The Phoenix Inn, Hook

Located just outside Hartley Wintney as the A30 climbs a small gradient and turns into a dual carriageway, this is hidden from the road on approach out of the village, only a bland green pub sign (see photo) before a petrol station giving the game away. Well set back from the road, this is a low-looking building which can be partially hidden by cars in the car park out front. Four doors out front hint at previous sub-division, and the pub is roughly divided into two, with the bar area to the right remaining for drinkers, and dining ahead and to the left. The link to the website on Google states 'award-winning gastropub' and the food was indeed very good (and pricey – a roast pork Sunday lunch was £21.50) but the service from a bunch of young waiting staff was excellent and a couple of wanders around the building saw a four ale line-up of Sharp's Doom Bar, TT Landlord, Dark Star Hophead and Black Sheep Adventurer with a fifth pump unguarded (the Adventurer, like Osgood, was good). I espied a nice garden out back along with a couple of those outdoor plastic pods for the unpredictable English summer and the restaurant was busy along with the bar, well populated by locals. No world-beater, but we'd definitely give this another go if in the area, albeit we might just stick to a drink.

A decent looking old coaching inn set back off the main A.30. More open plan nowdays but still a comfortable feel to it. Four handpumps of mostly usual suspects(Courage Best, Doom Bar ect) but occasionally something slightly more interesting such as Old Hooky and similar . But this is were the trouble begins, four pumps is two too many in my view as there just isn't the turnover of ale drinkers and as a result the quality sometimes leaves a bit to be desired.I'm all for as many pumps as possible but you have to start with well conditioned beer.This aside its not a bad pub.

Official site of The Phoenix Inn, contains menus and wine list - www.phoenixinn.co.uk

Official site of The Phoenix Inn, contains menus and wine list - www.phoenixinn.co.uk