The Olive Tree, Romsey

Looking from the outside I thought this was going to be a small two roomed pub. The interior however goes back quite some way. The decor is tastefully finished in here and during the day, especially in Winter, it is too dark. I was expecting to see a few beers across their three handpumps. Only one handpump in use serving Flacks Double Drop. Still it's good to see this third gastro pub, which includes the White Horse Hotel, using their local brewery.

A very Olde Worlde gastro pub complete with woodworm ravaged timbers and very low beams, the lofty need to beware. Its an extended L shaped rambling room with many of the assorted tables ready for diners. The three beers on were Doom Bar, Andwell's Resolute and Flack Manor Romsey Gold which was Ok if not rather bland.Despite the unchallenging beer the pub has a certain charm about it which I quite liked.

Rambling much extended building in gastropub style, with bare boards and brickwork, but quite nicely done. Assortment of furniture from high tables to couches, with lots of nooks and crannies, so easy to find a nice spot. Seems to specialise in finding unusual beers for the area - I had a pint of Bad King John which was actually very good. The young staff seemed very enthusiastic and friendly. Not a traditional boozer, but very pleasant especially if eating.

I rather liked this place during my swift visit. Bateman's XB and Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, two beers you don't usually come across in this part of the world, were on and my pint of XB was in reasonable nick. Clearly this is a place that depends on the food and although the ale was nearly £3 I think I would return. Its a nice building inside and they had a decent range of lagers available.

Official page of the Olive Tree, contains menu - www.faucetinn.com

Official page of the Olive Tree, contains menu - www.faucetinn.com