Rob Lambie, Sales and Marketing Director, tells us why he wouldn’t want to live anywhere else…

Our relocation brief was ‘rural and connected’, following many happy years of living in Old Bedhampton. So, when Bargate acquired its first development in Bishop’s Waltham, our decision was made for us.

Call me biased, but I know how well our homes are designed and built – and the town has a charm all of its own.
To say things have worked out is an understatement.

From a practical perspective, it is very well connected. Access to the M27, M3, mainline railway at Botley and Southampton airport couldn’t be easier.

The village has everything we need right on the doorstep, with a doctor’s, dentist’s, two banks, a post office, lots of thriving local shops, numerous good restaurants, pubs and coffee shops…

It’s also a very sociable place to live, with frequent events on the high street, a summer music festival in the palace ruins, summer fair and firework display. Indeed, recently retired friends commented how, even if they wanted to, they couldn’t fit in the time to work, given everything that is going on and the many clubs and societies of which they are members.
Lifestyle-wise, it has offered everything we hoped for.

We love walking, and from our home we have a number of favourite routes, all of which – purely by chance – have a super country pub along the way!

The Hampshire Bowman at Dundridge, The Brushmakers Arms at Upham, The White Lion at Soberton and The Robin Hood at Durley… what a choice! Becoming familiar with the surrounding countryside, while seeing the seasons change, gives a real sense of belonging.

What we hadn’t factored in was how friendly the place is. For us, a regular Sunday morning ritual is a leisurely walk into the village, via St. Peter’s Church and St. Peter’s Street, picking up the Sunday papers and popping into Josie’s for a coffee. Invariably we end up chatting to neighbours, friends or passers-by. When you go for a meal, or pop out for a pint, there are always familiar, friendly faces. How nice is that?

In short, as is often the case, it’s the people who make the place – both my wife and I consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to live in a lovely new home, in a lovely village, among lovely people.

Well on the up

Think craft beer. Think Camden, Hoxton and hipster London. So, a sure sign of the area’s lifestyle renaissance is the success of Bishopstoke Road’s very own Steam Town Beer Co.

Owner and Bishopstoke resident David Mackie talks about what makes the brewery and community special.

You live in Bishopstoke – what’s it like? It has a really local village feel, yet is on Eastleigh’s doorstep, with the airport down the road. The river runs through it and we have local shops. We love the green spaces: the woods are up the road. We have kids and so it’s a really nice place for them to grow up – and the dog loves it!

How would you describe Eastleigh?A town well on the up. A lot of people have moved out of places like Winchester to buy bigger family properties. It has great communications and a really nice mix of high-street brands and independents, including places like La Fenice, Artisan and, of course, us!  It’s getting a real vibe.

Sounds like there’s a real sense of community! Is that so? Definitely. There’s always something going on: Mardi Gras, The Chilli Festival and live acts at The Bandstand and The Point.  I suppose we typify it. We support our community, sponsoring Eastleigh Football and Rugby Club. We’re fundraising for Bishopstoke Carnival and the Mayor’s Charity. We get our meat from LJ Smith and brioche rolls from Matt’s Bakery. It’s a good place in a great place!

What’s behind the success of the Steam Town Beer Co.? We’re about local craft production. People can engage and connect with that, it’s nice that they can look through the windows and see how it’s made. But it’s not just about the craft beers – our music nights offer a range of live acts spanning acoustic, jazz, bluegrass and R&B. It’s the community thing again – bringing different groups of people together.

So, what can people expect on a visit? Great beer, great food and a great atmosphere for all! We have 24 draught beers across 16 keg taps and eight hand-pulls, with a ‘dirty’ burger and fries menu – all set in an environment reflecting Eastleigh’s industrial heritage.

Pop in and see for yourself, after you’ve visited Church Heights. Just turn right at the bottom of Church Road!