Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-exterior-2-1.jpg" alt="The Greyhound on the Test Stockbridge" class="wp-image-20858" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-exterior-2-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-exterior-2-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-exterior-2-1-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-exterior-2-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-exterior-2-1-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Stockbridge is unlike pretty much anywhere else in the Hampshire. And this is precisely what makes the small, idyllic town perfect for a weekend away and a true change of scene. Characterful listed buildings run all along the attractive high street. Outdoor pursuits like English fly fishing and shooting make it a huge draw for the country set – including the occasional unofficial Royal visit from an off-duty Prince Charles. </p>



<p>Well-established among them and packed with history, the 15<sup>th</sup> Century Greyhound on the Test blends beautifully with its countryside setting. Since taking it over in 2012, owner Lucy Townsend has won a string of accolades from the likes of the AA, <em>Sunday Times</em> and Michelin. All of which are testament to the great food, relaxed modern rooms and convivial atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-dining-room-1.jpg" alt="Greyhound on the Test Stockbridge dining room" class="wp-image-20855" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-dining-room-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-dining-room-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-dining-room-1-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-dining-room-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-dining-room-1-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The pub literally oozes character, from the traditional oak ceiling beams in the restaurant (mind your head!) to the contemporary styling and cosy wood burning stove. In the rooms, traditional interiors are sympathetically modernised with creature comforts. In the restaurant, the fantastic food and service are effortlessly on-point, making you feel relaxed and pampered from the off.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-Fire-Pit-1.jpg" alt="Greyhound on the Test fire pit" class="wp-image-20860" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-Fire-Pit-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-Fire-Pit-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-Fire-Pit-1-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-Fire-Pit-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-Fire-Pit-1-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Outside, there are cosy candlelit garden bubbles, <em>de rigueur</em> for 2020, and a warming fire pit. Further down the garden, on sunny days there are seats to sit beside the tranquil River Test. Find a spot and watch the swans glide peacefully along. Bliss.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/River-Test-1.jpg" alt="River Test Greyhound on the Test Stockbridge" class="wp-image-20868" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/River-Test-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/River-Test-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/River-Test-1-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/River-Test-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/River-Test-1-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bed-1.jpg" alt="Greyhound on the Test rooms" class="wp-image-20853" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bed-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bed-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bed-1-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bed-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bed-1-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Rooms are smart and comfortable, with decorative features accentuating the contemporary country vibe throughout the pub. Think Farrow &amp; Ball colours on wood-panelled walls and modern paintings of local fly-fishing scenes. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bathroom-2.jpg" alt="Greyhound on the Test bathroom" class="wp-image-20850" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bathroom-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bathroom-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bathroom-2-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bathroom-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bathroom-2-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Our room, ‘Leet 3’, is tucked away up a narrow staircase. Inside, we discover a spacious bathroom with a deep roll-top bath, walk-in shower, robes and a few Molton Brown toiletries. It&#8217;s all ideal for a grown-up getaway – although with a little notice, kids and dogs are very welcome too. Making the most of being childfree for the night, in the morning I head straight to the tub for a blissful soak.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-room-mirror-1.jpg" alt="Greyhound on the Test room mirror" class="wp-image-20864" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-room-mirror-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-room-mirror-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-room-mirror-1-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-room-mirror-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-room-mirror-1-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Safety restrictions mean the honesty bar between the rooms is temporarily on hold on our visit. We didn&#8217;t miss out &#8211; there’s plenty of drinks to be had downstairs in the well-stocked restaurant, a Nespresso machine for a morning coffee and fresh milk brought to the room in a little glass bottle if you’d like it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bubbles-1-1.jpg" alt="Greyhound on the Test dining bubble" class="wp-image-20854" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bubbles-1-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bubbles-1-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bubbles-1-1-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bubbles-1-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-bubbles-1-1-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Dining by candlelight indoors, or outside in a cosy bubble, the atmosphere is comfortable, relaxed and pretty romantic. A world away from your typical run-of-the-mill pub fare, there’s an informal fine-dining feel created by the smart menu, convivial front of house team and faultlessly attentive service. </p>



