“What good restaurants in France used to be like!” – this “small and excellent” rural place offers “appetising Gallic country cooking” (in “hearty” portions), and “very good” service too.
Hardens Restaurant Review - 2011
Clos du Marquis has always been one of our favourite restaurants and as we hadn’t visited for two years decided it was about time to re review. The majority of the clientele appear to be regulars and Germain the chef/patron chats to everyone like old friends! As well as Germain it was lovely to see his wife Glanis and maitre d Garth again. Big news Garth and his wife Maranda, one of the chefs, have just had a baby boy! Clos du Marquis has the perfect combination fabulous food served in a genial atmosphere.
www.Ladieswholunch-inhampshire.co.uk - November 2009
One small business that has been operating for years is a good example of how planning ahead and getting the offer and the pricing right – and keeping the delivery spot-on - works well. Clos du Marquis at the Leckford Hutt near Stockbridge in Hampshire is a good example of a business that knows its market and adjusts its offers to the prevailing climate. I called in recently on a cold January morning en route to Wiltshire and got the last table available for lunch. It was packed – it even had some double covers of people lunching long into the afternoon. As usual the chef/patron called at every table with a sensitive and relevant enquiry or observation. They cook with real skill, deliver full value and treat all their customers as family. I recommend you try it. If you like Gascon cooking, good value and some great south west wines, there’s nowhere quite so in tune with the times.
Leisure Management Magazine - March 2011
Le Clos du Marquis is worth the hour’s rail journey from London. Try his pike mousse with monkfish liver and crayfish sauce (“one of the ten best things I’ve ever eaten,” says Clarissa) or the true-blue Cassoulet with duck confit, Toulouse sausage and haricots tarbais (Orson Welles’ favourite dishes at Germain’s first mentor). Marquis’ style is too homely to get Michelin’s nod, but, he says, “Michelin remains the supreme arbitrator.” They waste no time with meaningless rankings of “Top” and “Best” lists that merely reflect transient fashion. Their star grading are based on fundamental and enduring standards.
Le GastroGnome, Victor Strugo - Saturday Star - 24/010/09
Johannesburg, RSA
The 10 best things I have ever eaten Germain Marquis'pike mousse with monfish liver
"At the very moment that you think that you have discovered all the culinary delights your life has to offer, you find a new friend...I
went to a treat at Clos du Marquis.......the food is just brilliant"
Clarissa Dickson Wright - Country life - 13/09/07
Cricket-loving Frenchman has tamed the local pike and transformed an isolated Hampshire coaching inn into a gastronomic
destination......
Dominic Prince - Telegraph Magazine - 23/08/2008
"Delicious and beautifully presented, rustic Gallic fare and service which radiates charm have made this French run venture a great addition to the Hampshire restaurant scene"
Harden's UK restaurant Food Guide - 2007
"Constantly high standards of food, always a warm welcome, the ambiance, value for money and excellent service plus the fact we only ever hear praise from site regulars, we have decided to award Clos du Marquis our highest Yummy factor 10/10"
Ladies Who Lunch in Hampshire - November 2005
Hampshire Hospitality Award for Superior Quality Assured and Local Produce Award - 2007
"Within seconds of speaking with Germain Marquis I realised we had a true eccentric character.
And a superb chef".
Freddie - 21/11/07
Genial French Chef/Patron, Germain Marquis continues to delight with his french provincial cooking, at this consistently enjoyable and highly popular pub conversion.
2008 Survey - Commended Harden's UK Restaurant Food Guide - 2008
Nominated 2008 TestValley Borough Council Best Rural Business of the Year
Hampshire Hospitality Award for Superior Quality Assured and Local Produce Award -
2008