Staff at the Duke on The Test in Romsey were celebrating this week having secured a five-star rating from VisitEngland as part of a recent assessment.

The Romsey pub, which re-opened in the summer after being closed for more than five years following a major refurbishment, scored an overall 88 per cent and included some high scoring in food quality, cleanliness and friendliness sections.

A spokesman for VisitEngland said: “The Duke on the Test comfortably achieves the VisitEngland Five Star rating and each section achieved a high rating. The quality of food and the excellent levels of presentation are a real credit to the kitchen brigade and add considerably to the overall experience at the inn.”

Mark Pinn, general manager at The Duke, said: “We have only been open for a short time so to receive a five-star rating is very encouraging and testimony to a great team here at The Duke. It’s been a real team effort and we are delighted.

Hampshire Chronicle:

“We have been really pleased with the feedback from customers and the support given to us since our re-opening. We have created something very special and are now welcoming back old regulars and new customers.

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“The Duke on the Test is a wonderful place to meet, eat, drink and sleep in the heart of the Test Valley.  We are a stone’s throw from the River Test which makes for a stunning location for customers. We are very dog-friendly in the bar and can offer a river walk just a few yards from the car park. We are serving delicious home-cooked gastropub dishes alongside local real ales and a fabulous selection of wines and spirits.”

The Duke is managed in conjunction with The Four Horseshoes in Nursling which also benefited from a significant investment with a refurbishment and extension and successfully reopened in 2019.

The Duke on the Test is now taking Christmas bookings. To book a table call 01794 377500.