The Queen Inn in Hampshire, is the sort of countryside pub people detour for - particularly as its set on the Camino trail. Set in Dummer village just off the M3, it balances convenience with a welcoming energy and passion for local life. As the team say, you'll come in for the food and drinks, but you'll leave a friend!
Step inside and The Queen Inn is every bit the picture of a traditional country pub. Wooden beams, open fires and a well-used bar look like something from a picture book and make for a comfortable, comforting backdrop for lunch, dinner or a quick pint. One thing's for sure: it’s clearly a regular meeting point for locals, but just as comfortable for travellers breaking up a journey or walkers stopping in after time outdoors.
The food keeps to classic British pub territory, with an emphasis on doing the basics properly. Everything is cooked to order, which gives the menu a slower, more considered pace but also ensures quality. Starters include salt and pepper squid and pork belly bites, as well as seriously cheesy nachos which have become a bit of a local favourite.
Mains continue in that same vein. Wiltshire ham and eggs is as traditional as it gets, while wholetail scampi offers something reliably crowd-pleasing. Sausage and mash rounds things out, delivering the kind of straightforward comfort food that suits the setting. Alongside these, there’s a clear effort to cater for a range of dietary needs, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available, as well as flexibility for allergies and intolerances. Sunday roasts are another key part of the offering, conscious of seasonal ingredients and local sourcing where possible. It’s a natural fit for the pub, reinforcing its role as a true community local - proud of where its from.
The bar is just as much a draw. There’s a strong line-up of beers, including a well-poured pint of Guinness, alongside ales and a notably broad gin selection featuring names like Le Gin, Gin Mare and Bulldog. You might not think you'll find a Pornstar Martini in this part of the world, but these guys know their way around a shaker.