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Proberbly the worst pub meals I have ever had. Ordered steak pie, which was burnt underneath and a crust that would break your teeth. Husband ordered what was called a gourmet burger , I can only describe it as a pattie, it was so thin it was a joke, no onions or garnish in it, just a little pot with cucumber tomatoe and salad in. God noes what the previous owners were like food wise , if this is meant to be better. I did point out to the barman the pie was burnt and not good at all. He commented he would tell chef. The landlord came into the pub, but at no time did he approach to apologise or enquire about our experience, although he was quick to recommend the burger !!!!!! A pub is only as good as its food and in these hard times you can not afford to serve up what can only be described as cafe food at its worst. I suggest you sack the cook. On a positive note the barman was charming , attentive and is a credit. Would not recommend .

Date visited: 10/01/2013

Review by Freezer on 1st October, 2012

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This pub has now reopened after a four month closure under completely new management. It has been thoroughly cleaned and redecorated and the pretty garden has again been returned to grass and flower beds with a covered area to one side for smokers. We ate there on the day it opened and had an excellent freshly cooked Sunday lunch and friends who have eaten there since have been pleased with their meals. Steve and Rachael are welcoming and staffing levels ensure good service. You are immediately aware of the warm, welcoming and friendly buzz in the pub as you enter. At the moment there is a fairly limited range of ales, but it is early days and Steve has shown himself to be open to requests for old favourites and willing to extend his range of beers If you have been disappointed in the past, try the pub again. I'm sure you will be pleased you did!

Date visited: 30.09.2012

Review by Russ on 14th March, 2012

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I was really worried reading the recent reviews, especially as it was 30 minutes before we went. We had booked the Groupon rump steak (for 2) plus 1 veggie meal. When we got there, there was only one waitress/barmaid who worked her socks off amazingly well. Without her it might have been grim. She really cared about the clients, and got a local to help out behind the bar. The meal was really good. They didn't have the veggie meal left so my wife had a salad and chips for no charge (without us complaining) Maybe the weekends are worse? Would we go back? Yes.

Date visited: 14 March 2012

Review by Tracey Jefkins on 12th March, 2012

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One of the worst meals I have ever had. They had us booked in on the wrong day so had to set up a 'special' table next to the kitchen. We were told that the chef like his music loud and to let them know if it was a problem. I think the chef thought he was at a rave. the menu choice was poor and not as advertised ont he Groupon offer, the starters were very samll, I opted for prawns adn got 2 'parcel' tpye thigns that looked like they had been left over from a party selection box at Christmas, my husband opted from brie wedges but had ot have mozzerella sticks all 2 of them! The fish and chips were awful, budget chips and if that was haddock then it must have been a very poorly fish when it was caught. My apple crumble and custard got hotter and hotter as i tried to esat it as the microwave heat continued to heat the food. We left half way through the dessert after the chef started to shout (he may say sing to the record) and swear at the music. A totally poor experience. They also took away the main menu whilst we were there and only used hte 'Groupon' menu, staff were told ot charge £4.95 for a starter and £9.95 for main unless staek which was £11.95 - not worth it!!!!

Date visited: 10th March 2012

Review by Ema7 on 4th March, 2012

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We were bought a groupon voucher as a Christmas present. Went with friends. Would NEVER return. We booked a table for 4 at 630, that reserved us a table for 2 at 730!! They did have plenty of space so say us down. The pub had no atmosphere, no noise, no charisma at all. Bar staff were in track suit bottoms!! Had one glass of rose wine, then they ran out! Didn't have prawns as stated on the "special groupon menu", asked the waitress what the Indian selection was she replied" I don't know noone orders it!!". It was actually a plate of lettuce with 3 of the smallest type Bhaji things I've ever seen! The steak dinner looked good, but was so chewy it wasn't worth the effort. Watery sauce, soggy chips! The puddings the cheesecake was again a tiny slither, chocolate fudge cake was dry! Honestly don't bother, if someone's bought you this as a gift, take a hint!!!! Other diners were also unamused and unhappy. Will NOT return ever!!

Date visited: 3 march 2012

Review by Debra Gregory on 22nd February, 2012

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Since visiting the Vine Pub I have called them to let them know about the bad service & that I was not happy with the meal. They have informed me they would check with the manager & that I would receive a email letting me know how they could sort it out. Really pleased it is going to be sorted .

