Hilliers Gardens - Test Valley

We had lunch at this restaurant on a hot, sunny day, and then took a leisurely walk around the gardens. Our lunch experience was perfect - the staff was friendly and attentive, the décor was bright, cool, and airy, and, most importantly, the food was delicious. Two of us ordered the pork belly and New York cheesecake, paired with the local brew 'Double Drop' bitter by Flacks Manor. We had no complaints and can't wait to come back. We left a cash tip as adding it to the bill wasn't an option, possibly due to a local government policy.

Been visiting Hilliers arboreteum for decades even before the council took it over. . I have seen the changes over the years. The gardens are amazing and I have planted an arboreteum myself. However when I went to the Garden Restaurant for a coffee or a bite to eat one of the staff members was extremely rude to me so my friend and I left, I was shocked by the total unnecessary rudeness. I won’t be going to that cafe again. What a shame,

We initially intended to go to the restaurant at the entrance near the visitors centre but it was heaving. We decided therefore to back track to the Garden Restaurant at Jermyns House, not certain of its offerings but happy with just coffee and a cake if necessary. We were delighted to find a spacious interior with tables well spaced out and sunny terrace. We sat outside, we had French Onion Soup with ciabatta and apple and plum crumble with custard. My word was this food lovely hot, tasty and presented perfectly. Full marks to the chef. Also very reassuring to see tables wiped down as soon as they became empty. A very enjoyable lunch amid beautiful surroundings we shall be back!

I recently visited the garden restaurant after checking the website and making a reservation as recommended. The restaurant was very pleasant and the service was good, however, the menu did not match what was listed on the website. On the day of our visit, the menu options were very limited and unique, making it difficult for us to choose a main meal. Despite not being picky eaters, we had a hard time finding something to order. It was disappointing.

Pleasant ambience but rather disappointed with the choice of food and the meal. None of those delicious jacket potatoes on offer as the tea room that served them is now permanently closed. I chose the spinach and mushroom casserole-croute. The topping was delicious but the bread wasn’t toasty and crisp, just warm and very pale. It was hard to cut through with a knife and would have been better served on the side to preserve any hint of crispness. My husband enjoyed the calves liver and sides from the specials but it was served on a cold plate. Lovely crockery and cutlery. The staff were efficient and polite.