The Links Tavern, Liphook — Restaurant in East Hampshire

Saturday lunchtime, sat outside. The pub is in a green and leafy area which makes for a great setting off point for walks and a stopping point if you’re on your way somewhere. The interior is smartly decorated and the pub on the whole is attractive with large, clean outdoor areas. The toilets are very clean. Parking is ample. The person behind the bar had a smile and was welcoming. However, there were several shortcomings which I’d raise. Firstly, the food is incredibly overpriced. Either the portion size needs to go up or the price needs to come down. A relatively average sized burger with a small cup of chips for almost £18 is ridiculous. I wanted bacon on my burger which was an additional charge but one rasher of bacon for £1.50 is insane. Blaming the brewery is not a reasonable excuse. Other Fuller’s pubs do not charge this amount as I live close to one myself, and a manager is able to speak to the brewery about charges. Although I have paid this much for a burger before, it normally comes with a side salad or something to make it stand out. This burger was distinctly average and the plate looked very bare when delivered to the table. Secondly, the ‘Goan chicken curry’ was served and was so unreasonably hot that a guest at my table couldn’t eat most of it and just ate the rice. If this is from a packet then the supplier needs to be spoken to about their recipe. If it hadn’t been for the nice weather and positive service, this meal probably would have ruined our day. Unfortunately, based on other reviews on here, it looks like prices have risen sharply recently. This is a shame as it seems like the pub is well kept and nice to visit, but lacking in common sense in some aspects. Unfortunately, looking at other reviews, it appears that whoever runs the business account enjoys answering with ‘thanks for the feedback’ next to negative reviews which just appears sarcastic and childish. I won’t be returning but I hope that whoever is in charge learns how to run what has the potential to be a...

I was a part of a party of 14 people and on first impressions, I was immediately saddened, when myself and a friend ordered a Passion Fruit Martini, the barman rolled his eyes and grunted so from the outset it was already unwelcoming from your staff.

All members of the party arrived in good time, and had drinks outside, to then be asked to take our seats. The waitress very abruptly shouted to us once we were seated, that we had 5 minutes to order as the kitchen were running out of produce and listed a number of items on your menu that were unavailable. Our table was booked for 7.30 so we didn’t expect to hear this.

We ordered shortly after this request, only to realise 4 of the main meals were either incorrect. When ordering a £14 ceasar salad, I didn’t expect my meal to arrive in what can only be described as a ramekin (picture attached with a bottle for scale). I would be surprised to see how a side salad is presented, given this was considered a main meal.

A member of the table waited over 20 minutes for her meal to be corrected, by this time the majority of the party had already finished their main meals.

For the entire duration of the meal, not one drinks order was take from the table, despite asking. When paying for table service, this is by the very least what you would expect.

I must also stress that it took almost 40 minutes for the dirty plates to be cleared from the table once we had finished our main meals.

No one came and asked if the meals that had arrived correctly were ok, or if we needed anything else.

This is really very much the tip of the ice berg of the overall experience last night and I could expand further on the evening, but these are just a few key points...

This was our second visit. On arrival the table was all set up and the first guests were asked if they were happy to stay outside or to be moved inside where they had an alternative table set up just in case. The food order was taken at the bar and the staff were really good with the food allergies and ensured that the veg were cooked separately. The food arrived all together. Which on a table of 10 is impressive.  There was a slight issue with a few of the meals being sent out without the potatoes, but they were quickly sent out with many apologies.  The food itself was delicious.  Everything cooked to perfection. I really can't fault it. Throughout the whole meal the staff were so friendly and helpful. The place was spotlessly clean throughout and I love the outside covered area which allows for outside eating in the less that brilliant English summer.

I really can't recommend this place enough. I just wish it was closer as I would definitely come...