Date visited: 18.02.2012

Review by Mrs d Gregory on 18th February, 2012

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I purchased a groupon voucher for myself & husband & my son & girlfriend the starters was really nice, my son & myself & his girlfriend ordered the chicken in Stilton sauce we was supposed to be given a option of potatoes but our three meals turned up with chips so I asked them to change them to boil potatoes which they did. Then we started eating our meal which was supposed to have a Stilton sauce on the chicken it did not even have a slight taste of Stilton the chicken was really blan & watery my husband steak was ok but the sauce was very watery I would no go back & they did not have any Rose wine.

Date visited: 18.02.12

Review by russell on 6th March, 2009

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visited the Vine for a bit of a "reccie" to see if it would do as somewhere for a wedding reception later in the year. I've been before, some years ago, and from what i've read, it's changed hands since then. But it's lost none of it's charm. The pub itself is charming, warm and cosy, everything you'd want from a country village pub. The night i visited was the night of the weekly pub quiz and what a great night. The landlord was on fine humourous form and the locals were really welcoming too. As for the lady who wrote a poor review some years ago - first, get over it! if you didn't specify how you'd like the meat cooked, then of course it's going to come out of the kitchen in the most popular way, medium rare. second, if i'd sent back the meat to be cooked a bit more and then still didn't like it, i'd be polite by not making a further fuss and just remember to make my food order more clear the next time i visited! Goodness, some people do make me mad and i can quite understand why the chef at the time was a bit sarcastic with you. thirdly, go back! it's a wonderful pub.

Date visited: 02/03/09

Review by simeon on 3rd September, 2006

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We have just a fabulous night at the award winning Vine in Hambledon, and were made extremely welcome by the very accomodating landlady and landlord. the service was exceptional, and it was the finest hospitality I have experienced in a Hampshire pub. I would highly recommend this pub to anyone wishing to enjoy an excellent night out in a warm and friendly country pub, and do try the award winning chocolate cake (if available on the menu). I'll be coming back for some more of the same

Review by The Russells on 29th March, 2006

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After reading the previous reviews here, we decided to see for ourselves what the fuss is about. We booked a table for 7:30 on a Saturday night when, as it happened a band was scheduled to play after dinner. Boy, was this a great night! The beers were in fine condition, our food was was some of the best we've had in a pub, good solid wine list, service was relaxed and efficient and good music to boot. A word about the food, one of the best pub meals we've ever had, The roast rump of lamb was delicously juicy and full of flavour, served with a potato cake to die for, and nicely cooked buttered spring greens, and the pork belly was just as delightful. Can't recommend this place highly enough.

Date visited: 25th March 2006

Review by susie wilde on 11th March, 2006

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I have just read the review posted by a fellow diner on 27th November and by chance, I am the lady referred to who complimented the chef. i am very sorry that their experience differed so very greatly from our own: it wasn't the fact that we prefer lamb to be pink, so much as the fact that we found the host to be genial, welcoming and full of humour. I think on this occasion his humorous touch was perhaps inappropriate. On the strength of this first visit, we have returned about five times and have recommended the pub to friends. We have all, without exception, been delighted with the quality and choice of food, all freshly produced. There is now a chef who helps with the increased demand but so far the quality has remained high. We are especially pleased to be able to eat delicious, innovative food in the company of our labrador, Maud. It's just like being in France!

Date visited: 27.11.05 and others

Review by Keith Hughes on 27th February, 2006

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We decided to make the 40 min journey following recommendation by a friend. As we entered the pub a very large Golden Labrador greeted us, and then, as we announced our arrival to the young barman the dog decided it would give my wife a jolly good sniffing down. The barman handed us a couple of menus and pointed us in the general direction of a reserved table a bit squashed in a few feet from the bar. To our disappointment the ashtrays on the bar immediately told us that smoking was allowed in the vicinity and the couple sat on the bar stools had a first class view of our table. As we had booked for early evening the place was almost empty and I noticed lots of vacant tables dotted around in more intimate and secluded areas. We asked the waitress if we could move to another table and were told that this would not be possible. We sat back down a bit disgruntled and glanced at the menu. At this point the Golden Labrador not content with its initial investigation started another sniffing frenzy at the table, at which point I offered some friendly advice to the waitress to pass on to the proprietor and left. As big fans of the more up market country pub type restaurants this was quite the worst experience ever. Smokers, dogs, on lookers and squashed in, we wouldn’t have eaten there if it was free. A total disaster – sorry.

