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The Hoddington Arms

Hampshire, Upton Grey - Modern British - Pub with Rooms - ££

A bucolic vibe and appealing food

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

Back in business (some say, ‘better than ever’) after a fire-enforced five-month closure, regulars are heartened that little appears to have changed at 'The Hodd' – just a ‘nice spruce-up, without changing the cosy feeling’. Exposed timbers, wood and stone floors, rustic brickwork and various nooks are all present and correct. Obviously a much-loved pub, it’s undoubtedly popular and has a real atmosphere. Chris Barnes’ menu hits that 'something for everyone' note spot-on, with a line-up ranging from twice-baked Tunworth cheese soufflé, fish and chips, and flat-iron steak with a jug of peppercorn sauce to seasonal ideas including exemplary crab and Parmesan-crusted cod loin or slow-cooked shoulder of lamb. The Hodd's thoroughly traditional Sunday lunch is also warmly applauded: expect a trio of roasts plus extras including stuffing balls and the pub's renowned cauliflower and broccoli cheese. To finish, the sticky toffee pudding is a...

Back in business (some say, ‘better than ever’) after a fire-enforced five-month closure, regulars are heartened that little appears to have changed at 'The Hodd' – just a ‘nice spruce-up, without changing the cosy feeling’. Exposed timbers, wood and stone floors, rustic brickwork and various nooks are all present and correct. Obviously a much-loved pub, it’s undoubtedly popular and has a real atmosphere. Chris Barnes’ menu hits that 'something for everyone' note spot-on, with a line-up ranging from twice-baked Tunworth cheese soufflé, fish and chips, and flat-iron steak with a jug of peppercorn sauce to seasonal ideas including exemplary crab and Parmesan-crusted cod loin or slow-cooked shoulder of lamb. The Hodd's thoroughly traditional Sunday lunch is also warmly applauded: expect a trio of roasts plus extras including stuffing balls and the pub's renowned cauliflower and broccoli cheese. To finish, the sticky toffee pudding is as good as it gets. Fallon Barnes oversees the impressively warm, welcoming service. In addition, there are quality beers from Hampshire brewers, a strong wine list, and a lovely well-tended garden to enjoy in fine weather.

 

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G Morris

3 November 2026

Ate there last week & the food, the service & the overall ambiance was excellent.

J Finch

7 October 2026

My husband and i each had a starter, main and pud. All six plates were simply yet beautifully cooked and imaginatively served, leaving us sated but not unpleasantly over-full. We were welcomed and attended by pleasant waiting staff. This was a mid-week lunch we had booked and the pub was abuzz with most tables occupied. No annoying background music! We thought it reasonably priced.

I Gough

31 August 2026

The ambience and the food were very good, it was the best food we had in a pub for a very long time. We ordered the bread board to start- which came out warm and that was a bonus in our opinion, the cod loin with a crab and Parmesan crust and the shoulder of lamb- both cooked and seasoned to perfection and we finished with the chocolate brownie with mint chocolate ice cream and coffee. All beautifully presented.

S Prutton

18 July 2026

Had a wonderful meal here the other day. Picked it because it was in GFG but was not prepared for the quality of the food, which was among the best I’ve ever had in a pub…they define what a good gastro should be. Would recommend booking as they were full for Friday lunch and based upon the cosy interior, pleasant service and excellent food, doesn’t surprise me at all.

S Good

15 July 2026

This is an exceptional pub. I've been eating out in pubs all over Britain for more than 40 years as part of my work as a professional ("Blue Badge") tourist guide and this is one of the best pub dinners of all time. I ha...
This is an exceptional pub. I've been eating out in pubs all over Britain for more than 40 years as part of my work as a professional ("Blue Badge") tourist guide and this is one of the best pub dinners of all time. I had a sublime cheese soufflé and the burger. I would have happily gone back and had the same thing the next day. Great service too and a lovely place in a beautiful peaceful part of the world. I'll be back even though it's 80 miles away from my home. More than "worth a detour" it'...
This is an exceptional pub. I've been eating out in pubs all over Britain for more than 40 years as part of my work as a professional ("Blue Badge") tourist guide and this is one of the best pub dinners of all time. I had a sublime cheese soufflé and the burger. I would have happily gone back and had the same thing the next day. Great service too and a lovely place in a beautiful peaceful part of the world. I'll be back even though it's 80 miles away from my home. More than "worth a detour" it's worth a journey.
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P Flint

27 June 2026

We had the local Tunworth cheese to share and then falafel and flat iron steak for main. The service is so friendly and attentive and the food absolutely exceptional. It’s the little things too like the glasses, cleanliness even the liqueur coffee that is served with the temperature perfect. Lovely atmosphere and we will definitely return.

D Harris-Reid

3 April 2025

The food is the best pub food we’ve ever had. The team are incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming & the whole ambiance of the place is terrific.

E Lucas

30 March 2025

Incredible food and delightful service, you always feel welcome, and they never fail to try and do everything they can to make you happy. Always a fabulous experience!

s woodman

23 February 2025

Fantastic Sunday lunch, delicious food, great menu, choice, and good value with the set menu. Very attentive service. Lovely pub, a real cosy vibe with wooden beams and a wood burner. Would highly recommend!

VENUE DETAILS

Bidden Road
Upton Grey
Hampshire
RG25 2RLGB

01256 862371

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OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation, Private dining room, Separate bar, Wheelchair access, Parking, Electric car charging, Family friendly, Dog friendly, Credit card required

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