This is definitely a destination pub and takes a little finding. First impressions were good with a nice large car park and welcoming entrance. The pub has a lot of character but with a modern horse themed twist. Given that it was a Saturday evening the venue wasn’t very busy and although we were shown to a table we were also told we could choose anywhere in the area. A drinks order was taken quickly and menus delivered. All seemed good at this stage and the drinks and a bowl of olives were brought to the table. It took a little while for the server to take our food order and it was quite surprising that they didn’t write it down but preferred instead to ‘remember it’. The starters arrived fairly quickly and they were fine. We then waited for the mains…..and waited…..and waited……The staff walked past our table on many occasions and could see we didn’t have our food but said nothing. After 40 mins I asked where our main courses were and a server went to the kitchen to check. She returned and said they were on there way. From where I was sitting I could see into the kitchen prep area and at this point they began to make our food. 10 mins later and it arrived! It was completely obvious that we had been forgotten about although there was an apology it would have been a nice gesture to offer us another drink/coffee etc. The food was fine, nothing special, but at nearly £20 for fish, chips and peas it doesn’t offer good value for money. I also feel that adding 12.5% to the bill as a service charge is underhand, particularly when the service was less than good. There are far better pubs and eateries around Winchester.
RobertM12136
Stopped here for lunch. Amazing value with their 2024 set menu. 3courses and a drink for £20 is a bargain. Schnitzel was fantastic as was the posset.
Hilary E
Loved this restaurant and the decor. The service was good. The food was amazing with great choices available. Plenty of choice for pescatarians too. We would certainly visit again if in the area.
Alexandra1695
Lovely atmosphere and friendly staff for breakfast with the family. I grew up in Littleton but haven’t been back in years and this place has certainly been lovingly looked after. Food was good (waffles particularly) and friendly service
annauk44
I had visited The Running Horse a good few years ago and it's been extended since I visited. The atmosphere is excellent and the service super. I visited with my daughter for a late Sunday lunch. I'm always wary of ordering Roast Beef unless I'm sure that I'm going to get beef that is still pink and not overcooked. The Roast Beef I had was excellent, tender, extremely tasty and the rest of the meal was good too, including crispy roast potatoes and Yorkshire Pudding. I'd certainly go back.
Kelly L
Really lovely pub that I stumbled upon when walking the dog. Service was so friendly and coffee and pastry hot and fresh and reasonable prices. Very welcoming to the dog.
Greekjoy
We booked a large double for an overnight break after going to a concert in Winchester. The location is pretty, it has a spacious car park and the hairdryer in the room has a nozzle. But that is about where the positives ended. Boutique is sadly a term being much misused by pub chains trying to make a quick buck without any effort. The rooms are a series of chalets, almost, next to the pub so an outdoor and slightly flimsy vibe to the structure and the door. The bed, two singles pushed together, dipped in the middle and the bedding and pillows weren't comfortable. The bathroom was tiny and looked nothing like the sophisticated black tiled one in the pictures. And the outdoor seating area opposite the entrance to our "room" was lit up very brightly til past 11.30pm despite no one being out there which made it hard to get to sleep. The main reason I've given this a low review though was the variety of basics missed: there was a nespresso machine but no pods supplied after the last guest used them, there was a small toilet roll which ran out but there wasn't any replacement available and the shower gel in the shower was in the bottles fixed to the wall but was almost empty so it wasnt possible to dispense any because of the fixture. We had breakfast included which was OK but annoyingly given the price of the room, a decent coffee eg americano came with a £2 surcharge which was unavoidable as the filter coffee was so luke warm and weak, there wasn't much point to it. Service was friendly but slow so it was a little galling to be charged service charge for the coffee given we hadn't had option of coffee in the room as they'd not bothered to provide any pods. Generally this is a pub that should stick to being a pub as they don't have the basic skills or desire to provide the basic service. A premier Inn or travel lodge would have been much better at two thirds of the price.
Scott_Kate
We were delighted to stay here as a pub stopover in our motorhome. We organised ahead via email and they were very helpful as we had planned this as part of a few days celebrating my 40th birthday including a trip to London. The pub is lovely and the food looked amazing, I particularly liked the wine menu, very good and extensive with some great wines available. We enjoyed a drink in the bar and breakfast the following morning which was delicious, lovely log fires, friendly service and a fresh very well cooked and presented breakfast. Thank you.
