Caracoli

With its cosmopolitan style, Caracoli stands out from the country crowd. An all-day, multi-functional space (eatery, coffee house & foodstore rolled into one), it’s quite the hub of the Alresford community. While coffee aficionados enjoy their regular fix, others tuck into the pastries, cakes & savouries. At midday, the short chalkboard menu replaces breakfast listings: smoked River Test trout with wasabi, crème fraîche & soda bread or twice-baked watercress & parmesan soufflé could be followed by homemade lemon & lime tart to finish. Friday night is tapas night (rabbit, olive & borlotti bean stew, or rosemary & garlic-crusted lamb cutlets with winter root vegetable purée), while Sunday brunch pleases the crowds with staples such as eggs Benedict. Colourful displays of produce & provisions, a rear courtyard garden & friendly service add to the all-round appeal.