John O'Gaunt Inn, Horsebridge

The John O'Gaunt Inn lies at the western end of Horsebridge hamlet, just off the T-junction. The pub is a square white-painted brick building under a double pitched slate roof. Steps lead to a single L-shaped bar, heated in winter by a woodburner and open fire. Food, including varied sandwiches and unusual main courses, is available all day. The serving hours may be extended by contacting the pub beforehand. The pub welcomes families, walkers, cyclists and dogs; and provides a useful break for those on the Test Way, which passes close by (on the track of the long closed Romsey to Andover railway line). Also nearby is the River Test. The lane from the pub to Houghton provides good views of the several braids of the river; which overall has very little public access. The braided nature of the river is the reason for the existence of a hamlet here - it was a river crossing in Roman times. The pub suffered a serious fire late on 21/05/2015 and reopened a year later. The pub is now part of a small group including the Bankes Arms Hotel in Corfe Castle. Kitchen and cellar upgraded in 2024.