The Jolly Coopers, Hampton

When I was in they had four ales on – Courage Best; Bombardier; Brakspear’s Bitter; and Summer Lightning. I only had time for the one pint so went for the Summer Lightning, which has been one of my favourites since I worked in Andover in the early 90s. This pub is a fair bit larger than its narrow frontage suggests, and is very much a pub of two halves. As you enter the pub you are in the main bar area, with seating consisting of fairly narrow settles with tables that are perhaps a little too low. There is a one-armed bandit, and a large TV, both switched off during my lunchtime visit. There’s also a bar billiards table, a mini library (i.e. some bookshelves), and plenty of bric-a-brac consisting mainly of jars, jugs and bottles. But the pub has clearly been extended at the back and to the left, with a smart(ish), light area set for diners. So at the front you have the dimly lit traditional pub, and at the back a very different beast of a minimalist restaurant. But the food looked reasonably priced to me, and the restaurant was doing a fairly brisk trade in takeaway orders – and not surprising with baguettes coming in at £2 - £3 a throw. I rather liked this pub and would definitely like to pay a return visit.

Great pub! Great people! 1st class food. Land lord and land lady are the best! I love this pub.