If you ever wonder why long-lost friends deserted the big city we think we found the answer. Stumbling across the glamour that is Odiham’s High Street we would be suitably smug pottering amongst its designer boutiques, artisan bakeries and drinking in the gastro-retreat that is Bel and the Dragon.
We can see why the majority of countryfolk would sell their labradors in order to move into this idyllic pocket of Hampshire. Bel and the Dragon is the jewel in the crown inviting you into its cosy bar area (the roaring fireplace is a given) before settling down for a long lunch in their chic country-pub restaurant. Offering up a seasonal, fresh menu there wasn’t a combination we didn’t favour; seared scottish scallops with artichoke purrée and lobster and crayfish risotto get the juices flowing.
Joyously you can roll upstairs to one of their individually designed bedrooms with underfloor heating and complimentary Sipsmith gin as standard all built into the eaves of this lovingly restored 1540 coaching inn. With a small additional supplement for one night stays and the Four Seasons Hampshire down the road for a cheeky treatment it’s all you could want for a relaxing weekend in the fresh air.
