I had a slightly odd experience flying into Blackbushe for the first time the other day, from the north. I called them when I was at Woodley NDB and requested airfield information. On the second attempt, I was told that I was “too far out” – and the FISO either demanded or suggested (couldn’t be sure which as he was speaking so fast) that I contact Farnborough. Now, I haven’t got a chart to hand as I type this, but I doubt Woodley is more than about 6 nm from Blackbushe. If I’d then gone to Farnborough, who are always busy (and this was a sunny day), I’d have been across the Blackbushe ATZ and on the way to the coast by the time I’d been able to pass Farnborough a message and then switch back again.
I found this behavour odd, and unhelpful. There is nothing in the AIP or the flight guides about a need to use Farnborough as quasi-approach control. I’ve never encountered a “don’t call us until …” requirement anywhere; in fact, many airfields publish their wish for an early call.