THIS Bank holiday weekend many of us will be looking forward to reuniting with family friends and loved ones, to enjoy drinks and dine outside.
It will be the first bank holiday since restrictions were eased and many want to make it a weekend to remember.
Ahead of the long weekend we have searched through Tripadvisor to show you the best pubs and bars that Hampshire has to offer.
Anyone can leave public reviews and opinions about their dining experience on the Tripadvisor site to help others reserve tables at great restaurants.
Below are the eight best rated pubs and bars in Hampshire, does your favourite bar feature?
This stylish cocktail bar in Southsea takes the top spot on Trip advisor with 166 excellent reviews.
Just one customer rated Bonita’s as ‘poor’ with eight giving a rating of ‘average’ and a further eight as ‘very good’.
They are currently not taking bookings and are operating a walk in drinks service only. You can also get takeaway cocktails, all weekend as long as it’s not raining.
One reviewer wrote: “Back for our third time.... needless to say it’s become a firm favourite! Bonita’s is welcoming, vibrant, great cocktails and the food is incredible! Fresh and tasty, with good portions, staff are attentive, it’s a busy place with a good atmosphere. Definitely recommend!”
The Travellers choice award winner offers more than traditional pub - they brew their own, unique craft beers on-site in a brew-tiful microbrewery.
If you like beer you will be please to know every dish on the menu has been matched to a style of beer and we lots of the recipes make use of beer too.
A total of 243 people have reviewed this place with of 186 calling it excellent and a further 31 rating it very good.
One recent reviewer said: “Thank you to Lucia and Nicky. Excellent service, good food. Very attentive staff. Lovely evening with the girls, hot water bottles and blankets.”
Situated on the edge of the New Forest, The Shoe Inn has been a resting place for travellers for hundreds of years.
All the food is homemade and locally sourced and with a range on offer from lunch, dinner and bar snacks there is always something to tickle your fancy.
A total of 176 people have reviewed this place with of 88 calling it excellent and a further 52 rating it very good.
A happy customer wrote: "This place is superb, from the welcoming to the food. Would recommend the steak but anything that came out of the kitchen looked amazing. Very dog friendly, ours fell asleep in front of the open fire.”
The Delme Arms, Fareham
The local community pub is situated on the outskirts of Fareham and offers a warm welcome to all.
Their well-kept garden is especially nice in the sunshine and is the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends and family.
A total of 161 people have reviewed this place with of 82 calling it excellent and a further 52 rating it very good.
A review left on the Tripadvisor website reads: “Good value, home cooked food. We felt very safe with all the covid precautions and staff are very friendly and helpful.”
Indulge yourself in beautiful, hand crafted, botanical-themed cocktails and globally inspired food in the outdoor areas and private terrace.
A total of 160 people have reviewed this place with of 102 calling it excellent and a further 19 rating it very good.
One recent customer said: “We came for afternoon drinks and were seated and served quickly by Aisha who was very welcoming. A lovely atmosphere and lovely drinks.”
The Town Mills public house offers traditional real ales and all the usual stocked favourites. A great menu celebrates home-cooked cuisine and is available throughout the day and evening.
A total of 151 people have reviewed this place with of 75 calling it excellent and a further 40 rating it very good.
One visitor said: “Great place to gather with friends for drinks and a meal. Easy to get to in the town of Andover. You will enjoy the lively vibe.”
The Good Companions, Eastleigh
The Good Companions is a local, warm and welcoming pub on the outskirts of Eastleigh Town centre and are children, family and dog friendly.
They have recently added an outside dart board for those who want to play or practice their skills.
A total of 66 people reviewed this place with of 56 calling it excellent and a further 5 rating it very good.
One happy customer said: Best roast dinner in ages. We have lamb and belly pork and the prices were very reasonable and portions were really good. Will be back again very soon.
Step into the mystical apothecary, dispensing the most creative cocktails and delicious all-day dining with a twist.
This is a perfect bar to visit for Instagram worthy cocktails that bubble and smoke.
A total of 74 people reviewed this place with of 46 calling it excellent and a further 11 rating it very good.
A Tripadvisor said: “Amazing Smoking Drinks, really nice food too and the staff were great, showing how each of the drinks should be drunk...Nice setting too and the restaurant was really nice too Covid-19 safe too, definitely coming again.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here