Potters Heron Pub & Restaurant — Restaurant in Test Valley

This was a mixed experience. The food was lovely, slightly more expensive than I would expect from a posh pub but more typical of a hotel which it is I now know. We were sat at a table and nothing happened. Some time later the couple at the table next to us came in and were immediately asked what they would like to drink. We stopped a waitress and asked for drinks and a few minutes later a pleasant but untrained young man asked for our drinks order. He apologized that he could not answer our questions as "he has not worked behind the bar" he did his best but had clearly been thrown in at the deep end. Our drinks took a long time to come, there seemed to be one of the waitresses in a strop, we could clearly see the bar from our table. We were asked for our order before our drinks were served and just as the adjacent table got their meals. When we did get our food a waitress came up to us and asked if it was ok? "I know you have just been served but is the food ok" Maybe a guilty conscience? It only seemed to be us who had poor service. And after we got our main meals the service was fine. We spoke to various members of staff who were all friendly so I think we were just unlucky. The food was excellent and I do not rule out going...

We only went here for Sunday lunch as we saw a large "We love Sunday roast" sign outside when driving past the previous day. The place looked lovely from the outside and tastefully decorated inside. It being a hotel, it was not like many large chain hotels as had different levels which was good. The restaurant and bar area were both clean. However, the question is, if they love their roasts why do they not cook their vegetables with love? The potatoes were very weird, like browned boiled, the selection of vegetables was not very exciting and for some maybe undercooked but were ok for me. The menu mentioned specifically it came with cauliflower cheese, this arrived separately and it was spot the cheese sauce. The meat was a nice sized potion but taste wise I've had a lot better. Also, if you are a fan of red turkey meat be warned they only serve the breast white meat. Behind us a table was complaining about the roasts to the manager. However, my partners trout portion was a fair size and vegetables ok. Overall, you do expect to pay more as a hotel but would expect slightly better quality food. Service was friendly so altogether a score of 3 but that said I would...

Let's start with the positives: We were a large table (12) and despite that, the service was quick and friendly. We were never left waiting.

The location, decor and vibe were all lovely also.

Now the reason for the 2 star review: The food and coffee were both quite disappointing. The main issue with the food was seasoning, of which there was none. I and a couple of others had the meatballs in tomato marinara, but the meatballs themselves were dry, bland and severely lacking salt. The tomato marinara was again lacking salt and tasted like tinned crushed tomatoes, nothing else.

For mains I had the roast half chicken which was honestly enormous (not a complaint!) which came with potatoes, some vegetables and savoy cabbage. The best part was probably the cabbage as again, no seasoning. Post-food I asked for a double macchiato which is a short espresso drink, this was served in a large cappucino mug which meant it went cold very quickly. The espresso extraction was also a little weak.

For the hefty price of £33 I sadly expected better. 0 complaints about the staff, they were...