The Running Horse

A smart, white-painted exterior & eye-catching front terrace make this Running Horse feel more Ascot than Winchester hinterland. It’s a thoroughbred, modern-day confection of bar-cum-restaurant dressed-up in pub clothing, with the obligatory open-plan interior. The chalkboard bar menu (pork & leek sausages with mash & onion gravy, say) & one token real ale give a nod to its pub origins, but smartly turned-out staff, chic furnishings, a restaurant with well-selected wines & some fashion-conscious cooking reveal its true leanings. A duo of spring lamb (rump & braised shoulder) comes with a ratatouille terrine, basil-scented mash, carrot ribbons & red wine reduction, while cod fillet might arrive rolled in dry spice & teamed with bacon & savoy cabbage, mussel cannelloni & a lime, coriander & pink peppercorn sauce. Annexe bedrooms add a small-hotel vibe.