Stockbridge is home away from home. I find myself there every summer during the warmer months and have built fond memories over the last five years fishing beautiful gin clear chalk streams.
My four-legged companion Sedge and I made our way down to the Test Valley to meet up with friends and have one more fish before I hung my boots for the year!
I returned to one of my favourite places to stay, a 16th century Fullers Hotel, The White Hart in Stockbridge. It’s a stones throw away from the charming High Street, which has an abundance of specialist shops selling boutique clothing, arts, crafts, gifts and flowers. There are plenty of pubs, cafes, restaurants, butchers and delis so if you’re a foodie your palette will most certainly be tested.
The reason the White Hart caught my eye in the past was because they’re dog friendly and this is always number one on my checklist. The parking is very convenient and I immediately noticed a new electric car charging point. Once we checked in and made our way to the room located outside the main building we entered our ground floor room. The first thing we honed in on was the dog treats on the table accompanied by a welcome note. The attention to detail is clear and if you forget something they’ve got you covered. I was delighted to see the miniature toiletries were eco-friendly and the teabags too. There is an obvious sense of care towards the environment at the White Hart and it’s leading by example in the hospitality industry.
If you would prefer to stay in a non-dog friendly room then they have just refurbished a new block, which is totally hair free! All rooms have flat screen TVs, free WIFI and digital radios to boot.
The interior rooms have a lovely subtle country feel. They are immaculate, warm, comfortable and welcoming. They have mini fridges with fresh milk and an array of teas and coffees to choose from, oh, and let’s not forget the homemade biscuits and fudge.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner was sublime, Sedge might have had a sample of each course just so I could get someone else’s opinion. I didn’t let him taste my chocolate brownie, firstly because it was too good to share and secondly because chocolate is no good for dogs – thankfully! It’s safe to say the wild boar ragu with pappardelle, pecorino & truffle oil went down a treat and received a 10/10! They don’t just accommodate meat eaters like Sedge; there are many options for vegans, vegetarians and people with allergies.
The atmosphere of the pub would welcome all parties; it hosts intimate private corners and small rooms that are quiet and romantic, as well as a spacious bar perfect for people who’d like to get stuck into the Fullers pints, or perhaps some of their impressive wines and cocktails. I couldn’t help but notice that everywhere I looked there was fishing memorabilia. It felt like an art gallery and I’m sure next time I’ll see something new I missed.
Excellent value for money and would recommend this superb hotel to anyone visiting the area.
