The Best Places to Eat and Drink Outdoors in Hampshire

The summer months and the warmer weather have arrived (hurrah!), perfect for some alfresco dining! Enjoy Hampshire's delicious food and drink in some of the best places to eat outdoors, whilst soaking up the sunshine.

We have put together the guide below to some of the top places in Hampshire you can sit outdoors, relax, and enjoy a bite to eat or a cooling drink. From great pub gardens, fine dining at country house hotels, gin and tonics by the sea to vibrant city centre outdoor café culture, Hampshire is a foodies dream. 

All of these eateries have put in place Covid safe measures to make sure you can enjoy the very best they have to offer in a safe environment. Please note pre-booking may be required and you should check before you travel. For more information please see the indiviual establishment's websites.

The Best Places to Eat and Drink Outdoors in Hayling Island

Inn on the Beach, Hayling Island

Occupying a stunning location right on the beach on Hayling Island, the Inn on the Beach is the ideal destination on a warm summer day. With more open space than ever and views overlooking the Solent, the Inn on the Beach is the perfect place to unwind and catch the ever-changing sunset. Don’t miss out on the chance to grab some fish & chips from the garden kitchen this summer and experience these views for yourself. With the Inn’s regularly rotated guest and craft ales, you won’t go thirsty on their watch!

Find out more about The Inn on the Beach

The Best Places to Eat and Drink Outdoors in Southampton

The Jetty at Southampton Harbour Hotel, Southampton

Set on the ground-floor of the Southampton Harbour Hotel at Ocean Village Marina, The Jetty specialises in fresh seafood, caught daily by local fisherman, served with locally grown, seasonal ingredients from the New Forest. Expect nothing less than exceptional food and wine from renowned local chef Alex Aitken. The hotel's design is inspired by a sleek super-yacht, the alfresco dining terrace is at the bow; with relaxed seating and private pods, perfect for couples to lie back and sip Sancerre overlooking the water.

Find out more about The Jetty
 

HarBar on 6th at Southampton Harbour Hotel, Southampton 

A spectacular rooftop destination bar, kitchen, and terrace, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Solent, and a wraparound terrace with outdoor fire pits, heaters, and a wood-fired pizza oven. With panoramic views across the Solent, the terrace offers the best alfresco dining spot in Southampton. This atmospheric, all-day dining affair serves up great food all day, starting with breakfast, then easing through into lunch, an ever-popular afternoon tea (3pm-5pm), then dinner and late-night bites.The perfect spot to enjoy a sunset Aperol Spritz, the bar serves up a great selection of wines, beers, local gins and exclusive HarBAR cocktails.

Find out more about HarBar on 6^th

The Best Places to Eat and Drink Outdoors in the Test Valley

The Greyhound on The Test, Stockbridge

The Greyhound on The Test's outside dining areas lends itself entirely to enjoying the wonders of the riverside garden. With a backdrop of the River Test, a garden bar to ensure you're never left thirsty and an array of foodie delights designed by Head Chef Phill Bishop, The Greyhound on the Test is the perfect meeting spot to catch up and reunite with loved ones. Booking should be made in advance if you are planning to eat. 

Find out more about The Greyhound on The Test

The Mayfly, Chilbolten near Stockbridge

The Mayfly picnic tables are nestled between the River Test and one of its many tributaries creating the perfect picture from every angle. The pub offers full table service outdoors and from the moment you cross the bridge from the car park your host will be there to guide you to a table where your server will look after you. The Mayfly have some staple dishes on their menu like the Fuller's Fronteir Battered Fish and Chips or the Chalcroft Farn Beef Burger complimented by the chef's signature dishes. There is a 1m+ distance between the tables, hand sanitizing stations throughout the grounds, and all of the staff have undergone comprehensive COVID19 training. The famous Test Way leads to the pub and it is just across the road from the West Down Nature Reserve which makes it the perfect stop for a pint after a long walk or bike ride.

Find out more about The Mayfly
 

The Watership Down Inn, Freefolk Priors near Whitchurch

The Watership Down Inn nestles at the foot of the North Wessex Downs, overlooking the headwaters of the Test Valley. The renowned Watership Down lies to the north of the Inn. Ideally situated in Freefolk Priors just outside Whitchurch it is within easy reach of Basingstoke, Andover, Newbury and Winchester.  The Watership Down Inn has a large garden, which houses a newly erected marquee for all-weather dining, there is a large sun terrace, as well as, spaced out indoor dining. The pub has strict COVID-19 policies in place including a one-way system through the pub, PPE and increased cleaning.

