Test Valley country pub The John O'Gaunt famed for its food

Fairport Convention turning up unannounced for Sunday lunch was just one of the memorable days at The John O’Gaunt Inn for landlord of five years Chris Adams.

The small traditional country pub, at Horsebridge, near Kings Somborne, dates from the time the canal ran through the Test Valley and sits less than 200 metres from the well-known walking and cycling route.

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When the canal was replaced by the railway, the pub was renamed The Railway Inn. The railway is gone, but Horsebridge Station next door has been restored as a private dwelling and has a railway carriage on the platform that is let out as an Airbnb.

The pub was renamed The John O’Gaunt in the 90s as the nobleman’s former hunting estate is nearby. John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, was an English royal prince, military leader, and statesman. He was the third son of King Edward III of England, and the father of King Henry IV.

These days, the pub is best known for being a great pit stop for walkers and their dogs along the Test Way, plus its superb Sunday lunches and the rest of the menu, which uses only fresh free range produce, wherever possible locally sourced.

Head chef Lee always uses game when in season and fresh fish from the South Coast whenever it's available. All dishes are prepared on the premises using ingredients supplied daily.

Landlord Chris told the Daily Echo: “We serve home cooked and freshly prepared food, we don’t own a microwave!

“The menu is based around local meat, game, and fish. We are known for our Sunday roasts, beef, chicken, pork, venison or vegetarian. Our doorstep sandwiches are also very popular.

“Real ale is appreciated in our pub, but we serve lager and cider as well as wines and spirits. Much of our beer comes from Palmers brewery in Dorset, their Tallyho, 200, and IPA are particular favourites. We are an independent free house and always have a good selection of real ales, as well as all the other pub drinks.”

The John O'Gaunt boasts a traditional jazz band who play one Sunday a month at lunchtime.

There is a meat draw on a Friday, and a 'Chase the Joker' game on a Sunday, which recently scooped one participant an impressive £6,500.

Occasional theme nights take place with the odd singer or disco. Next up, on Monday, is a rock cover band, from 3pm. Storm are an Isle of Wight foursome playing well-known sing along songs. From ZZ Top to Robbie Williams, they specialise in sweet harmony vocals and a great guitar sound.

The pub also boasts a large heated and covered area at the back and tables to the side.

Reflecting on his time at the pub, Chris added: "Being your own boss and having a barrel of IPA to hand are always good!

"The worst thing is the long hours.

"Covid was a real challenge, but we got through it."

A certificate awarded by the Southern Hampshire Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) for commitment to the community and providing real ale and cider during lockdowns is proudly displayed.

• The John O' Gaunt is our pub of the week. If you'd like us to feature your watering hole, visit dailyecho.co.uk/pub-of-the-week or email lorelei.reddin@dailyecho.co.uk

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