The Hawkley Inn

Five miles from Petersfield, The Hawkley is everything you want a country pub to be; walking boots, wellies, horses, bikes, great beer and cider, some seriously good food, fire, moose, big garden. All this and power showers too, in some very smart accommodation introduced at the end of 2006 and very popular with DFLs and parties attending weddings in Hawkley's rather spiffy church.  Seven beers on tap that change constantly, and decent wine too. Always plenty of local ales, (I've personally never had a bad one and would walk several country miles any day for the fff Moondance). Music at weekends, good beer fest every year. Perfect pub in any weather, crowded at weekends, however, when food service can be on the slow side - get there early or late if waiting a while bothers you - and the number of untethered children may occasionally test your tolerance (though this seems less of an issue since new space opened up in the pub at the end of 2006). A great place, even better than I'm making it sound; there have been a few changes of personnel there recently, including the much regretted departure of Jeannie, the last link with the old Hawkley days, but it seems to be holding its own and even improving in some departments - food in particular is much improved since a new chef took over a couple of months back. Get there: Follow signs for Hawkley from West Liss (Hawkley Road runs up the side of the Spread Eagle).  Pococks Lane, Hawkley. Liss 01730 827205, more at www.hawkleyinn.co.uk. GMAP