Whilst visiting the gorgeous village of Selborne in Hampshire, I felt the need for sustenance …. after all, wandering around a museum, gardens and looking at village churches takes its toll on a girl.

Locals directed us to an historic inn that crossed all the “t’s” and dotted all the “i’s” – The Queens, formerly known as The Compasses.  Behind the pub are spacious gardens – ideal if like me you tend to wander around with a dog – and the staff are friendly, efficient and dog savvy, conjuring up a bowl of water immediately and unasked.

When known as The Compasses, local author Gilbert White in the mid-1700’s, graphically depicted a very wild celebratory wedding party.  Very popular a while back then, and still so today as the near empty garden was soon fully populated primarily by locals by the time I had bought a glass of wine at the bar!  Always a good sign.

Our choices of Salade Nicoise and The King’s Cold Platter promptly delivered were delicious, hitting the spot immediately.  The menu is augmented by daily specials and a wide sandwich selection.

I’d quite like to re-visit this pristine little village again very soon, perhaps this time, staying in one of the seven rather smart en-suite bedrooms they have unveiled here at The Queens.  Free wifi is offered I see  … but do they accept dogs, I wonder?

Address: The Queens at Selborne, High Street, Selborne, Hampshire, GU34 3JJ.  Tel:  +44 (0) 1420 511 454.

Contributor & photographer:  Sue Lowry.  Follow A3Traveller on Twitter:  @A3Traveller; and Sue Lowry on Google+, LinkedIn, Flickr, On YouTube and Pinterest.  I also operate another blog for my company MagellanPR – http://www.magellanstraits.com.  They can be followed on Twitter:  @MagellanPR, on Google+, on YouTube, on Pinterest and on Facebook.