The Sun Inn

Winchester Road, Dummer, Basingstoke

01256 397234

Suninndummer.com

THE Sun Inn at Dummer has built up a more than favourable reputation with locals and visitors from afar, so it seemed a good idea to put it to the Taste test.

On a warm summer evening, my partner and I thought we would treat ourselves to a meal and check out what the gastropub had to offer.

As we walked in we were welcomed by a friendly member of staff who told us that the indoor restaurant was fully booked but we could sit outside to eat. It was a lovely summer evening and we were more than happy to take up that offer.

As we were seated in the outdoor area, we were asked to hand over a bank card to a member of staff, who stated that it would be held in the till for the duration of our meal – not something I was expecting, or really happy about, but apparently it’s increasingly happening at venues.

After browsing the menu, I settled on a starter of roasted guinea fowl wrapped in Parma ham with a crispy leg, pancetta flavoured giant couscous and sweetcorn costing £6.50, while my other half opted for soup of the day – carrot and coriander – served with two bread rolls at £5.

When the starters arrived about 15 minutes after ordering, we were pleasantly surprised with the portion sizes and felt that we were receiving value for money.

The guinea fowl and Parma ham was cooked well and the accompanying serving of couscous and sweetcorn was simple but tasty.

For the main course, I chose local ale battered fish with home-made triple cooked chips, crushed peas and tartar sauce for £13.95 and my partner opted for a home-made Welsh rarebit burger with cos lettuce, home-made tomato chutney, onion rings and triple cooked chips, priced £10.95.

My dish was very tasty. The ale battered fish was full of flavour, and the home-made tangy tartar sauce complemented the fish well. However, the batter I found in the end too rich to finish and I ended up leaving the last quarter on my plate.

My partner said that he enjoyed his Welsh rarebit burger but did find that it could have done with a bit more tomato condiment inside.

We were both too full for dessert. However, for visitors with a sweet tooth there is a small selection to choose from, including a white and dark chocolate mousse, a strawberry tart, and a selection of local dairy ice-creams, all priced at £5.50, as well as a Laverstoke Park Farm cheese board costing £7.50.

All in all, I was impressed with the meal.

The featured restaurant had no knowledge of The Gazette’s visit.