A mere jaunt out of London and you will discover the perfect place for a weekend break, complete with local fare, historic houses and country strolls. Anna Smith discovers the best Hampshire's Anchor Inn has to offer.
An hour’s train ride from London, The Anchor Inn is perfectly placed for a country weekend escape. Acquired by Miller’s Collection in 2008, the inn has been beautifully refurbished without losing a jot of character. Parts of the building date back to the 14th century: this places smells of history the minute you enter. Exposed wood dominates in the intimate bar area. Walls are cluttered with eccentric photographs, paintings and prints. Nautical memorabilia jostles with vintage photos of locals over the years.
The locals are still very much in evidence at The Anchor Inn: the management even take regulars on brewery trips and consult them on menus and wine. Much of the food in the restaurant is locally sourced: the style is posh English pub fare accompanied by an extensive wine list written in a florid, slightly eccentric manner. The steak is good, the skate is better and the whitebait is the best we’ve ever tasted.
Staff are relaxed, welcoming and friendly at The Anchor – they’re more than happy to advise on everything from whisky to local walks. On weekends, the restaurant is full to brimming with both neighbours and guests; often diners get so comfortable they decide to stay the night, space allowing. Low lit and pleasantly decorated, the restaurant is high quality without being pretentious; small groups and couples chat away happily without feeling the need to mind their Ps and Qs.
The walk up the winding stairs to your bedroom could take time: more fascinating pictures adorn the walls, giving a taste of English history that must appeal to overseas guests in particular. Portraits of Earl Mountbatten and other luminaries are hung in the Richard Hillary room, a superior double with quaint décor and quirky touches like royal wedding pots on the windowsill. The exposed beams look gorgeous – but watch out if you’re over five foot nine, they can hurt! All rooms have power showers (no bath), flat screen TVs, DVDs, radios, wireless access and deliciously scented Long Barn toiletries. There are just five rooms in The Anchor Inn: aside from the Richard Hillary there’s the Wilfred Owen deluxe double, the Siegfried Sassoon deluxe double, the Robert Graves superior double and the Rupert Brooke principal suite.
It’s well worth getting out of your comfortable bed for breakfast in the bar. A full English will set you up for the day with black pudding, egg, tomato, sausages and bacon. There’s also quality muesli and fruit available (great raspberries) as well as orange juice and tea/coffee. Service is swift and pleasant and staff will happily hang onto your bags for you if you decide to go for a walk after check-out – and we recommend you do. Signposted footpaths will take you in all directions through green fields and past the historic houses of both Lower and Upper Froyle. The Anchor Inn is Lower Froyle’s only pub, but neighbouring villages like Well have a few good ones to refresh weary walkers on their way back. The walk to Well is scenic and achievable; staff will point you in the right direction. Although there’s every chance you won’t want to leave The Anchor Inn: as one guest says in the comment book, “It’s one of those places you want to keep a secret, but have to tell everyone.”
The Anchor Inn at Lower Froyle, Hampshire is a member of Miller’s Collection. For more information or to book visit www.anchorinnatlowerfroyle.co.uk, e-mail info@anchorinnatlowerfroyle.co.uk or call 01420 23261. Prices start from £130 per night for bed and breakfast. Check the website for seasonal short break offers and sporting breaks such as fly fishing, shooting and stalking.
