The Yard
Chilton Manor Farm, Chilton Candover, Alresford, SO24 9TX
01256 224689 www.theyardhampshire.co.uk
This is somewhere really different to go for a snack or light lunch with great coffee.
As the address suggests, the Yard is a converted 19th century cattle barn within the confines of Chilton Manor Farm. Driving down the B3046 from Farleigh Wallop it is easy to miss the small sign and the satnav wanted to go about 200 metres beyond the right turn into the farm track.
Visiting on the Saturday before the relaxation of lockdown rules meant that there were no internal tables but a large, tented, gazebo had been installed literally outside in the yard complete with lighting and electric heaters. We were thankful that it gave good cover and comfort against the persistent rain. However, by the time the Rabbiter goes to press they will have resumed the inside seating arrangements.
Only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9.00 am – 4.00 pm they have started hosting events evenings and the whole building can be booked for private occasions.
The Yard has a simple menu offering dependent on whether it is after 12 noon when they stop serving breakfast. We had sourdough toasties, with Madam having cheese and leek and I had ham and cheese. Two almond croissants and two Americanos completed what turned out to be quite a substantial meal for £22. There were many delicious looking cakes to tempt customers as well as a well-stocked ice cream selection.
An adjacent building is home to Moonroast the specialist coffee roasters.
The Yard is clearly popular with the cycling fraternity as there was at least a dozen there with Lycra shorts, crash helmets and tinted sunglasses while their machines were kept tidy in a bike rack. Even on a rainy day there was a steady stream of customers, many with young children and dogs but as the car park is at least 100 metres away hopefully the rain will have stopped when we visit again, which without a doubt we will.
