Help - where to go in Winchester on Sunday

[indignatio]

I have arranged to meet a friend her dh and dds in Winchester for lunch on Sunday. I have no idea where to book (should have thought of that before now - I know). Ideally it would be somewhere with good food as despite various diets we all love our food - but also somewhere 2 4 yo and one 3 yo would have a good time. The weather is supposed to be cold but not raining - so perhaps a nice pub with decent food and an outside play area

Any suggestions would be gratefully received

A hijack on your hijack - just wanted to say to Dumbledores Girl that I too grew up in Winchester and went to Peter Symonds. I went to secondary school in the year after the 11 plus was scrapped so I must be almost as old as your siblings. By the way, 4 girls in my daughter's class at school have had a stomach bug this week and today DD came home "feeling tired", wouldn't eat dinner (unheard of) plus DH is away in Edinburgh for the night. So I was thinking of you anyway DDG as a fellow phobic - I could be in for a chaotic night, and if not chaotic it will certainly be sleepless for me anyway. Sorry. Hijack over. When my Dad got divorced from my Mum he moved into a cottage opposite The Bush. We often went to the Pub for our Sunday Afternoons With Dad and had an absolutely idyllic time. But this was all 30+ years ago, probably a lots changed since then. Getting off your thread now.

twoisenoughmum - hey what a lot we have in common! Yes my sister started secondary in 1971 and my brother in 1972 (last year to enter Peter Symonds as a grammar school boy). I would love to exchange more information with you, but I bet you are worried senseless by what is happening to your dd (maybe). FWIW, a dreadful bug went round my children's school a few weeks ago and none of mine got it. Also, my dh has just got back from 2 nights away in Italy and I am feeling soooo drained from being on watch all day every day this week. Ds1 was very tired yesterday too, but it was just tiredness in his case. I hope it is in your dd's case too.

ooh I went to Symonds too
When were you there? I was 82 to 84

I used to teach at Peter Symonds

(after all of your times though I hasten to add )

Was that to me CD? We have had this conversation before I think! I was in Symonds from 1981 to 1983 so overlapped you but I can't say I knew anyone in the year below me.

Tommy, you dark horse, I never knew that about you! Tell more!

I was there 1979 to 1981 (the year after Jack Dee). Did English, Drama and History.

I did English and History too! (and German) We must have some teachers in common.

indignatio - I am from the area and I have been to the Plough at Sparshott may times - I would highly recommend it. It has a big climbing frame/activity area for children, donkeys and is very child friendly (without being naff). The food is excellent - one problem - you must book in advance as it gets very busy - plenty of seating outside in the summer but limited in winter so if you go please call in advance.

Indignatio - where did you go in the end? Would you recommend it?

We used to live in Bramshott (hence uninspired name!), but moved house last year. Couldn't think of anything witty to change it to!

we want a freedback

Or was it Winchester MacDonalds in the end?

OK - ended up at the Trout in Itchen Abbas - good food - reasonable play area.

After spending all week looking at all the various options the first choice (Plough) was booked.

The idea was a success and so over the next 10 years or so I shall try out all of the other recommendations - so please don't think you all wasted your time.

Once again - thanks everyone for all your help

Good choice I am sure. Many happy returns to the ancient Wessex capital!