The Hunters Inn Swanmore 24th November 2016
This was our first visit to the Hunters Inn so the walking party set off from Bishops Waltham across fields and orchards to meet up with the others at the pub.
We have used various modes of transport to arrive at our Pie Club venues but never on horseback - maybe one for the future!
On arrival it was quite busy but we managed to get ourselves to the bar to find that there was a choice of 3 real ales: Bowmans Swift One - 3.8%, Sherfield on Loddon Best Bitter - 4.2% and Theaktons Best - 3.8%. Most of us started on Swift One as it one of our favourite local beers.
We had a choice of 2 pies which we had selected in advance, Steak and kidney and Venison and they were served in the traditional way with chips and peas.
There were some initial concerns when the pies arrived as they were in dishes and appeared to have just a pastry topping. However when we delved inside there was lovely shortcrust pastry on the sides and bottom and loads of filling and no confusion on which pies were which!
The plates were cleared and everyone agreed that both pies were excellent. Despite being well fed a few of us elected to have a pudding which included homemade rum and raisin ice cream and treacle sponge and custard.
We headed back to Bishops Waltham by foot car and bus but definitely not on horseback!
Scores (max. 5 in each category, 25 overall).
- Pastry 4.35
- Filling 4.32
- Beer 4.15
- Ambience 3.97
- Value 4.79
- Overall 21.58
Our thanks to everyone at the Hunters Inn for an excellent lunch.
