The Fur and Feathers, Basingstoke

An out in the sticks country pub, a nice mix of traditional furnishings lightened up with some modern artwork on the walls. The interior is semi split with a main drinking bar flanked on either side by a couple of dining/drinking areas. Four handpumps in all but two in action on my visit offering Romsey Gold and Fallen Acorn Hole Hearted a pleasing change from the usual suspects. A bit out of the way but worth the short diversion if you're travelling between Basingstoke and Alton, eratic seasonal opening hours permiting.

I popped into this oub, local to my daughter's cottage for a quick beer and sandwich after feeding her cats. It looks a dump from outside, but inside is very pleasant, newly decorated, and with a nice wooden floor and cosy fires. I asked for a beer, then a filled baguette. The bar maid said sorry we have no tables. I said I would eat at the bar. She then proceeded to register my order, which took ages and required advice from somewhere, as if I had asked for elephant's ears on toast! After half an hour the baguette had not arrived so I queried this with the waitress. 'It's coming', she said - no apology or anything words. After a another 10 minutes, a tiny half baked baguette arrives, sparsely filled with cheese, and with a little side salad. At £5.95, the most expensive cheese sandwich I have ever eaten!. The beer was poorly kept, and not fresh tasting. I believe this establishment is under recent new management, but they will have to do better than this to survive in this out of the way location. The main menu looked interesting, and reasonably priced, but I noticed the diners had to wait even longer than me to get served.

Official site of The Fur and Feathers, contains menu and wine list - www.franskitchen.co.uk