Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1124" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-Exterior-new-min.jpg" alt="The Thomas Lord West Meon Hampshire Upham Inns Muddy Stilettos" class="wp-image-34049" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-Exterior-new-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-Exterior-new-min-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-Exterior-new-min-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-Exterior-new-min-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.thethomaslord.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Thomas Lord</a> is in the sleepy little village of West Meon in the beautiful Meon Valley, near Petersfield. Serving pints to the local community for well over a century, it&#8217;s had a few different names in its history. </p>



<p>The current title honours former local resident, Sir Thomas Lord, who famously built the Lord&#8217;s Cricket Ground up in London. Lord was a cricketing legend who retired to West Meon back in 1830. His final resting spot is in the neighbouring churchyard.</p>



<p>Now owned by the <a href="https://uphaminns.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upham Inns</a> group, who also have top spots such as <a href="https://www.peatspadeinn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Peat Spade, Stockbridge</a> and the nearby <a href="https://www.the-whitehart.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">White Hart in South Harting</a> in their portfolio, The Thomas Lord continues to serve those all-important drinks to West Meon residents. There&#8217;s also a strong menu of seasonal dishes, pub favourites and a popular Sunday roast. With comfortable rooms, it also makes a great spot for cosy countryside getaway.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-interior-4-min.jpg" alt="Table by the window at The Thomas Lord pub West Meon village Hampshire Upham Inns" class="wp-image-34053" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-interior-4-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-interior-4-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-interior-4-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-interior-4-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<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/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-living-area-fire.jpg" alt="Fireplace at The Thomas Lord pub West Meon village Hampshire Upham Inns" class="wp-image-34054" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-living-area-fire.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-living-area-fire-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-living-area-fire-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-living-area-fire-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A traditional pub at its finest. As you walk in, there&#8217;s a large bar, with a dining area and library-style seperate dining room to the left. To the right, more tables and a fireplace with comfy leather sofas. The dining furniture, a mix of wooden and upholstered seats, give proper country pub vibes.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-interior-3-min.jpg" alt="cricket bats The Thomas Lord pub West Meon village Hampshire Upham Inns" class="wp-image-34055" style="aspect-ratio:1.3333333333333333;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-interior-3-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-interior-3-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-interior-3-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-interior-3-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Throughout, balls, bats and paraphernalia are a nod to the cricketing legend Thomas Lord. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-Beer-Garden-min.jpg" alt="Beer garden at The Thomas Lord West Meon Hampshire " class="wp-image-34058" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-Beer-Garden-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-Beer-Garden-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-Beer-Garden-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-Beer-Garden-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Outside, we spy a decent sized beer garden that&#8217;d make a pretty perfect place to plonk yourself on a sunny afternoon.</p>



