This historic 16th century inn occupies one of the most enviable pub positions in Hampshire, set conveniently on the edge of the market town of Romsey, within a pebble’s throw of the sweeping glides of the main River Test.

Whilst this corner of Hampshire is famous for its hunting, fishing, and shooting heritage, like every good pub in the area its not just the Landrovers, Schöffel gilets, and Le Chameau wellies that prop up the bar at the Duke. Long established as a country inn, the former Duke’s Head has been reimagined for the 21st century and today it is a polished and relaxed destination pub that draws walkers, sporting folk, and overnight guests in equal measure.

Recently awarded a 5-star inn rating by both Visit England and the Village Inn awards, there is a sense here of things being done properly, with friendly staff, a cosy atmosphere, and good honest pub food. Exactly what you need after a long day on the river!

The clue is in the name, the Duke on the Test is perfectly poised beside the famous River Test at Greatbridge, where it is close enough to the fly fishing capital of Stockbridge to feel at the heart of the rural Hampshire, but far enough away that it captures its very own slice of the Test valley. With many famous beats under a 10 minute drive of the pub, including names like Houghton, Bossington, Mottisfont, Kimbridge, Timsbury, and the Broadlands Estate, this is the place to eat and stay if you are fishing any of the middle and lower stretches of the river Test.

Dating all the way back to the middle ages, Romsey is packed with busy market streets, medieval alleys and a Norman Abbey. Set just outside of town, the Duke enjoys a rare balance of convenience and calm. The town centre is close enough for shops and rail connections, yet the pub feels wrapped in water meadows and greenery.

Stockbridge, Winchester, and Salisbury are all within easy reach, making it an ideal base for exploring this richly layered corner of Hampshire. Local Heritage attractions are of course Broadlands House, Mottisfont Abbey, and beyond that Stockbridge, the place where fly fishing is the topic of every conversation.

Stepping inside, the Duke blends contemporary country style with classic inn comfort. The high ceilinged restaurant area is modern, light, and airy without losing grasp of its roots, with wood panelled walls that are adorned with sporting memorabilia and items of local history and heritage. Ducking into the bar there are open fireplaces, low oak beams and raised wooden floors, with all the trademark features of a proper country pub.

Accommodation is modern, well-appointed and quietly luxurious, with good beds, quality linens and ensuites that are generously equipped with Scottish Fine Soaps sea kelp toiletries. Rooms feel designed for comfort, tastefully decorated with bold and stylish wallpapers leaning into the charming décor of the whole place. There are 12 at the Duke, including a mix for families, twins, and super kings, plus some dog friendly options for the pup-lovers. Service is assured and professional and the staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about what they do.

Food is a strong suit, leaning towards refined British cooking with seasonal produce at its core, whilst never straying far from good honest pub food. Perhaps the best part of all is that the menus are sourced as locally as possible, with ingredients like chalkstream trout plucked from the River Test only 500 yards down the road. It simply doesn’t come any fresher! The kitchen serve it up pan-fried with butternut squash orzo, crispy kale, roasted sweet potato, and a walnut pesto.

Nibbles are mixed olives or homemade flatbreads with roasted red pepper and parsley houmous. Try the wild mushroom on sourdough toast, lamb croquettes, or roasted heritage beetroot to start. And for mains, there’s pan-seared calves’ liver, bacon wrapped truffle mousse stuffed chicken breast (try saying that after a glass of wine!), or of course all the familiar pub classics; the 3 farmer’s butchers’ sausage and mash, the Duke burger, and their homemade pie of the day!

Why not knock it all back with an extensive list of fine wines, beers and lagers, including the Duke’s own pale ale, then stagger back to the river for an afternoon’s sport!

The Duke on the Test offers great value. Prices reflect its popularity and polish, but nothing feels inflated. For those seeking a smart country inn with excellent food, and comfortable rooms, it earns its keep.