The Ship & Bell — Restaurant in East Hampshire

This was our first visit for almost a year and we were pleasantly surprised. They have certainly upped their game in many respects by making some small changes, like introducing good quality tables cloths, proper napkins and fixing fairy lights around the fire surround. Subtle nuances but they can make such a difference. Another revaluation is the quality of the food. They have a limited menu but offer many pub classics. My wife ordered fish and chips whilst I went for the steak pie, chips and gravy. The food arrived without undue haste and both dishes were wholesome and delicious. And all the while there was a great atmosphere throughout the pub which was extremely busy, which perhaps is an indicator of how popular it has now become. I would also like to praise the young lady who served us. She was extremely polite, friendly and attentive, an absolute credit to the pub. Perhaps the only criticism is their inability to serve gin as described on their drinks menu. My wife ordered the Elephant gin which was supposed to include slices of oranges and black pepper corns, only it didn’t. The barman didn’t even apologise for the lack of ingredients and when I questioned him I’m not sure he even knew that they were meant to be added! It’s a small detail but these things can make a difference to the overall experience. That said, we will certainly be returning very soon. Especially as they serve up an excellent pint of...

Absolutely Appalling Experience – Avoid at All Costs!

I would strongly advise anyone considering a visit to The Ship and Bell in Horndean to think twice. After enjoying a perfectly ordinary meal and spending over £35 as a genuine customer, I was later slapped with a £100 parking fine—yes, £100—for using their so-called “free customer car park.”

At no point were we informed by any staff that we needed to register our vehicle, nor is it made clear anywhere inside the pub. Despite approaching the counter multiple times, not one person mentioned it—not even a sign on the till. The entrance signage is tiny, misleading, and completely unreadable from a vehicle. It screams “Customer Parking Only” but hides the trap in small print, buried among legalese no normal driver could or would stop to read.

To make matters worse, The Ship and Bell staff were contacted and refused to even respond—despite the fact that they have full authority to cancel parking charges for their own customers. Their silence says it all: zero accountability and even less regard for their patrons.

This is not just poor service, it’s outright exploitation. I will never return, and I urge others to stay away unless you're happy to risk a £100 fine for the privilege of eating at a Fullers pub that doesn't care one bit about its customers once they’ve taken your money.

Shameful practice. Shame on you,...

IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO VISIT THIS PLACE, SPECIALLY WITH CHILDREN, MAYBE YOU SHOULD READ THIS FIRST. We waste time and money. Originally we wanted to go to the restaurant next door (Four London) but we ended on the parking of this pub so we decided to give it a go. Staff is friendly, and because we have a toddler they show us the "family" place which is an area with toys that looks they've never been washed. Apparently that is fine for their own children that they were all around even sit with shoes over the counter playing with the peanuts that they would give you later. We went outside. Tables dirty, dirt everywhere. The Playhouse for children has ketchup, mayonese, cigarette ashes, and more disgusting things inside. I will not even describe the sand/water pit. The children menu has nothing healthy. We asked for lasagna. Was a horrible cold, greasy, oily, soggy thing. When the waitress came and asked me how it was I told her, she went to tell the "chef". From our table we could see the kitchen door. He open the door, took a look of us, hit the door and left. Who the hell you thing you are? Gordon Ramsay? But this was a lesson for us, we will never choose a place just for its parking again,...