I’ve lived in Winchester for around 30 years and during that time I’ve seen nearby Stockbridge (it’s a 20-minute drive away) go from a small town to a foodie hub. Stockbridge has got a real freethinking spirit, with lots of independent food shops – there’s just one supermarket, and even that faced opposition from locals when it opened. For me, one of the biggest draws of Stockbridge is the fly fishing on the River Test. The area is like a holy grail for fly fishing, with the chalk streams full of native brown trout, rainbow trout and grayling depending on the season. Then there’s the nearby Houghton Club [private fishing club] which has attracted the likes of George Bush (senior) and Eric Clapton. Working in hospitality – which is very busy and full-on – Stockbridge offers the perfect escape.
Robjent’s
My fishing buddy and I call this the “sweetie shop” because we enter this tackle shop thinking we’ll only buy a couple of flies, but walk out with £200 of stuff. The place is a cornucopia of equipment –heaven knows how they squeeze everything into such a small shop. Owner Alistair Robjent and his wife Kirsty are a fountain of knowledge. Like most hobbies, there’s a nerdy, stamp-collecting aspect to fly fishing, and if that’s you, then Robjent’s is your place.
Halfway House, High Street, Stockbridge SO20 6EX; robjents.co.uk
The Greyhound on the Test
This pub/restaurant has its own private stretch of fishing on the River Test, just behind its back garden. You could drink your pint from the Greyhound while fly fishing here (although you’d need some impressive balancing skills). Best of all, when you want a break from fishing, you simply head back for great food and beers. It doesn’t get much better than this on a nice sunny day.
31 High Street, Stockbridge SO20 6EY; thegreyhoundonthetest.co.uk
John Robinson Butchers
This is an excellent butcher. Sometimes when we’re fishing, we’ll take a little barbecue down to the river and cook something from here. I recently bought some brilliant fillet steaks. His sausages are excellent, while there’s also pheasant and partridge, in season.
High Street, Stockbridge SO20 6HF; johnrobinsonbutcher.co.uk
The Little Whisky Shop
Stockbridge only has a population of fewer than 600 people, but it does have this whisky shop with an amazing array of spirits.
Lillies, High Street, Stockbridge SO20 6HF; thelittlewhiskyshop.co.uk
Thyme & Tides
Usually after I’ve spent lots of money in Robjent’s, I head to this excellent deli for a sausage roll. It’s also got a café, and excellent cheese and fish counters. Its fishmonger is very knowledgeable, with lots of fresh fish from Cornwall. It has some great local asparagus and watercress, too.
High Street, Stockbridge SO20 6HE; thymeandtidesdeli.co.uk
Hoxton Bakehouse
This sounds a bit east London, but it makes some excellent bread.
Unit 2, The Vine, High Street, Stockbridge SO20 6HF; hoxtonbakehouse.com
Peat Spade Inn
This is a pub just outside Stockbridge in the village of Longstock. Check out the fantastic architecture, including an interesting fenestration [arrangement of windows]. What should you drink in Hampshire? If you see Black Chalk [Hampshire vineyard/winemakers] on the menu, order a glass.
Village Street, Longstock, Stockbridge SO20 6DR; peatspadeinn.co.uk
Have a nose around The Pig hotels at thepighotel.com
