Telephone 01489 573720
Customers 2009
I just wanted to let you know what a lovely evening I had last night in your restaurant. My partner and I took 2 of our friends who have just moved to Hamble and they loved it. The food was excellent and so was the service and we were surprised when your daughter told us it was a quieter weekday evening as the atmosphere was really good too.
We will certainly all be coming along more often! Thank you again,
Clare October 2009
Southern Evening Echo - 1st February 2008
'Rumours Restaurant can be found in a small parade of shops in an unassuming position in the peaceful village of Warsash. It's close enough to the road to attract passing trade, while still within striking distance of the beautiful riverside walks that attract so many visitors to the area. Favouring Italian-style cuisine at reasonable prices it's quite a find. With only a dozen or more tables spread over a split level floor it has an understated Mediterranean feel with an intimate atmosphere. Traditional stone baked pizzas and mouth watering pastas are the staple fare while unfussy main courses such as steak, sea bass, poached salmon and honeyed chicken will also suit simple tastes. For those looking for a more rustic Italian approach the risotto is also a safe bet. Starters cover the usual bases but the quality is high. The home made roasted tomato soup is sweet, garlicky and authentic while the prawns parcelled with oak smoked salmon are a heavenly fusion and both come with hunks of warm ciabatta bread. Pizzas are made fresh to order with a good selection of toppings to choose from. In fact, it's worth considering taking advantage of the mid week special menu, which varies week on week. It usually features a choice of starter plus pizza or pasta which at roughly £9 per head is excellent value. The dessert menu also changes on a regular basis which means they never become boring. Booking at weekends is wise because I am told it's always a hive of activity. Which means word of mouth around these parts is pretty effective.'
Sara Mills
On The Menu - 21st July 2007
Having driven from Winchester, the first thing I noticed upon arrival at Rumours Restaurant was the fresh, sea air. Located in the sailing community of Warsash, this family-run eatery was bustling, which set a great first impression. For a smaller restaurant, the light and breezy décor of pastel shades created a spacious atmosphere. Looking at the menu, I was astounded by the sheer number of dishes, which makes Rumours a place for all occasions. To start I chose the Crispy Potato Skins. Served with spicy mango dip, these were just the right crispiness and seasoned brilliantly. Chris chose the Rumours Mushrooms. As a lover of condiments, he was pleased with the amount of peppercorn and blue cheese sauce. Having enjoyed the mushrooms, the warm ciabatta made good use of their creamy accompaniment. From the specials board I chose the Chicken Fillet. At Rumours the customers shape the menu, and if a ‘special’ dish is popular, it invariably becomes a regular feature. This chicken was cooked in a mushroom sauce and served on a bed of roasted vegetables. What struck me initially was the generous portion size and superb value for money, something that this restaurant is renowned for. Chris chose the Steak Fajitas, served in a cumin marinade on a skillet that sizzled for a considerable length of time! With guacamole, tomato salsa and sour cream, this three-tortilla feast was also a dish for the hungry. To finish, we decided on a new creation named the Profiterole Torte. Cut into segments, you could literally see a cross section of delicious profiteroles submerged in this fluffy, chocolate dessert. Topped with another one for good measure, it wouldn’t surprise me if this experimental dish makes a regular appearance. The family orientated nature of rumours amounts to an atmosphere that is laid back, with extremely friendly service. It has the sharp edge of a city centre restaurant, with the versatility and personal touch that gives it true small-town charm.
Chris Keenan