Date visited: 28/02/06

Review by Mark & Lia Chance on 25th January, 2006

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Like the other people who have recently reviewed this wonderful gem of a pub we were recommended by a friend to go to the Vine in Hambledon. As always we looked the establishment up on Information Britain first to see if anybody had visited and reviewed the pub. We read the 3 reviews on line and were somewhat put off by one of the reviews, but seeing as the friend who had recommended the pub to us doesnt usually get it wrong , we went, and thank god we listened to him and not the lady who had reviewed the vine after her dads birthday! What a corker of a meal we had, accompanied by wonderful and reasonably priced wine. I had a splendid fillet of lamb wrapped in spinach and filo pastry, served with fondant potato, my wife devoured cod with puy lentils, very tasty. the staff were warm and friendly and were attentive but not intrusive. I was intrigued at meeting the chef (proprieter)after earlier mentioned review but he was pleasent and welcoming and his wife is a real superstar and i felt that we could have spent a long time in there. The meal was really reasonably priced and the wine delicious, we will be going back defintely. Finally, just to say that it shows that not all you read is correct, so if you dont believe me then go and find out all about this real treat yourselves!!

Date visited: 6/1/06

Review by Stuart McEwan on 31st December, 2005

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My wife and I had our Wedding Anniversary meal at the Vine. The restaurant had a good ambiance and the welcome was warm. We ordered two glasses of wine from an extensive and reasonably priced list.Whilst contemplating our order, we were served with complimentary bread and butter and the unusual variety of bread was delicious. In view of comments by friends about the large portions, we forsook the starters. My wife had chicken breast wrapped in pancetta on a bed of mashed white beans, spring onions and parsley with a drizzle of jus. It was delicious and reasonably priced at under £10. I had steak and kidney pie, a long term favourite of mine,served with a lightly roasted collection of winter vegetables and a portion of chips. It was the best pie I have ever eaten. I couldn't manage a sweet because of the generosity of the portion. My wife had a home made sticky toffee pudding with ice cream. This homemade version varied pleasantly from the tired and well-tried recipes of elsewhere. The serving staff were very obliging and pleasant. In summary, a reasonably priced but excellent meal in a traditional country pub-restaurant and not a microwave or pre-cooked dish in sight. Well done the Vine ! We shall be returning.

Date visited: 10.12.2005

Review by Natasha Johnston on 12th December, 2005

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We decided to visit the Vine for my Dad's birthday on a recommendation from family friends. On arrival we found the pub warm & friendly. We ordered 3 lamb roast dinners and one chicken and bacon pie at a pricey £8.95. On arrival of our food my mum discovered that the meat was very rare and asked that she could have it cooked a little more as its not to her taste that way and when we made our initial order we were not asked how we wanted our meat cooked. My husband and I do not mind our meat rare so we continued to eat our dinner. When my mum's dinner arrived back she tried to eat it but the meat had become chewy (after frying it off)and she couldn’t eat anything but the veg and potatoes. We asked to speak to the chef who is also the new landlord. He explained to us that he cooks his meat fresh on the day and how if you go into a pub and the meat is well done its been pre-cooked before hand and then cooked again on the day. The Chef went on and on about his methods of cooking to an uncomfortable point where he laboured his point too much. Not only did he make my mum feel uncomfortable; like she had said or done something wrong, he did not even offer her meal for free, or even a pudding for free or even a complimentary drink - nothing at all. It was only after our visit and after had mulled over and over what had happened that I decided to write this review. Expensive food (£70 for 3 pub roast dinners, one pie dinner, 4 puddings and 2 rounds at the bar), small portions, don’t forget to say how you like your meat cooked, a chef who doesn’t seem to have an idea about how to treat his customers. Also when he left our table some other people complimented him on his cooking and he turned round and said to them, try telling that to this lady ... Charming!!! Would not go there again or recommend to anyone.

Date visited: 27.11.05

Review by David Keen on 28th November, 2005

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Good food, pricey for a pub, but justified by its restaurant quality. Nice presentation and friendly, if brisk service. Crayfish salad to start was fresh, and the soup was first rate, as was the bread to accompany. Cod and chips was of a good standard, ditto the sausages and mash. Generous quantities, and an interesting but untried selection of sweets and puddings. Overall worth the £35 for two, including beer and a glass of wine to accompany the dinner. Car parking a tad tricky, but the country setting compensates.

Date visited: 23/11/05