Running Horse Winchester, Littleton

Reviews

1. Kaz ★★☆☆☆

   Let’s do the positive first as this pub is in a great location, we didn’t pre book so they were accommodating and had space, nice set up inside and fantastic for dogs too. There is a nice walk for them next to it too. All great for dog lovers. This will be a frank review but the downside is service is slow and not attentive enough. I think some training could be given and it would immediately improve; so for example we ordered water but were brought out small ones, we weren’t asked what size, it was assumed it was individual so we sent them back and a bigger bottle was brought out. There were only 2 water glasses because they’d originally brought out two small bottles but when the larger one came out which is a sharing size for the table we had to wait then ask again for the two additional water glasses so we could all share. Some delay to get the extra glasses could have been avoided when the bigger bottle was brought out bring the extra glasses too. We asked for a large house Rose and were flabbergasted at a £16.15 price tag for one glass! when the bill arrived. This is very expensive even a top cotes de Provence shouldn’t cost that per glass unless you’re in a high end restaurant. We ordered two glasses of house red .. far more decent price but one glass had smears and a lipstick smear mark which was only noticed once we sipped. Attention to detail when pouring drinks. Lipstick marks are a pain as they stain but you can remove them so double check. We had the set Boxing Day menu as no other choice, which is fair enough. The prawn cocktail was a disaster it came out in a strange and ugly tin ?pot resembles something you’d go camping with , and had a few king prawns with tail on and chopped iceberg, it looked unappealing, there was the smallest smattering of Marie Rose sauce and it was extremely underwhelming. Prawn cocktails I have ever had elsewhere traditionally have small prawns, more sauce and brown bread and butter on the side (pictures attached to compare) and it should be on a plate or with a side plate as you had the tails to put somewhere so we had to put on the table not very nice really and unclean . It’s the small details that make an average meal to a good or great one. We ordered burgers, the double burgers were a tad pink but they were enjoyed and hot so that was good but mine was veggie and was cold to the touch, no idea why a cold burger would be served makes no sense (I ate the chips) I did raise with waitress and she apologised and offered to cook another but everyone was eating and it was quite hot inside so I couldn’t be bothered to wait and declined. I said I’d try and eat but after a few bites the thought of it cold put me off so I gave up .the bill came to £231. We did pay for the service and the cold meal. The desert was the best bit so you get the 2 stars for that. We eat out a lot and travel all over eating and so we do understand about glitches but this was poor from the kitchen, (sorry to say)and the service … the staff were polite and friendly and very sweet. Hospitality is tricky in the current climate we know. The service can be acted on and improved but not sure about the food. As a comparison I have put another 2 prawn cocktail pictures from 2 different visits to a pub in Stockbridge you can see the difference and why this one was underwhelming a poor effort really, if someone has the courage to complain maybe think about what else can be done, it’s good to offer a new meal but sometimes another meal isn’t appropriate or is too late depending when you managed to get someone’s attention. Anyway we came, we tried but sadly disappointing, shame as lovely location first 3 pictures are from the Running Horse 4&5 belong to a different pub

   almost 6 months ago
2. Paul G. ★★★★★

   Well laid out modern motel like feel. Rooms comfortable and easy to heat. Good selection of beverages including a coffee machine. Excellent addition of a mini fridge and fresh milk. Plenty of free parking and sort drive out of Winchester (15mins) or to walk in about 1hr 30mins. Local bus stop but not very regular times. Generally quiet though could be more noisy in warmer moths if people outside enjoying the pub. Nice inviting bar/restaurant with good variety of food and drinks. Only noticeable down side would be the random lighting the dipped/brightened regularly (owners have looked into it many times with no resolve) and dusting of the floor areas could be improved especially under beds. Overall the place had a good feel and would recommend this place and definitely consider staying again or in another place in the company chain.

   almost 7 months ago
3. Richard Haynes ★★★★★

   We came for Sunday lunch, fantastic service, great beer and excellent food. We were seated in a very comfortable and cosy booth, dog was also very happy with the seating arrangements and the water & snacks provided..! (both by the venue and ourselves..!) very highly recommended. Professional and polite staff, great service and small issue with a wrong drink dealt with quickly and efficiently. We had a great afternoon here, and they’ll soon have a collection of board games to play after you’ve eaten. Will definitely be back soon..! Well worth a visit and you can take the dog! Pay them a visit, you won’t regret it..!

   almost 7 months ago

1. Rebecca C ★★★★☆

   The rooms were nice, clean and a good size. The location is also ideal and dog friendly. The food was also nice, it’s just the service was often quite slow. We would arrive at the pub for dinner and would often be sat there for 15 mins before anyone comes over. Despite this, our server John was always really lovely and friendly.

   almost 7 months ago
2. Clint B ★★★★☆

   This is a lovely hotel and pub nestled in the country. The rooms, although on the small side feel new and renovated and smell wonderful and the beds are very comfortable however they really could use a zip and link as the join was a rather uncomfortable. The modern bathroom was also nice but the contractor who installed the toilets must have been 7' tall as anyone under 6'5"will find that their legs will dangle whilst sitting.

   almost 9 months ago
3. Antoine Costello ★★★★★

   We had an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast. First things first, the atmosphere and decoration are second to none. I’ve been told they had a massive overhaul & re-decoration a few months ago and it’s really visible. The pub inside and out looks great, and the rooms are very comfortable, especially for £40-50 a night ! Can’t beat that really. Dinner was very good and we enjoyed the nice selection of wines, both by the glass & bottle. Breakfast the next morning was lovely. The pub & rooms are dog friendly … what more could we ask for ! We look forward to visiting again in the summer to enjoy the lively outdoor area.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Bev Hall ★★★★★

   Needed a last minute stop over and couldn’t have chosen a nicer place! Oozing with atmosphere when you walk through the door, lovely location in the countryside but just a 5 min drive to Winchester centre. Rooms are unique! Warm, cosey and very comfortable and have everything you need…highly recommend…I will be back!

   almost 3 years ago
2. Sarah Morris ★★★★★

   Great find! Lovely location big and friendly especially for dogs! Comfortable and clean, great menu and prices, great staff and cope well when busy! Our Bernie enjoyed himself as well. We had starters and main roast beef and pork. Good portions presented well amd tasted great! Definitely going back! Plenty of parking too.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Summer 369 ★★★★★

   The food was delicious and the drinks alongside are fairly priced. The location was great. The staff were amazing, honestly so helpful and kind. The rooms are up to date and fully furnished with radios, flat screens, showers, towels, hair dryers, ironing board. I will 100% be staying again.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Keely Simpson ★★★☆☆

   Accommodation was lovely. Very different lovely and clean and smelt gorgeous. Location was great and plenty of on site parking. The only let down really was the food. Not a great deal of menu choice. We had the rib eye steak my husbands was fine but mine was one of the worst steaks I've had in a while :(. The sticky toffee pudding was very dry. Two rib eye steaks with Peppercorn sauce one sticky toffee pudding and 2 drinks £79

   almost 3 years ago

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