It’s good to find a genuine friendly local in this pleasant Hampshire village, rather than yet another tarted-up gastropub. First impressions can be misleading however. The front bar looks rather basic, but the rusticity is all part of the Hawkley’s unaffected charm. Well-used furniture – a veritable retirement home for mismatched chairs & sofas – forms the backdrop for a fine range of keenly priced real ales & traditional pub food. Ever-changing menus deliver everything from lunchtime ploughman’s & warming soups to dishes such as sea bream with caper butter & mash or comforting herb-crusted pork loin. Desserts reside in familiar apple turnover/sticky toffee pudding territory. A modern extension at the rear is given over to a walk-around bar & upstairs bedrooms, while the back garden & front veranda deliver alfresco cheer.