Nicest on-airfield restaurants in southern England

[KeyPilot]

Hi everyone,

I know this used to be a perennial question, however my searches just now have drawn a blank.

Where does the collective wisdom of PPRuNe Private Flying believe are the best on-airfield restaurants in the South? If any previous threads are relevant (and someone is better at searching than I!), please direct.

Thanks,
KP

[Alsacienne]

The Pilot's Hub at Redhill ... high quality food, copious portions, delicious homemade cakes, speedy and genuinely friendly service and a bill that won't break the bank. Family friendly and a wonderful glimpse at aircraft under restoration in the hangar behind when you go to the toilet. https://www.pilotshub.co.uk/ Every visit we have made has been a genuine pleasure especially as the reasons behind our regular visits to the UK were not happy ones and these have been our high points and things to look forward to.

[Phororhacos]

The Hummingbird Restaurant in the main terminal at Shoreham does very good food.

[KeyPilot]

Thanks both, I have been to Shoreham (indeed very nice!) but never Redhill.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

[chevvron]

The 'Hangar Cafe' at Fairoaks is great, open 8 am - 4pm but avoid going there at about 11am; that's when all the 'lycra louts' turn up and block the queue when all they want is their water bottles re-filled.

[ETOPS]

Sandown IOW https://www.eghn.org.uk/island-bistro/

[kestrel539]

Compton Abbas

[TheFrenchConnection]

At Blackbushe yesterday morning - very nice , prices , quality of food & drink and very busy on a bright autumn weekday morning
https://www.thebushecafe.co.uk/ pic from yesterday below ;

I hear from South West relatives , Compton Abbas , is also very good.
Also, White Waltham is ... very good from our experience , our visits.


Pic. from yesterday morning, Thursday 24th September 2020 AM. Blackbushe plenty of social distancing seating inside and outside ✓

[Arfur Dent]

If you wanted to head North a bit you could try The Flight Deck Cafe at Turweston (EGBT). Very nice but it may be a bit too far…...

[Flyingbadge]

Ikaron at Elstree. Good food.

[Trav a la]

Naafi Restaurant & The Squadron Mess Bar at North Weald Airfield.

Full of history, interesting residents and great food.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restau...x_England.html

[3wheels]

Originally Posted by Trav a la

Naafi Restaurant & The Squadron Mess Bar at North Weald Airfield.

Full of history, interesting residents and great food.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restau...x_England.html

Closed nearly two years ago. Under “restoration”

No sign of it opening anytime soon.

[Sleeve Wing]

As French Connection has mentioned :-
Also, White Waltham is ... very good from our experience , our visits.

No brainer ! Great restaurant staff, good varied selection of food, normally fast service except busy lunchtimes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The wartime Clubhouse has a lovely friendly atmosphere and appreciates all visitors, particularly if they arrive in an interesting form of transport - vintage or exciting car or aeroplane.

[asyncio]

Originally Posted by 3wheels

Closed nearly two years ago. Under “restoration”
No sign of it opening anytime soon.

The latest word is it should be open by the end of the year. (It was supposed to be open by now, until the lockdown delayed it further)
Both buildings are being completely gutted and restored.
The timber building has had a completely new roof and exterior cladding fitted when I was last up a couple of weeks ago, and they were making a start on refitting the interior.

[OvertHawk]

Originally Posted by kestrel539

Compton Abbas

Make that a second vote for Compton Abbas

[AirUK]

Originally Posted by chevvron

The 'Hangar Cafe' at Fairoaks is great, open 8 am - 4pm but avoid going there at about 11am; that's when all the 'lycra louts' turn up and block the queue when all they want is their water bottles re-filled.

I wouldn’t say this place is great, had a sandwich their recently and it was firmly below average.

The Crew Room at Denham is fairly good, as is the Airways Flying Club cafe at Booker.

Top of the list for me are Pilot’s Hub at Redhill, Compton Abbas, Shoreham and The Bushe Cafe at Blackbushe. I’m told the Propeller Inn at Sandown is good too, but haven’t been there myself.

[3wheels]

Originally Posted by asyncio

The latest word is it should be open by the end of the year. (It was supposed to be open by now, until the lockdown delayed it further)
Both buildings are being completely gutted and restored.
The timber building has had a completely new roof and exterior cladding fitted when I was last up a couple of weeks ago, and they were making a start on refitting the interior.

I hope you’re right but, as of this week, they haven't finished the first or started on the second building.....

[Meester proach]

What about the one at Kemble ? Has that reopened

[asyncio]

Originally Posted by 3wheels

I hope you’re right but, as of this week, they haven't finished the first or started on the second building.....

Hmm. Hope it hasn't been delayed again. They seemed to be finally making progress last time I was there.
I haven't been for a few weeks now, as my aircraft is also being refurbished at the moment and is away for a respray.

[Sleeve Wing]

Kemble Av8r not reopened yet although there is a mobile Burger bar in the car park. Mediocre.