Hatchet Inn, Lower Chute.

A rustic outdoor setting with a wooden picnic table, featuring a classic Ploughman’s lunch on a white plate. The meal includes a fresh slice of wholegrain baguette, a generous wedge of mature cheddar cheese, and a small serving of tangy chutney in a heart-shaped dish. The salad is composed of crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onion rings, cucumber, and celery. In the background, a pint of beer in a glass, along with another drink, adds a casual pub vibe. Sunlight and greenery enhance the relaxed dining atmosphere.

Ploughman’s Lunch at Hatchet Inn, Lower Chute Reviewed

Location –
The Hatchet Inn

Lower Chute
Andover
Hampshire
SP11 9DX
01264 730 229

Website – https://thehatchetinn.com

Date of Visit – 10/08/22

The Food

7 – Pickled Onion. Several slightly smaller onions. They were quite nice – a good crunch, however, quite acidic, bordering on too much bite but thankfully not quite. Good with the cheese.

10 – Pickle. Again, another really good pickle. It had had elements of curry about it – just a hint, quite delightful. A rare 10 for the pickle!

10 – Cheese. The cheddar was delicious. There were also options for Brie or Stilton (untested).  It was a mature cheddar, with great texture, and good flavour. I could easily have more, but I’m greedy, certainly enough for most.

8 – Bread.  The bread was a Par-baked baguette. I opted for Brown, and this can be troublesome, however it was good. Nice and warm, crusty, but not dried, Worked really well.

4 – Spread. It was butter. Lurpak is an acceptable butter. It was at a perfect temperature too.  Dropped a point (if you were wondering) because of the plastic packaging.  I do like it where it’s either in a pot or at the side of a block. (reduce waste, etc).

5 – Presentation. Nice and tidy, properly arranged with thought.  Bit of an odd-shaped plate, however, that did not detract in any significant way.

4 – Salad, etc. There was no apple.  There was however Spring onion, nice.  The salad was good and fresh, if prepared beforehand it was handled with skill. There was, however, a great quantity of iceberg lettuce. On a hot day (and it was hot) it can be a nice refreshing palate cleanse, however, there was too much as it was a bit rustic. If a large quantity of Iceberg is to be deployed it needs to be chiffonade, otherwise it just seems to be to bulk up the dish. 

2 – Originality. A good, standard Ploughmans. Nice dressing on the salad. An excellent lunch; however, this category is designed to redeem those offerings that are amazing, but it was a standard Ploughmans.  N.B – it was a very good, standard Ploughmans.

Food Total: 50

A detailed close-up of a Ploughman's lunch plate. The focus is on a large wedge of cheddar cheese, served alongside a dollop of tangy chutney in a small dish. The colorful salad includes fresh lettuce, thick slices of cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, and red bell peppers. Also on the plate are a few pickled onions, and a small packet of Lurpak butter rests near a slice of rustic bread. The scene is set outdoors on a wooden table, giving a casual, inviting pub garden vibe. The vivid colors of the fresh vegetables contrast with the golden cheese and warm bread, making for an appealing, hearty meal.
Detail of Ploughman’s at the Hatchet Inn

Beverages

8 – Shandy & Ginger beer. It was very hot on the visit, and I was driving, so no ardent spirits for me. 
They have a good selection of drinks. usually, two (maybe more) well-kept real ales, plus the usual keg stuff.  I have had tea and coffee here before, and it is excellent.

Drinks Total: 8

The venue

10 – Service. The service was excellent. We ate outside: order at the bar, and get a numbered spoon.  All the required cutlery and condiments arrived in good time. Food was delivered quickly and quite a few meals were being delivered out to the garden. The waitresses were very competent and friendly.

10 – Nice, relaxed country pub.  Exactly as it would be on the TV, and so rarely is in real life.

5 – Location. Chocolate box. A beautiful place.  I will even put a photo of the place below!

5 – Toilets. Excellent. Perfect. 

Venue total: 30


Total Score: 88



The outdoor patio of the Hatchet Inn features rustic wooden picnic benches and shaded seating under large umbrellas. The beautiful thatched-roof pub is adorned with vibrant hanging flower baskets and climbing plants. A cozy, welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by the quaint whitewashed building and the clear, sunny weather. Ideal for a relaxing meal or drink outdoors, surrounded by greenery and peaceful charm.
Hatchet inn outside patio

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