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



<p>We arrived a little later than planned. The car park was full and on-street parking can be tricky (allow extra time if you can). Despite still getting here before 1pm, we were the last to join a fairly busy lunchtime service. Many of our fellow diners were making the most of the good value set menu, served until 5pm, Mon &#8211; Sat. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-asparagus-min.jpg" alt="Asparagus starter" class="wp-image-34060" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-asparagus-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-asparagus-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-asparagus-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-asparagus-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Scanning the decent wine list that offers quite a few options by glass and bottle, I played it safe with what turned out to be a very palatable sauvignon from the Loire Valley. It went well with my super flavoursome &#8216;small plate&#8217; of grilled asparagus with buffalo mozzarella, herb dressing and toasted pumpkin seeds. So good, I could have eaten it all again. Mr. Muddy confirmed that his pub-classic starter of whitebait was nicely done.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-fishcake-min-1000x750.jpg" alt="Fishcakes" class="wp-image-34061" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-fishcake-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-fishcake-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-fishcake-min-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-fishcake-min.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For mains, Mr. Muddy chose the crispy haddock fishcake and poached egg. It came served on a bed of leeks and (very nice) mustard sauce. My Cornish mussels marinere were huge (a tad overwhelming) and accompanied by a tasty (if slightly salty) serve of chips.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-crumble-min.jpg" alt="Apple crumble" class="wp-image-34062" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-crumble-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-crumble-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-crumble-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-crumble-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Almost missed after the hefty mains, a shared homemade apple and blackberry crumble for dessert turned out to be the star of the lunchtime show. Not surprisingly, it was devoured in double-quick time. Despite myself, I also found room for a &#8216;mini&#8217; sticky toffee pudding and cappuccino, both of which more than hit the mark.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-bedroom-3.jpg" alt="Bedroom at The Thomas Lord West Meon Hampshire" class="wp-image-34059" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-bedroom-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-bedroom-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-bedroom-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Thomas-Lord-bedroom-3-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Five compact wooden cabin rooms are tucked around the back of the pub. A perfect fit for two people, each room has an en suite, king-sized or twin beds, a Nespresso coffee machine, Dyson fan, TV and a mini patio. Rooms aren&#8217;t huge but they&#8217;re big enough that you&#8217;ll happily be able to spend time in them. The location in the grounds means lots of seclusion from the main pub without being too far from the bar. </p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-walk-min.jpg" alt="walkway bridge West Meon countryside Hampshire Meon Valley Way Thomas Lord" class="wp-image-34065" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-walk-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-walk-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-walk-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-walk-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You won&#8217;t find any major tourist destinations on the doorstep but there&#8217;s still quite a bit to see and do. Over the road, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/West-Meon-Village-Shop-100070238954107/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Meon Village Shop</a> is filled with local produce, fresh flowers grown in a farm by the village and gorgeous artisan products and all the charm you&#8217;d hope for in a little country shop.</p>



<p>Reachable on foot in 10-15 minutes from The Thomas Lord along a very pretty footpath (or two minutes in the car), <a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/finder/meonvalleytrail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Meon Valley Trail</a> starts in West Meon. It stretches 11 miles along a disused railway line to Wickham, making it a popular dog walker and cycle route. If you don&#8217;t have time for the full walk, head here anyway to see the remains of West Meon Station, once part of the 22 mile Meon Valley Railway from Alton to Fareham, which closed in 1968.</p>



<p>If you&#8217;ve more time, the charming Georgian manor house and National Trust property <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/hinton-ampner-alresford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hinton Ampner</a> is a ten-minute drive away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-child-friendly">CHILD FRIENDLY</h2>



<p>With a great cycle and walking path to explore and a well-priced menu for children that includes Sunday lunches, The Thomas Lord is a very good bet for a weekend meal with the kids. Rooms are a bit small to accommodate family stays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG FRIENDLY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-dog.jpg" alt="Dog on the floor of the Thomas Lord pub West Meon Hampshire dog-friendly" class="wp-image-34066" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-dog.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-dog-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-dog-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Thomas-Lord-dog-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Very! A real country pub with bags of walkies around it, dogs are welcomed warmly with treats waiting to go on the bar. It&#8217;s also a good choice for a dog-friendly stay in the area: owners and their pooch can share a room for an extra £20 per pet, per night. They’ll be well kitted out with a bed or blanket, treats and water bowl.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>The pub and rooms are all ground floor, with staff happy to help with wheelchair access.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> A traditional British country pub with all the trimmings in an idyllic Hampshire village setting, in striking distance of Petersfield. Couples sneaking off for a chilled getaway with plenty of good food and wine.<br><strong>Not for: </strong>Food leans towards pub grub rather than top-end gastro. The cabin rooms are too bijou for families.<br><strong>The damage: </strong>The Thomas Lord&#8217;s set menu lunch is great value at £14, for one, £17 for two and £20 for three courses. Otherwise, starters are £7-£17, mains £17 &#8211; £32 and (much loved) Sunday lunches are £16 &#8211; £22. A double room in one of the cabins starts at around £104 up to £250+, with special eat and sleep packages worth the extra spend. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.thethomaslord.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Thomas Lord</a>,&nbsp;The, High St, West Meon, Petersfield GU32 1LN. Tel:&nbsp;01730 829244</em></p>


Review: The Thomas Lord, West Meon

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