Find out more about The Watership Down Inn

The Best Places to Eat and Drink Outdoors in Barton on Sea and Milford on Sea

Beachcomber Cafe, Barton on Sea

Located on Barton on Sea cliff top the Beachcomber Cafe is surrounded by stunning views of The Solent and the Isle of Wight's Needles. This summer they are offering a charcoal BBQ in their garden every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon alongside their regular menu and a large selection of drinks!

Find out more about the Beachcomber Cafe

The Best Places to Eat and Drink Outdoors in Winchester

The Old Vine, Winchester

Take a break from exploring Winchester’s historic city-centre attractions at one of The Old Vine’s outdoor tables facing the cathedral. You’re welcome to stop by for a sandwich or snack, light lunch, supper or just a drink. Summer favourites include steamed Exmouth mussels in white wine and garlic cream; free-range chicken and chorizo skewers with a light Cajun spice; and The Old Vine’s famous home-made Scotch egg. On Saturdays and Sundays, the café-culture atmosphere is further enhanced as the Square is closed to traffic. You can also find a spot in The Old Vine's flower-filled rear patio and conservatory, one of the city’s best-kept secrets: 100% smoke-free.

Find out more about The Old Vine
 

Lainston House, Winchester

Luxury alfresco dining is available on Lainston House’s Indian stone terraces, or alternatively picnic baskets are available to those looking for something a little more casual. Evenings can also be spent enjoying a film in the grounds with the Summer Cinema Series - guests are invited to bring along a blanket and a picnic to enjoy alongside the film, or for those looking to make a real evening of it, a three-course dinner package is available to enjoy before the screening commences.

Find out more about Lainston House

The Best Places to Eat and Drink Outdoors in the New Forest National Park

The Dining Room at Chewton Glen, New Forest

The Dining Room at Chewton Glen offers typically English to totally cosmopolitan, with the option of dining alfresco overlooking the exquisitely beautiful landscaped gardens. With Carlingford Lough oysters, to Chesil Smokery oak-smoked salmon to start. Mouth-watering steaks from the grill and desserts to die for. It's easy to say the Chefs have created delectable new menus.

Find out more about The Dining Room
 

The Kitchen at Chewton Glen, New Forest

Lead by the talented James Martin, The Kitchen at Chewton Glen provides an informal dining experience with an open plan layout, offering guests the chance to watch the Chefs at work. The à la carte menu features wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, superfood salads and to finish, James Martin's pudding selection. The design is open plan; bi-folding doors and glass panelling flood the rooms with light. Surrounding the building are raised beds and a greenhouse where herbs and vegetables are grown year-round, and a terrace with views over the 130-acre estate, where guests are welcome to dine and bring their dogs.

Find out more about The Kitchen

The Best Places to Eat and Drink Outdoors in Portsmouth

The Cosy Club, Portsmouth

The Cosy Club in the waterfront city of Portsmouth offers jaw dropping views of the Spinnaker Tower at Gunwharf Quays with a beautiful, sunny terrace overlooking the harbour. Sip on a cocktail whilst watching the boats come in or enjoy a gorgeous dinner whilst soaking up the sun rays. Table service is now available or you can order and pay with a new app.

Find out more about The Cosy Club

The Best Places to Eat and Drink Outdoors in North Hampshire

Four Seasons Hampshire, Dogmersfield

The Four Seasons Hampshire is offering several fantastic outdoor dining options this summer. Choose from a romantic evening or a memorable family meal where the chefs will create you a delicious three course menu set in your own private dining location. Enjoy a quintessential Hampshire experience with Four Seasons Hampshire’s Family Style Barbecue, complete with lawn games, freshly cut flowers and formal dining set up. Or for a more relaxed dining option pick up a Four Seasons Hampshire picnic and explore the 500-acre estate with countless spots to lay your picnic blanket and take in the fresh country air.

Find out more about Four Seasons Hampshire

Where is your favourite place to eat and drink outdoors in Hampshire? Tell us below in the comments. 

Find out more about Summer in Hampshire and all the great things you can see and do

See our full guide to food and drink in Hamshire

Discover amazing accommodation including hotels, holiday cottages, campsites and glamping sites