The Old Forge Tea Room Hambledon. — Restaurant in Winchester

A bittersweet review. We've been coming here for almost 4 years. Food has always been great when you can get a seat and when you can't, takeaway is available. Choices are a plenty and you are looked after promptly. No faults on that part...

... However ... 3 years ago we wanted to book a table, 4 adults and a baby. We booked a table for 4, when we got there, we were almost "told off" by the lady for having the push chair/baby. My in laws were with us and they thought it was rude the way it came across, so don't like to come back here.

Fast forward to our recent visit in the last week. Wanted to book a table, deliberately asked how busy they were, everything was fine as long as it was tea and cake (no cooked food). So booked a table for 4. Turned up with my parents this time, our little boy and a 4 month old baby. Our little boy was going to sit on my lap and the baby in the car seat. Once again, "told off" by exactly the same person that did it 3 years ago. I clearly didn't learn my lesson last time! Apparently we should have booked a table for 6, not 4. Even though our children were not taking up any other seats. Remarkably the lady followed it up by saying it's for fire reasons and capacity. But you only had to look around the seating area to see 3-4 tables free, so not exactly packed out. This is the first time I took my parents here and they said the same thing. Food was great but the comment came across rude.

We've never had this issue at other places and we go to quite a lot, but perhaps it's because they are so restricted for space. In fairness, perhaps there's fault on our part for not stating the other extras in our family, but by that extension, nothing was said about the several dogs in the property taking up space around the tables and lying on the floor to create tripping hazards. Talk about fire risk? 🤔

Nevertheless, a lovely place to go, you won't be disappointed if you can get in there. Just learn from our mistakes and book for every person/creature you plan to bring with you. Be it a baby, a toddler, a dog/cat/hamster etc. Let the staff make the decision of how big the table size is and if they can accommodate you, then there's no confusion or crossed wires. We are unlikely to be going back now after our recent experience, but this shouldn't discourage anyone else, because it's likely a fault...

I absolutely LOVE this tea room!! The Old Forge provides a fantastic atmosphere, service and food and drinks! 💘

From teas to coffees and delicious hot chocolates to soft drinks. There is quite a selection of drinks to stop off and enjoy. ☕️❤️

The food, well... Exquisite!! Bacon Sandwiches or Sausage sandwiches, to a full English, to sausuage rolls, salads and toasted sandwiches. This tea room provides delicious homemade meals for breakfast and lunch. Not mention their incredible afternoon tea!! The cakes are out this world and there is quite a large selection. I love their carrot cake and recently, the Lime and Passionfruit cake. 😍

If your in the area, THIS IS A MUST visit!!

Ed and Claire run this place so well with a warm, inviting presence!

Highly recommend for walkers, dog owners, cyclists, motorcyclists and car enthusiasts!

If you have a few of you with you, I recommend booking...

What an amazing tea room. I wanted somewhere different for mums birthday lunch and found this little gem. I pre-booked easily via email and would recommend doing so as it appears to be very popular. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, and there was even a birthday balloon/flowers by our table. There was a good selection of lunchtime dishes to choose from and we enjoyed the freshest paninis, served with a generous side salad and crisps that all tasted fab and filled our bellies. There was a large selection of cakes and the berry sponge was thoroughly enjoyed. We found the tearoom very clean and tidy and the prices to be very reasonable. Parking was along the nearby road which could get filled at busy times. Even though I didn't have my pooch today, dogs were very welcome. I enjoyed a lovely afternoon and will certainly come back again bringing the husband and...