Dog & Crook, Romsey

I remember this as a simple but comfortable village pub it has now been gentrified into a dining pub complete with separate restaurant in a side extension. It has the remnants of a two room layout with a dividing wall and central fireplace. Four pulls on the counter, Ringwood Razorback, Andwell and Doombar on three, with one unclipped, condition was decidedly average. Obviously it's furnished for dining so a mix of tables and chairs with a few stools at the bar for the locals. Service is very much oriented to dining but at least the question "are you dining with us today Sir?" wasn't asked.

Large L-shaped open-plan roadside place. Three tone green colour scheme and lurid carpet. Dining area is off to the right side and assume this is the main revenue source, as our early evening visit found the place pretty quiet. I’d say faded 90s rather than faded 80s, myself. Noted a dog and child friendly. Four pumps with three on; Doom Bar, Bowman Wallop and a decent drop of Ringwood Razorback. Nice but bland. GBG16 listed, so a decent shout if you are in the vicinity and don’t want to chance your arm on the quality front. 6.5

The Dog and Crook is on the main road through Braishfield from Romsey and whilst very tidy and well kept, it does feel more like a roadhouse than a village local. There's a large dining room to the right as you enter with the bar in front of you. To the left is a lounge type area with tables all sporting buckets of condiments and menus should you wish to eat but there is no obligation. We visited at lunchtime and food is clearly a focus with many retirees partaking. There's a standard pub menu and a specials board offering some interesting dishes and the food we saw served looked good and is, I'd guess, home cooked. Prices aren't cheap but also not outrageous in this part of the world. The decor is faded 80's but it feels clean and tidy although on a chilly wet day it was a shame that the fire wasn't lit. The staff were very friendly and warned that one of the beers offered was close to the end of the barrel. Having tried and rejected it there was no problem offering a replacement. Three handpumps had on Bowman Wallops Wood, Ringwood Best and Jennings Cumberland. Everything I tried was in good condition, the dodgy one having been changed, but that isn't a great selection with all three being 4% or below and traditional brown bitters. A pleasant stop to whet the whistle or grab something to eat if you're passing.