The Abbey Hotel, Romsey

Official site of The Abbey Hotel - www.theabbeyhotelromsey.co.uk

Official site of The Abbey Hotel - www.theabbeyhotelromsey.co.uk

A corner terrace hotel and pub, with the lower half being in brick and the upper half in white and wood beam, with double facing gables. The pub has a beer garden, several function rooms and is in the GBG 2010. The interior is open plan, but has two main areas; a bar and a dining room. The décor is a busy mix, with the walls divided into layers of green, cream and reddish striped wallpaper. There were a couple of nice small fireplaces and a number of old photos and prints on the walls and a bit of brass ornamentation. The service was fine, the clientele more my age (mature-ish!) and there was no background music, which was nice. Beer; tap stuff, with a decent Younges’ Bitter, as well as Courage Best and Directors on handpull. This was a brief stop off and the place itself was fine and the beer was well kept – I must stress this is a personal view, as in no way would I want to slight this place – I just don’t get excited about Younges and Courage (unless the MILD had been on!), but if you do, try it!

Smallish hotel opposite the ancient abbey church. One big room, a bar to one side and a dining oriented area to the other, there are also function rooms and a large garden which slopes down to one of Romsey’s many streams. Three hand pumps with Courage Best and Directors plus Youngs bitter, all are very well kept in keeping with its GBG entry. Décor is slightly shabby faux victorian with some risque pictures. The staff are professional and attentive and the place has been well run for years by a very experienced friendly couple. The customers are an interesting mixed bunch but generally friendly.