davebirdwatcher
We had arranged to go with friends to the Winchester Christmas Market, and booked a one night "stopover" at The Running Horse, in Littleton just outside Winchester, which proved an excellent choice. The accommodation had been updated in 2022, and to a very good standard, and many nice features, and a large shower room. Some of the rooms are located just outside the main building in a very attractive courtyard in bright colours and plenty of lighting, which included heating so that after our dinner we were able to sit outside and enjoy the quiet surroundings. Would not hesitate to recommend, or stay again. Dave and Sandra, Bob and Bev
michelle c
This place is a little gem...i wish it was nearer to me. The food is totally amazing , the staff are ever more amazing, very friendly very polite , very fun and very accommodating. I stayed here with my best friend for 2 nights and its such a gorgeous place to stay and dine. Well done team and a huge thank you from Michelle and Lucy x
I gave 5/5 because everything was just perfect. I’ve not visited this pub for a long time but had heard that it was really good so today we went to celebrate a good friends birthday. The pub is really lovely has a 2 good menus. You can choose for 1,2 or 3 courses which had a good choice. Or the main menu. Starters were delicious crispy squid and lightly battered veg with a delicious dip both were really tasty. For mains friends had the cheese and Bacon burger with chips and salad she said it was really nice and the s scampi was also well received and the venison hotpot was a hit bring tender and tasty and chicken schitznel with chips and salad it was really delicious. No desserts were needed as a birthday was produced by the staff who sang happy birthday. It was a lovely afternoon and will def return soon. Highly recommended
Karen W
10/10 service is top notch! This was a last minute booking and we were super pleased with our entire stay. 1st class service, the quality of the food, the drinks, the rooms was incredible!! The rooms are super comfortable and well thought. Would highly recommend, we are going to explore all the other venues at some point:-) Karen
Jill C
Had the pleasure of a three night stay and it was seamless experience. The whole team were amazing and so understanding having our rescue dog with us. Great team work and nothing was too much trouble. Given a nice quiet table for dinner every night and all staff so attentive, hardworking and friendly. Thank you all so much. We will be back.
Andreyevich
Two visits in two weeks for lunch at this excellent country pub. I preferred the charm of its interior before its recent expansion but I can well understand why the proprietors undertook the extension. Local meat and produce, very well prepared and cooked by the French chef (at least he sounds French!). We enjoyed baked camembert, truffle beef croquettes, black bean tacos, roast pork, ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce, sticky toffee pudding and chocolate brownie. The Sunday roast is very good. Nice country location just outside Winchester. We use this place as a great break for lunch when travelling to/from London and Bournemouth.
22grahamf
This was a wonderful find. Brillaint themed rooms and similalry bar/food area. Our room was accessed externally alongside other similar bedrooms. Stylish decorated and with decent quality tea/coffee and bathroom supplies, it was very comfortable. Food and beer slection was great as was breakfast. A really nice pladc to stay or eat
This is definitely a destination pub and takes a little finding. First impressions were good with a nice large car park and welcoming entrance. The pub has a lot of character but with a modern horse themed twist. Given that it was a Saturday evening the venue wasn’t very busy and although we were shown to a table we were also told we could choose anywhere in the area. A drinks order was taken quickly and menus delivered. All seemed good at this stage and the drinks and a bowl of olives were brought to the table. It took a little while for the server to take our food order and it was quite surprising that they didn’t write it down but preferred instead to ‘remember it’. The starters arrived fairly quickly and they were fine. We then waited for the mains…..and waited…..and waited……The staff walked past our table on many occasions and could see we didn’t have our food but said nothing. After 40 mins I asked where our main courses were and a server went to the kitchen to check. She returned and said they were on there way. From where I was sitting I could see into the kitchen prep area and at this point they began to make our food. 10 mins later and it arrived! It was completely obvious that we had been forgotten about although there was an apology it would have been a nice gesture to offer us another drink/coffee etc. The food was fine, nothing special, but at nearly £20 for fish, chips and peas it doesn’t offer good value for money. I also feel that adding 12.5% to the bill as a service charge is underhand, particularly when the service was less than good. There are far better pubs and eateries around Winchester.
Stopped here for lunch. Amazing value with their 2024 set menu. 3courses and a drink for £20 is a bargain. Schnitzel was fantastic as was the posset.
Loved this restaurant and the decor. The service was good. The food was amazing with great choices available. Plenty of choice for pescatarians too. We would certainly visit again if in the area.
Lovely atmosphere and friendly staff for breakfast with the family. I grew up in Littleton but haven’t been back in years and this place has certainly been lovingly looked after. Food was good (waffles particularly) and friendly service
I had visited The Running Horse a good few years ago and it's been extended since I visited. The atmosphere is excellent and the service super. I visited with my daughter for a late Sunday lunch. I'm always wary of ordering Roast Beef unless I'm sure that I'm going to get beef that is still pink and not overcooked. The Roast Beef I had was excellent, tender, extremely tasty and the rest of the meal was good too, including crispy roast potatoes and Yorkshire Pudding. I'd certainly go back.
Really lovely pub that I stumbled upon when walking the dog. Service was so friendly and coffee and pastry hot and fresh and reasonable prices. Very welcoming to the dog.
