WHERWELL is one of those outstanding picture-postcard villages that feature not only on local pictorial calendars, but even national ones, such is the appeal of this most attractive of Hampshire villages.

To cap it all, this village boasts a super pub/restaurant in the guise of The White Lion. It has stood proudly at the bottom of a series of hair-pin bends that descend down into the Test Valley.

A recent Sunday lunch for four was noteworthy for two very good reasons.

Firstly, the superb home-made pies. On offer were nine varieties, although the two chicken ones were sold out.

And secondly, the excellent service from the small front of house team who managed both the bar and table service between them in a friendly and efficient manner, for what was a very busy lunch.

When we arrived early for our lunch booking we were cordially welcomed and had a drink in the bar while we perused the menu and wine list. The pub boasts two main dining areas and a large outdoor patio for al fresco dining.

The decor indoors is of a pleasing, restrained palette and there were some interesting pictures and fun ornaments.

Together with the seven varieties of pies available and a Sunday roast beef lunch, there was offered a tempting carte of six starters (plus three sharing platters), ten main courses and four desserts plus various ice creams and a cheeseboard.

My venison pie with bacon, red wine and Puy lentils lightly enrobed this most satisfying of fillings for a chilly March Sunday and complemented my red Rioja perfectly.

Equally, my wife’s beef and Irish stout pie delivered her expectations, with both pies sitting on a bed of colcannon mash with garden peas. A little jug of gravy accompanied our pies.

Our dining companions enjoyed pork escalopes with a mustard and honey sauce with a much complimented potato mash with apple and a home-made burger with all the usual accompaniments.

Two of our party had a dessert, with one enjoying a sherry-infused individual trifle and my wife having a very noteworthy coffee and walnut cheesecake, made on the premises and excellent.

Clearly, this establishment is very popular, given that every table was occupied and they were turning over some tables twice for a second sitting.

One can understand this given the quality of the cuisine versus the prices charged and the good service. Expect to pay a reasonable £30 per head for three courses and a glass of wine for cuisine and service of this order.

DEREK KANE