Olive Tree in Southampton

We have visited The Olive Tree a number of times since moving to Romsey 18 months ago and have always found the food very nice. However, the last three occasions the service has been pretty poor. We visited today for Sunday lunch and we waited a while to order drinks/food, food came fairly quickly once we ordered but we had to go to the bar to order coffees and get the bill as we were waiting so long. I think could benefit from more staff. Also the light was out upstairs so customers were using the toilet in the dark. Found out later that there were other toilets downstairs but no sign so customers were aware and staff didn't point it out. The toilets were also pretty untidy. It's a shame because the food is nice. Need to review approach to customer service and possibly increase staffing numbers if they can. So many great places to eat in Romsey so need to improve to keep up with the competition in my view.

Had lunch here today with friends. Compliments to the chef, the food was delicious. The service however was abysmal, had to ask for menus, left for a long time for orders to be taken, no midmeal hospitality, in fact we were ignored. We had finished our meal and for more than half an hour were left alone. The pub was not even busy! We were going to have desserts , cheese board and coffees but gave up and had to go and ask for the bill which was just slapped on the table. Waited 20 minutes to pay and in the end went to the bar and paid, hence no tip . Such a shame as our friends had recommended it and was our 1st (and last) time.

The atmosphere was really relaxed with attentive friendly staff. There are two reasons for only four stars 1. some of my chips were uncooked and parts of the mash were hard (I did tell the waitress who gave me a free drink) and 2. The open fire became so smoky at one point that we smelt like we had been to a bonfire. But the food was served quickly and still hot.

Very average food for the price of good food.Garlic and chilli Prawn starter came in a taistless wet sauce. No flavour at all.Chicken terrine was OK. Came with toast but no butter so was a bit dry.Ale fish and chips were OK. Fish was fine but not any better then a chipshop. Chips were undercooked, some still hard in the middle. No sause was offered to go with them.Slow cooked shoulder of lamb was "not very slow cooked" it didn't fall apart as slow cooked should. Was quite small piece of meat for the price. Mash and "jus" were OK but couldn't taste any mint.We cut our losses and didn't bother with desserts. Won't be heading back.

My overall impression was it seemed a bit unloved, toilet sink blocked, loo roll holder missing etc.However the main bar area looked lovely with the candles, although it is so open you could here everyone's conversation.There are no real cosy areas, and I found it all a bit loud. We ordered two cocktails for £14, the strawberry daiquiri was horrible, I took two sips stirring inbetween incase it wasn't mixed properly. It didn't help and the atmosphere just felt uninviting so I left my drink and went elsewhere.

Lovely, cosy old building. Unfortunately I was disappointed with my Sunday roast :(Patatos were very dry and overcooked, beef was ok but some part was not cooked. Apple and Berry crumble seemed nice but couldn't eat as I found hair, I guess I was unlucky. I liked their select of ale👍

Especially visited for the Tuesday steak night with my son as advertised on the street board, only to be told that on that Tuesday they were not offering the steak night deal. No apologies, but a couldn't care less attitude. Was told that I could order a steak on the menu, when menu arrived there wasn't a steak option.left and won't return.

Lovely ambiance as you walk in to the bar… lovely round table but….Disappointing Sunday lunch. Waited for several minutes to be seated. Waited further to order drinks. Waited even more for our lunches to arrive (over an hour from arrival) and waited almost half an hour for our puddings. 1 small parsnip, 3 small carrots with the roast, 1 mouthful of peas with the fish and chips and a very runny curry sauce. About 6 thin slices of almost raw apple on the apple pudding and a tiny scoop of ice cream… not worthy of the £6.95.The bottle of rose wine was not cold so needed ice. My daughter has just moved to Romsey but we won’t go back : (

An oldy worldy type pub, very good service and good selection of ales. Not sure if they served food. Only stayed for one drink, but left with a contented atmosphere.

I was just in Romsey for 1 night and randomly picked the Olive tree for dinner. The food was excellent and the service good and attentive without being over the top. The only thing that stops this being 5 stars is a lack of communication between the restaurant and the bar. I had to request the second glass of wine twice and the amaretto 3 times. But I would thoroughly recommend it.