;s restaurant is an elegant affair. Dishes like Stone bass with sautéed girolles, buttered potatoes and Champagne sauce (above) look absolutely gorgeous. Michelin says: “The team are warm and welcoming and the wide-ranging menu bursts with the island’s artisan ingredients&#8221;.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.redlion-freshwater.co.uk/">The Red Lion</a>, Freshwater</h2>



<p>A recent addition to the Michelin Guide, this &#8220;warm and welcoming&#8221; traditional country pub in a stunning West Wight location is rated for its open fires and friendly service. Muddy&#8217;s had some brilliant Sunday lunches here (book ahead) but if you&#8217;re local to the Island or heading over on a visit, Michelin notes that it &#8220;steps things up a gear&#8221; in the evenings, too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hut-at-colewell-bay-freshwater"><a href="https://thehutcolwell.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Hut at Colewell Bay (opens in a new tab)">The Hut at Colewell Bay</a>, Freshwater</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="914" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/07/The-Hut-Colwell-Bay.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-23067" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/07/The-Hut-Colwell-Bay.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/07/The-Hut-Colwell-Bay-300x274.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/07/The-Hut-Colwell-Bay-547x500.jpg 547w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/07/The-Hut-Colwell-Bay-768x702.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/07/The-Hut-Colwell-Bay-574x525.jpg 574w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A summer must-visit on the Island and past Muddy Best Restaurant Award winner, we can’t think of anywhere better than <a aria-label="The Hut (opens in a new tab)" href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/hut-colwell-bay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hut</a> for a sunny afternoon of oh-so-stunning sea views and lingering lunches. Michelin says: “sit on the terrace or under retractable roofs and enjoy anything from fish tacos to a fruits de mer platter.” Well, who are we to argue? </p>


Best bib and tucker: Michelin Hampshire & Isle of Wight

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