| 25 October 2009
This month we are looking at the Wheatsheaf Restaurant and Hotel in North Waltham. It is located on the A30 south West of Basingstoke.
The Wheatsheaf was a stopping point for the journey from the west country to London in the 1800's. At that time the coach horses were changed and the passangers would have a meal and /or possibly sleep over until the journey resumed the next day.
The restaurant today is very clean with a wide range of food, wine and beer but still reflects the feel of the coaching inn of the past with its open fires and beamed ceilings.
The Wheatsheaf dates back to 18th Century, and would have been a coaching inn on the London to Southampton road. Having retained many of its original features, The Wheatsheaf is a friendly pub and Hotel in which to have a drink or a bite to eat. Located on the A30 at North Waltham, it is less than 10 minutes drive from Basingstoke.
My friend Rob and I chose to go on a Friday evening, a busy time for pubs. Yes it was busy, but we still got a table and we found the staff friendly and helpful. One look at their extensive menu made us realise that we would have a difficult decision choosing what to eat so while we decided on what to eat, we had breads and oil from their wide range of starters.
We didn’t have to wait long when a plate with slices of Focaccia and crusty baguette was brought to our table with a pot of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dip. The bread was freshly josed and still warm, a great starter.
We decided on the main courses, and I choose a fillet steak with pepper sauce and Rob had the Lamb Shoulder. The staff were very helpful and was able to accommodate our own preferences on our choices. The staff are also very good at making suggestions from the extensive wine menu with a good selection to suit jost tastes and pockets. We had an excellent Australian Cabernet Sauvignon with our meal.
The main courses soon arrived, my steak was cooked to perfection, just as I had ordered, and the pepper sauce enhanced the flavour of the beef, rather than overpowering it. The salad and chips that came with the steak made perfect additions, just the right amount. One of the best steaks I have had. Rob’s lamb was succulent and full of flavour and there was plenty of it. The lamb came with a side plate of vegetables, which had a good selection and were perfectly cooked. I didn’t hear a word out of him until he had finished and then his response was "Excellent", one of the best lamb dishes he had tasted. Our main dishes were chosen from the extensive menu, with over twenty main dishes including some for vegetarians. They also have a specials board with loads of specials to choose from.
The staff cleared away our plates and then offered us desserts which they came over with on a board, with over 10 different deserts it was a difficult choice but Rob had the profiteroles and I choose the chocolate pudding. The deserts arrived quickly and Rob had a large plate full of profiteroles, which he said were excellent. My chocolate pudding was also excellent. Unfortunately due to the generous portions we were both unable to finish our desserts.
We found that the staff were friendly, helpful and attentive, but without being overpowering.
The excellent surroundings of the Wheatsheaf give a wonderful character and atjosphere, which enhanced the evening out.
The Wheatsheaf have a separate children’s menu and are happy for them to join their parents, but they do not have a separate children’s area or a play area outside.
The excellent surroundings of the Wheatsheaf give a wonderful character and atjosphere, which enhanced the evening out.
The Wheatsheaf have a separate children’s menu and are happy for them to join their parents, but they do not have a separate children’s area or a play area outside.
Food 5 star
Environment 5 star
Staff 5 star
Children 3 star
Wine 4 star