<p>We kick off with a couple of G&amp;Ts, some olives and dangerously moreish Hoxton Bakehouse sourdough. That&#8217;s followed up by starters of Stockbridge wild mushrooms and a Hampshire game and apricot terrine, elevated by an absolutely gorgeous accompanying dollop of quince ketchup.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-fish-meal-1.jpg" alt="Greyhound on the Test fish meal" class="wp-image-20861" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-fish-meal-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-fish-meal-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-fish-meal-1-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-fish-meal-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-fish-meal-1-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For main, I take <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/chefs-talk-turkey-perfect-picks-from-the-finest-festive-menus/" target="_blank">head chef Phill Bishop’s </a>recommendation of a meaty pan-roasted South Coast cod loin with golden beetroot and smoked mussels. The delicious plateful was all I had hoped for and then some, albeit benefitting from a generous side portion of green beans and crispy onion.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, my husband tucked into a perfectly cooked-to-order steak with roast tomato, field mushroom and French fries, which also got the thumbs up. To drink, we paired a delicious glass of Bacchus from local Test Valley winery Somborne Valley (£8.95) with the fish and a juicy French Pinot Noir (£7.90) with the steak.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-pud-2-1.jpg" alt="Greyhound on the Test pudding" class="wp-image-20863" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-pud-2-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-pud-2-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-pud-2-1-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-pud-2-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-on-Test-pud-2-1-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Puds were a special of warm, sponge-like date and walnut pudding with salted caramel and tonka bean ice cream, which I unapologetically stole a few spoons of. Delicious. </p>



<p>I opt for a mystery selection of four Greyhound classic sweet treats, quickly identifying the shortbread with a drop of lemon sauce. The chocolate fudge and gooey warm chocolate brownie were also pretty easy. Slightly stumped by the Turkish delight-style cube, I incorrectly declared the fruit it&#8217;s made from as damson, before finding out it is actually cherry. Back to foodie school.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BREAKFAST</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-breakfast.jpg" alt="Greyhound at Stockbridge breakfast" class="wp-image-20849" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-breakfast.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-breakfast-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-breakfast-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-breakfast-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Greyhound-breakfast-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For the bigger appetite, the Greyhound Full English comprises bacon, sausage, black pudding, mushroom tomato and a choice of eggs. Delicious, but we were literally too full after the previous evening’s blow out to even contemplate it. </p>



<p>Instead, we enjoyed fresh baked pastries, orange-juice squeezed minutes before and a delicious yoghurt and granola pot with homemade berry compote. This was followed by Stockbridge mushrooms with perfectly poached eggs and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs. Both were served on more delicious Hoxton country sourdough toast with a Southampton-based Mozzo coffee, setting us up beautifully for the day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Owl-and-The-Pussycat-2.jpg" alt="Owl and The Pussycat Stockbridge" class="wp-image-20867" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Owl-and-The-Pussycat-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Owl-and-The-Pussycat-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Owl-and-The-Pussycat-2-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Owl-and-The-Pussycat-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Owl-and-The-Pussycat-2-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Named as a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Muddy Best Place to Live (opens in a new tab)" href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/hampshire-iow/stockbridge/" target="_blank">Muddy Best Place to Live</a> in 2020, Stockbridge is packed with independent shops stretching right down the High Street. Start with top-rated boutique, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/owl-the-pussycat/">The Owl &amp; The Pussycat</a>, literally next door to The Greyhound on the Test, then move on to the likes of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Cleverly Wrapped (opens in a new tab)" href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/cleverly-wrapped-stockbridge/" target="_blank">Cleverly Wrapped</a> for gorgeous accessories. Then check out Newman’s Decorative Living for interior finds, Time and Tides Deli for gourmet goodies and <a href="https://m2.wineutopia.co.uk/">Wine Utopia</a> for a bottle or two.</p>



<p>For a day of calm by the river, speak to the team about chalk stream fly-fishing. You can even hire a personal guide to teach you the ropes. Otherwise, leave time for a walk along the River Test or a countryside romp just a few minutes away at the National Trust-managed Stockbridge Down. Further afield, there’s the Cathedral and shops at Winchester (20 mins), Highclere Castle, the fictional home of Downton Abbey, (25 mins), Mottisfont Abbey (10 mins), Stonehenge (25 mins) and Salisbury Cathedral (20 mins).</p>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong> Romantic meals and a relaxed getaway. There’s plenty of walks, boutique shopping and country pursuits right on the doorstep. Or use it as a base for nearby Winchester or neighbouring Wiltshire.</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR: </strong>A budget break (although dinner bed and breakfast packages are good value for the area). Children are welcome but parents of little ones might prefer somewhere with a less grown-up vibe. </p>



<p><strong>THE DAMAGE:&nbsp;</strong>Rooms range from £180 to £260 per night for a two-person dinner, bed and breakfast package based on date and accommodation type. For non-residents, meals are £28.95 for two courses or £35 for three. Breakfast is £15.95. </p>



<p><em>The Greyhound on the Test, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6EY </em> <a href="http://thegreyhoundonthetest.co.uk/">thegreyhoundonthetest.co.uk</a></p>


Review: The Greyhound on the Test, Stockbridge

You may also like