Review: I stayed at the Greyhound on the Test in Stockbridge

When I heard that the inn was bringing back its unique outdoor dome dining for the third winter, I was keen to find out why this award-winning venue was held in such high regard.

It didn't take long to realise that the Greyhound was something special.

Stockbridge is bursting with historic buildings which catch my attention every time I drive through but this inn exceeded all expectations.

The main dining area inside the Greyhound. (Image: Newsquest)

I was transported back in time as soon as I stepped inside to see old timber roof beams sprawling the ceiling and decorations that suited the character of the 600-year-old building.

Our dog-friendly room inside the Leet Cottage boasted a king-sized bed, honesty bar and fridge as well as a huge bathroom with underfloor heating.

We felt right at home. (Image: Newsquest)

Although our room, number three, was up a flight of stairs, there were two accessible rooms at the bottom of the cottage.

We immediately felt right at home following a warm welcome and settled into our room quickly with a chance to unwind in a warm bath.

The spacious bathroom housed a huge tub and walk-in shower. (Image: Newsquest)

Dinner, bed and breakfast for two people staying in this en-suite room during the winter would typically cost £212. When taking the cost of meals into account, £33.90 for three courses of the prix fixe menu and £16.95 for breakfast, you're left with £106.10 for the room alone which felt appropriate for what the Greyhound is offering.

After a few hours to relax, it was time for our three-course dinner downstairs. Friendly, attentive staff presented our Sunday menus with a basket of warm bread and olives.

Pork knuckle fritter and celeriac remoulade with spiced date, chorizo jam and cured yolk for my starter while my girlfriend enjoyed the roasted butternut squash and aged cheddar soup.

My starter was flawless. (Image: Newsquest)

This was absolutely delicious. The pork just melts in your mouth and the sweet, slightly spicy, chorizo jam was a perfect blend of flavour. I was pleasantly surprised to find Kirin Ichiban, a Japanese premium lager, on tap.

Just 20 minutes after our starters came out, we were presented with enormous plates of Hampshire roast beef and all the trimmings (potatoes, carrot, parsnip, green beans, cauliflower cheese and a Yorkshire pudding).

You can't go wrong with giant roast potatoes. (Image: Newsquest)

Without exaggerating, the roast potatoes must have been the largest I've ever been offered at a restaurant and the meat was cooked to perfection. While I'm not normally a fan of cauliflower cheese, my girlfriend commented that it's one of the best she's had.

I couldn't imagine any better way to finish this incredible meal than a sticky toffee pudding with caramelised banana, salted caramel and vanilla chantilly, so that's what I ordered. The flavours of the chantilly truly completed the dish, which I often find can become a bit boring with regular cream.

Head chef Phil Bishop runs the Greyhound's kitchen and the team's attention to detail and emphasis on locally sourced food is clear.

As we were preparing to stumble back to our room with full bellies we were offered the chance to see inside the seasonal heated dining dome in the garden. This fits between six to 12 guests and has a £2.50 booking charge per person associated.

The seasonal outdoor dining dome. (Image: Newsquest)

Back in our room we prepared for a comfy night's sleep and took full advantage of the smart TV, free wifi, coffee machine and fully-stocked mini fridge.

The following morning we were delighted to find a breakfast bar packed with fruit, cereal, homemade granola bars, pastries and juice. This is included in the price of a hot breakfast (£16.95 per person).

Still stuffed from the night before, I begrudgingly turned down a full English but became slightly envious when my girlfriend was handed a plate of bacon and blueberry-topped brioche French toast with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Overall our stay was faultless - the staff were on-point and friendly. We hope to return in summer when the Greyhound buzzes with fishing activity along the River Test and guests can enjoy a garden bar and fully-stocked fishing hut.

For more information visit thegreyhoundonthetest.co.uk.