An elegant plated dessert with rhubarb and sorbet at The Duke on the Test, a riverside dining pub near Romsey
Our local food & days-out guide

Where to eat near Romsey

This is proper food country. All-day brunch in Romsey, riverside roasts on the Test, a farm shop & cafe down the lane, and Winchester's best mezze and wood-fired pizza — here's where we'd send you.

Braishfield & beyond

A base built for eating well

One of the best things about staying with us is how much good food is right on the doorstep. A short drive opens up Romsey's brunch spots, the riverside inns of the Test Valley — including The Mayfly and the Michelin-listed Greyhound on the Test at Stockbridge — the local farm shops, and the restaurants of historic Winchester, plus world-class gardens, Mottisfont and the New Forest when you fancy walking it all off.

Eat & drink

Our favourite places to eat near Romsey

From all-day brunch and riverside roasts to a brilliant farm shop and Winchester's best Turkish mezze and wood-fired pizza — this is where the locals actually eat. Most are a short, scenic drive away.

The sunlit brick frontage and hanging sign of a Josie's cafe in Hampshire
~10 min · Romsey

Josie's

A Romsey institution on the Market Place for all-day brunch, proper coffee and a counter of cakes. Started here in Hampshire and still the go-to for a leisurely breakfast or lunch. josies.uk

A beautifully plated rhubarb dessert with pink sorbet at The Duke on the Test
~10 min · Romsey

The Duke on the Test

A historic 16th-century riverside inn for breakfast, lunch and dinner — famous for its Sunday roasts and a glass by the water. There are rooms too if friends want to stay nearby. thedukeonthetest.co.uk

The riverside terrace of The Mayfly pub on the banks of the River Test near Stockbridge
~20 min · Stockbridge

The Mayfly

An iconic riverside pub on the banks of the River Test near Stockbridge, with one of the loveliest beer gardens in the country. Pull up a bench by the water for lunch, a Sunday roast or simply a pint in the sun. mayflyfullerton.co.uk

The mustard-coloured exterior of The Greyhound on the Test, a characterful dining pub in Stockbridge
~20 min · Stockbridge

The Greyhound on the Test

A striking mustard-coloured dining pub in the heart of Stockbridge with low beams, a wood-burning stove and a pretty riverside garden. In the Michelin Guide for its modern British cooking from local produce — perfect for a special meal out. thegreyhoundonthetest.co.uk

A latte with swan latte art and a basket of fresh croissants at Hampshire Pantry farm shop and cafe
~15 min · Test Valley

Hampshire Pantry

A farm-to-table farm shop and cafe with its own coffee roastery and gelateria, pick-your-own in season, and shelves of local chutney and honey. Great for breakfast or stocking the pod. hampshirepantry.com

A steaming slow-cooked lamb shank on creamed potato at Turkuaz Turkish restaurant in Winchester
~20 min · Winchester

Turkuaz

Eastern Mediterranean and Turkish cooking on Jewry Street — vibrant mezze, chargrilled kebabs and an oyster bar on Friday and Saturday nights. Worth the trip into Winchester. turkuazwinchester.co.uk

A wood-fired sourdough pizza with an Aperol spritz at Three Joes pizzeria
~20 min · Winchester

Three Joes

Wood-fired sourdough pizza in the shadow of Winchester Cathedral, with craft beer, milkshakes and a sunny terrace. Relaxed, family-friendly and a real treat. threejoes.co.uk

Days out

Walk it all off

A tranquil lakeside garden with lily pads and lush planting at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens near Romsey
In Braishfield

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

180 acres of world-class trees and seasonal colour right here in the village — a gentle wander for all ages, with a cafe for coffee and cake.

A blooming pink rose garden with the historic abbey house behind at Mottisfont
~10 min

Mottisfont (National Trust)

A romantic abbey with a famous walled rose garden and riverside walks along the River Test — beautiful in every season, with a tea-room for lunch.

Free-roaming New Forest ponies grazing in open heathland near Romsey
~15 min

Paultons Park & the New Forest

Peppa Pig World for the little ones and the open New Forest for walks and ponies. See our Paultons & New Forest guides.

Book your stay

All bookings are made securely through our verified Airbnb listings. One group at a time — the place is always yours alone.

Sleeps 5 · Pod only The Glamping Pod A cosy pod for a young family — double room, triple bunk room, kitchenette & private shower. Hot tub, firepit & BBQ outside. Book the Pod on Airbnb
Sleeps 9 · House & Pod The House & Pod The whole retreat across 2 private acres — house plus pod, hot tub, private bar, BBQ, firepit, trampoline & football goal. Book the House on Airbnb

Braishfield, Romsey, Hampshire · Edge of the New Forest · 15 min from Paultons Park

Insider tips

Ask us anything

We live just across the plot, so we know the area inside out — the quietest forest walks, the best spot for a Sunday roast, and where to grab the perfect coffee. We're always happy to share our personal recommendations when you book. For a look around the grounds and the latest from the shed, follow us on Instagram @theoldpoultryshed.