Best Restaurants in and around Bishop’s Waltham

The Old Mill, Botley

Located less than 4 miles from Bishop’s Waltham, The Old Mill was once part of the Manor of Botley, owned by Ralph de Mortimer who fought alongside William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings.

The estate passed to a religious order but, after the dissolution of the monasteries, it reverted to private hands.  In 1757, the Mill was expanded and the building containing the restaurant was constructed.

The Botley Flour Milling Company was founded in 1921 and Fred Appleby, bought into the company in 1923 and Botley Mills has remained in his family ever since, with milling taking place until 1993.  

Today, the sympathetically renovated Old Mill Restaurant promises an excellent dining experience in an historic setting.   There are three dining areas, each with its own character.  For private dining and special events, The Heritage Room provides an impressive, intimate setting.  To contact the Old Mill, telephone 01489 795290, email on contact@oldmillrestaurant.co.uk.

Friends

Friends takes its name from the fact that a group of friends own and run this restaurant on Bank Street. 

It’s an elegant restaurant with an authentic but modern take on Indian cuisine, partnered by some excellent wines.  The restaurant is open seven days a week from 5 pm to 11 pm and the restaurant is available for private functions as well.  If you want to eat at home, there’s also a takeaway menu. 

Call 01489-8911791 or 01489-896029, email info@friendsric.com or visit the website.

Josie’s Coffee, Wine & Deli

Josie’s in Bishop’s Waltham, an independent, family run coffee shop opened in 2011.  It was to become the first – today there are six branches of Josie’s in Hampshire.  

Open seven days a week, Josie’s serves breakfast, lunch, cakes and delicious coffees.  The team doesn’t take bookings – so you need to call in.  

There’s a fabulous pancake menu – each savoury or sweet pancake is made in-house daily using a secret recipe.  There’s a brunch menu served all day, every day – including vegetarian options.  There’s a range of Benedicts and Toasties as well as Fried chickens and a choice of sides.   You can enjoy hot and cold drinks, smoothies, wines and beers with your meal.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 7.30 am to 5 pm, Saturday 8 am to 5 pm and Sunday 8 am to 4 pm.   For more information take a look at the website below.