What’s The Hawk Inn like?
Keen to escape to the rolling hills of Hampshire? Look no further than The Hawk Inn in Amport. This country pub, owned by the Upham Pub Company, prides itself on its contemporary rooms and modern British menu.
Aside from chocolate box cottages, Amport’s biggest attraction is the Hawk Conservancy Trust, from which the pub takes its name. It is also close to Andover and just 20 minutes from Stonehenge, in the neighbouring county of Wiltshire.
How dog-friendly is The Hawk Inn?
Very. Ernie got lots of fuss when we checked in and had a bed, blanket and towel waiting for him in our room. He was also given two stainless steel bowls and a small jar of treats, which were very welcome.
Dogs are welcome to stay in the rooms for £20 per night and the bar area is also very pet-friendly. Handily, poo bins outside are clearly marked, too. For more information about Upham Pubs’ pet policy, click here.
Tell me more about The Hawk Inn
There are nine stylish bedrooms, which come in three grades – standard, family and superior. We stayed in Room Seven, which boasted a comfy kingsize bed as well as a separate lounge area with a selection of books. Directly above the bar, it had great views of the beer garden and surrounding countryside. We could hear horses, ducks and sheep out in the fields, which was lovely!
The room was decorated in neutral shades with floral accents and had lots of lovely touches such as cosy blankets and a snuggly hot water bottle. The modern bathroom was also impressive, with fluffy white towels and Algotherm toiletries.
We were given complimentary tea, biscuits and coffee and fresh milk was available from a communal fridge in the hall. A handy clipboard also contained all the information we needed to know about the pub and local area.
What’s the food like at The Hawk Inn?
Delicious. The Hawk is renowned for its food and the pub is rightly proud of its menu, which features British classics with a modern twist. Wherever possible, meals are made using locally sourced ingredients and served in the wood-panelled restaurant, which has a Scandi feel to it. You can also enjoy meals in the bar area, where you can sink into a leather sofa and enjoy a selection of newspapers.
We were lucky enough to stay on a Sunday so could enjoy The Hawk’s delicious roast dinners (£15.95). We also sampled the spinach, mushroom and lentil stew with sweet potato (£13.50) and the desserts, including sticky toffee pudding (£6.50), were to die for.
At breakfast, we enjoyed warm pastries and coffee before deciding what to order from the menu. I liked the fact it was a little bit different – as well as a Full English, for example, you could enjoy more unconventional options such as pancakes and posh bacon sarnies.
Plus, should you be brave enough to dine outside, there were umbrellas and sunscreen by the front door to help you deal with the unpredictable British weather. A nice touch!
Are there resident dogs at The Hawk Inn?
No, but you’re sure to encounter plenty of other thirsty pups in the pub. Seek them out at the doggy bar where you’ll also find a selection of chompable sticks for your pup to enjoy.
Where are the best dog walks near The Hawk Inn?
There are plenty of footpaths and bridleways in the area surrounding Amport. The village green itself is great for a quick stroll and the neighbouring village of Monxton has plenty to explore, too. For a few walk suggestions, check out this local guide produced by the Amport & Monxton Community Charity. Hard copies are also available to buy at The Hawk.
Alternatively, head for Salisbury Plain, which is a 25-minute drive away. Here, there are a whole host of walks you can do with your dog. I’d recommend parking at Carter Barracks in Bulford and heading out through the woods. You may encounter cows grazing so will need to keep your lead handy but can otherwise walk for miles.
What Ernie loved about The Hawk Inn
Watching the newborn lambs play in the nearby field, having his own bed, treats and bowls, the fuss from staff
What I loved about The Hawk Inn
The friendly team, the views over the surrounding countryside, seeing Ernie get spoilt
How to book The Hawk Inn
B&B stays starts from £79 per night. For more information, call 01264 710371 or visit The Hawk Inn website.