The Balmoral, Nursling (From This is Hampshire)

The Balmoral, Nursling

11:44am Thursday 25th January 2007 in

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THE Balmoral is the closest pub and restaurant to my childhood home in Rownhams.

So as well as being a nostalgic spot for me, I had quite set ideas about what I could expect.

Having not been inside for several years, I hadn't realised that the Balmoral is now an ultra modern place to dine.

Plus it's open all day, which is surprisingly unusual considering the choice of eateries we have locally.

It's now furnished in modern browns and creams that make for a welcoming interior.

What I have always loved about the place is the little nooks and crannies you can find if you peer around a corner or climb a set of stairs. This makes The Balmoral perfect for any occasion - either an intimate chat or a rowdy works do.

My companion and I were welcomed to the restaurant and offered a choice of seats, opting for a comfy booth.

To start, we enjoyed a Beefeater Combo - a giant hearty starter, which is great fun to share.

That included lamb and mutton koftas (or posh spicy sausages to you and me), double chicken wings, pork ribs with the most delicious barbecue sauce, soft garlic bread and nachos topped with cheese and chilli peppers, all served with two tasty dips.

The Balmoral has an extensive menu from all over the world and I opted for a Mexican-style main course.

The grilled quesadilla was delicious. A soft tortilla was filled to the brim with cheddar, peppers and spinach and the dish was served with Cajun rice and a yummy sweet chilli sauce topping, plus sour cream - the perfect hot and cold combination.

My dad, who dined with me, was treated to a truly giant and superb fish and chips with good old mushy peas.

That was already too much for lunchtime so we skipped dessert.

The menu looked tantalising and I'm actually still regretting passing up my favourite cheese board.

I suppose there's always next time!

A two-course meal plus drinks came to £30.

But special two course and three course day and evening set menus are available from £5.95.

The Balmoral, Romsey Road, Nursling, Southampton. Tel: 023 8073 2262