We booked a large double for an overnight break after going to a concert in Winchester. The location is pretty, it has a spacious car park and the hairdryer in the room has a nozzle. But that is about where the positives ended. Boutique is sadly a term being much misused by pub chains trying to make a quick buck without any effort. The rooms are a series of chalets, almost, next to the pub so an outdoor and slightly flimsy vibe to the structure and the door. The bed, two singles pushed together, dipped in the middle and the bedding and pillows weren't comfortable. The bathroom was tiny and looked nothing like the sophisticated black tiled one in the pictures. And the outdoor seating area opposite the entrance to our "room" was lit up very brightly til past 11.30pm despite no one being out there which made it hard to get to sleep. The main reason I've given this a low review though was the variety of basics missed: there was a nespresso machine but no pods supplied after the last guest used them, there was a small toilet roll which ran out but there wasn't any replacement available and the shower gel in the shower was in the bottles fixed to the wall but was almost empty so it wasnt possible to dispense any because of the fixture. We had breakfast included which was OK but annoyingly given the price of the room, a decent coffee eg americano came with a £2 surcharge which was unavoidable as the filter coffee was so luke warm and weak, there wasn't much point to it. Service was friendly but slow so it was a little galling to be charged service charge for the coffee given we hadn't had option of coffee in the room as they'd not bothered to provide any pods. Generally this is a pub that should stick to being a pub as they don't have the basic skills or desire to provide the basic service. A premier Inn or travel lodge would have been much better at two thirds of the price.
We were delighted to stay here as a pub stopover in our motorhome. We organised ahead via email and they were very helpful as we had planned this as part of a few days celebrating my 40th birthday including a trip to London. The pub is lovely and the food looked amazing, I particularly liked the wine menu, very good and extensive with some great wines available. We enjoyed a drink in the bar and breakfast the following morning which was delicious, lovely log fires, friendly service and a fresh very well cooked and presented breakfast. Thank you.
We had arranged to go with friends to the Winchester Christmas Market, and booked a one night "stopover" at The Running Horse, in Littleton just outside Winchester, which proved an excellent choice. The accommodation had been updated in 2022, and to a very good standard, and many nice features, and a large shower room. Some of the rooms are located just outside the main building in a very attractive courtyard in bright colours and plenty of lighting, which included heating so that after our dinner we were able to sit outside and enjoy the quiet surroundings. Would not hesitate to recommend, or stay again. Dave and Sandra, Bob and Bev
This place is a little gem...i wish it was nearer to me. The food is totally amazing , the staff are ever more amazing, very friendly very polite , very fun and very accommodating. I stayed here with my best friend for 2 nights and its such a gorgeous place to stay and dine. Well done team and a huge thank you from Michelle and Lucy x
Restaurantji Recommends
I gave 5/5 because everything was just perfect. I’ve not visited this pub for a long time but had heard that it was really good so today we went to celebrate a good friends birthday. The pub is really lovely has a 2 good menus. You can choose for 1,2 or 3 courses which had a good choice. Or the main menu. Starters were delicious crispy squid and lightly battered veg with a delicious dip both were really tasty. For mains friends had the cheese and Bacon burger with chips and salad she said it was really nice and the s scampi was also well received and the venison hotpot was a hit bring tender and tasty and chicken schitznel with chips and salad it was really delicious. No desserts were needed as a birthday was produced by the staff who sang happy birthday. It was a lovely afternoon and will def return soon. Highly recommended
10/10 service is top notch! This was a last minute booking and we were super pleased with our entire stay. 1st class service, the quality of the food, the drinks, the rooms was incredible!! The rooms are super comfortable and well thought. Would highly recommend, we are going to explore all the other venues at some point:-) Karen
Had the pleasure of a three night stay and it was seamless experience. The whole team were amazing and so understanding having our rescue dog with us. Great team work and nothing was too much trouble. Given a nice quiet table for dinner every night and all staff so attentive, hardworking and friendly. Thank you all so much. We will be back.
Two visits in two weeks for lunch at this excellent country pub. I preferred the charm of its interior before its recent expansion but I can well understand why the proprietors undertook the extension. Local meat and produce, very well prepared and cooked by the French chef (at least he sounds French!). We enjoyed baked camembert, truffle beef croquettes, black bean tacos, roast pork, ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce, sticky toffee pudding and chocolate brownie. The Sunday roast is very good. Nice country location just outside Winchester. We use this place as a great break for lunch when travelling to/from London and Bournemouth.
This was a wonderful find. Brillaint themed rooms and similalry bar/food area. Our room was accessed externally alongside other similar bedrooms. Stylish decorated and with decent quality tea/coffee and bathroom supplies, it was very comfortable. Food and beer slection was great as was breakfast. A really nice pladc to stay or eat