The Gamekeepers, Mapledurwell, Hampshire

Golden celebrations call for somewhere truly special. Recently, we celebrated my parents’ 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary with a beautiful lunch at The Gamekeepers — the perfect setting for such a momentous milestone. When you’re marking fifty years of marriage, you want exceptional food, warm hospitality, and somewhere that feels genuinely thoughtful and this hits the mark on every level!

Nestled in the village of Mapledurwell in Hampshire, The Gamekeepers is a charming 18th-century inn owned by Sandra and Phil. From the moment you step inside, there’s an immediate sense of warmth from passionate owners who truly care about what they’re creating.

The interiors balance rustic character with relaxed elegance, making it equally suited to milestone celebrations, Sunday lunches or an indulgent midweek treat. Menus change daily, written on chalkboards and explained by the friendly, knowledgeable team, which makes the whole experience feel personal and considered rather than routine.

As the name suggests, game is a speciality here — and it’s treated with real respect. There’s a clear focus on fresh, local produce, and everything feels carefully sourced and confidently cooked.

The Food

For starters our party selected a real range from those available. A highly comforting butternut squash soup, silky smooth and deeply flavourful — simple but done perfectly. The lamb hotpot was almost too cute to eat, served in its own little dish with bread on the side for mopping up the rich, savoury sauce. It was hearty without being heavy and packed with slow-cooked depth.

Then I couldn't resist the partridge — a beautifully balanced plate with grains, black pudding, beetroot and a glossy, flavour-packed sauce tying it all together. Earthy, rich and layered, it was a confident showcase of their game expertise.

The pan-fried Hampshire venison was a highlight — perfectly cooked, tender and full of flavour, served with carrots, beans and indulgent potato dauphinoise. The jus was exceptional: rich, glossy and deeply savoury without overpowering the meat. Whilst beef short rib croquettes with chips and aioli brought comfort-food energy to the table — crisp on the outside, meltingly tender inside.

The hake offered something lighter but equally impressive. Flaky, delicate fish paired with crushed potatoes and seasonal vegetables made it feel fresh and balanced. The pan-roasted chicken with new potatoes and creamy mushroom Forestière sauce proved that classics, when done properly, can shine. Moist, flavourful and generously sauced, it was deeply satisfying.

And yes — I absolutely tried a bite of everything!

Of course those of us with a sweet tooth couldn't resist a desserts as well! The sticky toffee pudding was everything you want it to be — soft, spongey and generously soaked in a rich, buttery toffee sauce. The berry cheesecake offered something a little lighter to finish. Creamy and smooth with a buttery biscuit base that held its bite, it was topped with vibrant, fresh raspberries that cut through the richness beautifully.

Would I Recommend?

Absolutely — especially for a special occasion!

The Gamekeepers is a true foodie hotspot championing exceptional local produce, high cooking standards and genuinely warm hospitality. It feels polished without being pretentious, refined without losing its cosy countryside charm. Perfect for celebrations, food lovers, and anyone who appreciates seasonal British cooking done properly.

I'd return without hesitation - for another milestone or simply because it’s that good and can't stop talking about it.

Visited: February 2026
Location: Mapledurwell, Hampshire
Website: https://thegamekeepers.co.uk/
Parking: On-site parking available
Price Range: £££
Booking Recommended? Absolutely for all sittings due to popularity!