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The Old Forge, Otterbourne
IT'S called The Old Forge but with a new makeover it's enjoying a renaissance.
The pub in Otterbourne, between Winchester and Eastleigh, reopened at Easter with a revamp that has been widely welcomed by customers old and new.
The new incarnation, called Bar-Bistro, offers a lighter and brighter atmosphere than the previous Vintage Inn branding.
A wall has been knocked through or replaced by glass partitions, the décor is sage green or stone in colour with brightly-coloured chairs or cushions offering a contrast.
Sliced logs on the walls, stone or wood flooring give a rustic feel that cleverly manages to be sleek at the same time.
Yet the attractive building's character, divided up into several eating areas, has been retained.
Pub purists often bewail revamps that see the pubs become what are essentially restaurants. There can be no such complaints at the Old Forge.
If anything it has moved in the other direction. For many years the establishment marketed itself purely as a restaurant. Owners Mitchell and Butler altered that when they took over about seven years ago. It is still food-led but drinkers are welcome and a bar area has been retained. There is no thrusting of menus under people's noses the minute they walk in, embarrassing if you only want a pint and a packet of crisps.
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| Georgie Penn with manager Gemma Collingsworth |
New manager Gemma Collingsworth, who previously worked at The Ship in Lymington, said: "Some people have said they prefer the way it was, but the changes have been well-received. I think we have given the building a new lease of life. It was getting a bit dark and dingey.
"We are about fresh home-made food. We offer contemporary pub classics like sausage and mash then things with a but of a twist for special evenings."
"People seem t appreciate it. We are starting to see more business people coming in at lunchtimes."
Responding to public demand, two real ales are currently on tap, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Everards Tiger.
4:45pm Friday 22nd June 2007
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CommentPosted by: Terry Jackson, Otterbourne on 9:37pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Not classy at all. I was displeased with the level of service. The gin was alovient as well.
Not classy at all. I was displeased with the level of service. The gin was alovient as well.
Posted by: Bill, Winchester on 8:54am Sat 12 Apr 08
We took mother for Sunday lunch because we had been informed the place had been considerably improved. Unfortunately we found it to be overpriced and with poor service. The food could only be described as bland! The roast chicken only tasted of stale grease, although it was a very generous portion! The roast beef was thinly sliced and dry and only 2 very small slices. The vegetables were grossly overcooked and a minimal amopunt for 3 people. The bill was a shock - £49 for 3 2-course lunches with no alcohol! We won't be going back which is a shame because it is a lovely old building!
We took mother for Sunday lunch because we had been informed the place had been considerably improved. Unfortunately we found it to be overpriced and with poor service. The food could only be described as bland! The roast chicken only tasted of stale grease, although it was a very generous portion! The roast beef was thinly sliced and dry and only 2 very small slices. The vegetables were grossly overcooked and a minimal amopunt for 3 people. The bill was a shock - £49 for 3 2-course lunches with no alcohol! We won't be going back which is a shame because it is a lovely old building!
Posted by: Joyce, Winchester on 10:37pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Sunday lunch was a disappointment! Overpriced and overcooked! Poor service didn't help matters either.
So much for the good reviews (prior to checking this website).
Will not be returning.
Sunday lunch was a disappointment! Overpriced and overcooked! Poor service didn't help matters either.
So much for the good reviews (prior to checking this website).
Will not be returning.
Posted by: Alan S, eastleigh on 12:03pm Fri 16 May 08
I know someone who works in the kitchen who has told me that they have a big rat problem!!! Thats no lie
I know someone who works in the kitchen who has told me that they have a big rat problem!!! Thats no lie
Posted by: Alan S, eastleigh on 12:03pm Fri 16 May 08
I know someone who works in the kitchen who has told me that they have a big rat problem!!! Thats no lie
I know someone who works in the kitchen who has told me that they have a big rat problem!!! Thats no lie
Posted by: Alan S, eastleigh on 12:03pm Fri 16 May 08
I know someone who works in the kitchen who has told me that they have a big rat problem!!! Thats no lie
I know someone who works in the kitchen who has told me that they have a big rat problem!!! Thats no lie
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