My favourite indie restaurants in and around Southampton
Are you looking for the best independent restaurants near Southampton? I’ve got you covered. Living between Southampton and Winchester, I feel like we get to sample the finest of both cities – and all of the little villages in-between.
It’s no surprise that I absolutely love eating, and I do really love supporting local whenever I can. Breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, I’ll take any time of the day to enjoy some good restaurant/cafe grub.
Without further ado, grab your notebook and make a list of some of these beautiful eateries:
- The Bugle Inn, Twyford
Tucked away in the quaint little village of Twyford is this hidden gem. With a country feel, but not feeling unwelcome if you’re ‘not locals’, the vibe is really relaxed and the staff attentive. The food is fantastic, not just the usual ‘pub grub’ but local seasonal touches adorn the menu too. - The Greyhound, Stockbridge
A real treat, I have been to this lovely restaurant twice now – both times on a Sunday, so I can only judge on the Sunday Roast offerings, but I’d be willing to bet the rest of the week is just as delicious. How would I describe The Greyhound on the Test? In a few words – cosy and welcoming, with menus developed by the wonderful Head Chef, Phill Bishop. - The Hiltonbury Farmhouse, Chandlers Ford
This is our local and we are here far more often than we should be! It’s not the cheapest, or the fastest for service, but the staff are always super friendly and the food is always good. The Gozney pizza oven ensures delicious stone baked pizzas, but my absolute favourite is the buttermilk chicken burger…it’s all in the baconnaise. The vast gin selection is pretty impressive too! - The Three Tuns, Romsey
On first impressions you could be mistaken for thinking The Three Tuns is an old mans pub, but you’d be wrong – the food is awesome. It’s especially lovely in the winter, and even more so if you can bag yourself a seat by the open fire! If you visit in summer, a lovely little garden awaits you in the back. - Cafe Binghams, Ampfield
Think posh cafe with super fresh, locally sourced brunches as well as stunning afternoon teas and lipsackingly good main courses too. Family run with ‘dad’ being the head chef in the kitchen with ‘mum’ and ‘daughters’ being front of house, it’s super friendly. A mix of regulars and newbies visit and everyone’s treated with the same jolly welcome.
I’ve written a post all about one of my many visits to Binghams (with pics) so I’ll let that speak for itself. You can read it here! - The Goat, Timsbury
Based in the little village of Timsbury, just outside of Romsey, is The Goat. The Goat is what I’d describe as a trendy gastro pub with locally sourced, fresh produce and an exciting menu. There are a wide choice of mains, sandwiches for lunch and one of the best Sunday Roasts around.
As well as a beautiful inside, The Goat also boasts a large garden complete with tipi for hire if there’s more than 10 of you. Get the gang together and host your own private party!
Dogs are also welcome in a separate area in the restaurant, but table pre-bookings are advised if you’re bringing your four legged friend along. - The Wheatsheaf, Braishfield
Homecooked, delicious food is the order of the day at The Wheatsheaf. With various sections to the pub/restaurant and a large outdoor garden area combining an undercover area, sheltered pods and out in the open – there’s an abundance of places to sit and drink or dine.
I can highly recommend the pie of the day, and if you’re hungry at lunch…the sandwiches are definitely enough to feed two, if you order a side of fries with it! - The Robin Hood, Durley
I have been to the understated Robin Hood in leafy Durley now a few times and every time I’ve been more and more impressed with what’s been served up. Really good, tasty pub food…and plenty of it.
