Page 23 - Enjoy-It 2023

It’s got to be said that I am biased, and already taken by this inn’s namesake, having been lucky enough to spend 27 years with two little terrors... Thankfully this charming boutique inn with rooms, set in the deepest depths of Hampshire shares none of the characteristics of the breed!
The setting is calm and uncompromisingly English, with a winding track approach, duck pond, deer park, church and kitchen garden all set in 1500-acres of a family-run farming and hunting estate.
The welcome is warm and relaxed in nature, after a brief introduction to the ground floor bar, informal dining area and restaurant we find ourselves in the doghouse (and so soon!).
A stunning eight-bed building which gives the impression of an old converted stable block – an exclusive courtyard, blazing fire, sheepskin rugs, private lounge with the option for private dining, pool table, honesty bar and eight perfectly appointed double en-suite bedrooms. This is ideal for a private party – and one could extend the invites, as there are eleven rooms in total including those in the inn itself.
The Jack Russell Inn is becoming more popular since its 2017 opening and general manager Ross worked with the property through Covid, and he has overseen its journey into sustainability; its own bottled water, power, heat source and suppliers.
He also has assisted in the Inn’s autonomy, a new kitchen team and now another stage of its evolution whereby focus is on attracting diners from far and wide. Well,
they have the man for the job – Andy Watts has been head chef since November 2022 and is introducing new talent, new local ingredients and new ideas; foraging, dog walking lunches, shoot breakfasts, barbeques, and the pièce de resistance, the menu! One can enjoy summer bites inside or out on the 105 covers in the beautifully manicured gardens, the restaurant menu offers nibbles
- the Cauliflower Popcorn is great fun and has a real Indonesian kick, its good to see New Forest asparagus, Cornish crab pâté and classics like black pudding Scotch egg and gazpacho.
Mains of two-bone rack of lamb, wild garlic gnocchi and beef pie demonstrate the commitment to the area’s finest indigenous ingredients.
Desserts were getting the ‘Andy overhaul’ when we visited, dark chocolate, truffle (we thought the
punctuation was out – but there it is – chocolate with truffle – unmistakable as I got close to take some stunning images), rhubarb crème brûlée (from the garden) and a beautifully presented apple crumble.
Andy has a charming manner and is clearly a team player, crediting his team for creations and spurring them on during packed out sunny Bank Holidays when all covers, inside and out were eagerly ordering food!
The overnight experience was wonderful, the bedrooms are plush, luxurious and spotlessly clean, the ambiance is soothing with a familiar yet professional service.
Breakfast with a steaming pot of tea and a hearty choice of cooked and buffet breakfasts, the smoked salmon was superb and the croissants buttery...
Dogs are obviously welcome – so take the lead, book a table, a room and make your way into the countryside with your best four-legged friend.
The Jack Russell Inn couldn’t come more highly rated.
www.thejackrussellinn.com
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