The Best Pubs in Basingstoke
Nestled in the valley at the source of the River Loddon, Basingstoke’s pub scene is as varied as the town itself, blending historic inns with lively locals and modern gastropubs. From legendary Sunday roasts and Thai infused classics to Nepali dishes and sticky BBQ wings, the food and drink offerings are consistently top notch. Whether you are after a quiet beer garden, live music, a pool table, or a dog friendly spot to catch the match, the town’s welcoming venues cater to every mood. Come and discover the best pubs in Basingstoke.


1. The Wheatsheaf
The Wheatsheaf, Winton Square, Basingstoke RG21 8EU, UK
Head to The Wheatsheaf for a cracking proper pub experience where the Sunday roasts are legendary—think melt-in-the-mouth beef and crispy potatoes that keep folks coming back for more. The team is wonderfully welcoming, the beer is cold and well-kept, and whether you’re catching the match with your dog at your feet or enjoying a sunny afternoon on the outdoor patio, it’s a lively spot that suits everyone. With a full bar of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus generous breakfasts and warm pastries, this historic local gem is a true community favourite that never tries to be anything but brilliant.
Photo by Fernweh — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. Bounty Inn
81 Bounty Rd, Basingstoke RG21 3BZ, UK
Step into the Bounty Inn, a wonderfully quirky 1800s pub where historic charm meets eccentric décor for a truly memorable outing. Gather your whole group for a feast of oozing burgers and sticky BBQ wings, perfectly paired with signature cocktails or a craft beer from their exciting selection. This dog-friendly spot welcomes your four-legged friend with treats and water, while live music and a relaxed garden space make it the perfect place to unwind any day of the week.
Photo by Robin Webster — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. Hatch
London Rd, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 7JL, UK
Make your way to the Hatch, a gorgeous Grade II listed pub in the heart of Old Basing that's the perfect spot for a proper get together. Whether you're settling into the beer garden with your dog by your side or tucking into generous pub classics like steak and ale pie, the food and drink here are consistently top notch. With a full bar of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus breakfasts served on weekends, this cosy, family friendly local is ideal for groups looking to relax and enjoy great company.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. The Jolly Farmer
Farleigh Rd, Cliddesden, Basingstoke RG25 2JL, UK
For a proper country pub that surprises and delights at every turn, The Jolly Farmer is a true gem. This traditional spot serves up a brilliant collaboration of Thai and British cuisine, from fragrant green curries to classic beef sandwiches, all made with fresh, high quality ingredients. The beer is beautifully kept with a great selection on tap, and the large garden is perfect for sunny afternoons with your dog by your side. With live music, a welcoming vibe, and space for groups to gather over a pint or a plate of something special, it is a place you will want to return to again and again.
Photo by Graham Horn — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


5. The White Hart
The white hart Inn, Basingstoke RG21 4AE, UK
The White Hart is a cracking local gem that truly comes alive every weekend with brilliant live music, from rock and blues to ska and punk. You can settle into the sun trap beer garden with your well behaved dog, or head inside for free pool, darts, and a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. This welcoming, recently refreshed pub is perfect for groups, with a private function room that's ideal for parties and a friendly team that makes everyone feel right at home.
Photo by Chris Talbot — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The Bolton Arms
91 The St, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 7DA, UK
Tucked away in the heart of Old Basing, The Bolton Arms is a welcoming village pub where cracking cask ales and a menu full of hearty classics like fish pie and Bolton Burger steal the show. The spacious bar area is perfect for groups and dog owners, with live music adding a lively buzz on weekends. Whether you’re settling into the lovely beer garden or catching the football with a pint of perfectly kept Landlord, this friendly local serves up great value and a proper, no fuss experience.
Photo by Nigel Cox — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. The Royal Oak
414 Worting Rd, Basingstoke RG22 5EA, UK
Discover the Royal Oak, a fantastic local gem that effortlessly blends live music, great drinks, and an incredibly warm welcome. Whether you're settling into the outdoor seating with your dog, catching the big game on a large screen, or enjoying a lively evening with friends, this spot has you covered with a solid selection of beer and wine. The regulars are genuinely friendly, the vibe is wonderfully chilled, and the bonus of incredible homemade Nepali dishes makes every visit a treat. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed evening, where the pool table and live bands keep the energy just right.
Photo by Sebastian Ballard — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. Dragonfly
Carpenter's Down, Basingstoke RG24 9AS, UK
The Dragonfly is a buzzing local gem where families and groups gather for lively pub classics, from sizzling steaks to hearty Sunday roasts, all paired with a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. With live music adding to the energy and a spacious beer garden that welcomes your fourlegged friends, there’s always a fantastic reason to pop in. Download the handy app for easy table ordering, then settle in and soak up the good times.
Photo by Des Blenkinsopp — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. The Oak
187 Oakridge Rd, Basingstoke RG21 5RJ, UK
Pull up a chair at The Oak, a proper local where the Sunday roasts are legendary and the pints are always poured just right. With a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus live music, pool, and plenty of screens for the big match, there’s something for everyone. This dog friendly spot welcomes groups with open arms, and the outdoor seating is perfect for sunny afternoons. It’s the kind of place where the regulars are as warm as the welcome, making every visit feel like coming home.
Photo by Sebastian Ballard — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. The Riverdene
Windrush Close, Basingstoke RG21 4BY, UK
Bring the whole crew to The Riverdene, a brilliantly revived local that fires on all cylinders with live reggae, comedy nights, and karaoke alongside a pool table and plenty of screens for the big match. The beer garden with its picnic benches and kids' play park makes it a top choice for sunny afternoons, while the newly refreshed interior offers ample space when the weather turns. With a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, delicious food from Wills Meals, and a genuinely welcoming vibe for dogs and families alike, this is the kind of place you'll want to return to again and again.
Photo by Sebastian Ballard — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




