“Where tradition meets opulence. A collection of remarkable venues offering the quintessential hospitality experience across the South.”
The Nicholas James Group brings together a diverse range of pubs, inns, and eateries across southern England, each with its own distinct character but linked by a shared focus on outstanding hospitality. The collection spans from country gastropubs in Berkshire and Romsey to coastal hideaways on the Isle of Wight, as well as lively community bars and boutique inns. Menus highlight seasonal ingredients, and the interiors balance traditional charm with contemporary design. Whether you’re stopping in for a drink, enjoying a meal, marking a special occasion, or staying overnight, each venue offers a welcoming atmosphere shaped by genuine service and thoughtful detail.
Hospitality & Community
We create spaces where everyone feels welcome, locals, visitors, families and friends.
Quality & Craftsmanship
We create spaces where From our menus and drinks to our interiors and service, attention to detail and the use of quality ingredients underpin everything we do.
Authenticity & Tradition
Each venue honours its local heritage and embraces the character of its surroundings.
Opulence & Comfort
We bring a sense of understated luxury to the classic pub environment. stylish decor, thoughtful touches and relaxed surroundings.
Innovation & Variety
Every venue brings something distinctive, we are continually evolving to suit all tastes and occasions.
Sustainability & Stewardship
We value our communities and environment, treating our people and places with respect.
“Explore our collection of pubs, inns, and eateries, each offering its own style but united by a passion for great food, drink, and service.”
“Memorable meals and profound hospitality, crafted with heritage.”
11 Latimer Street, Romsey, SO51 8DF
“A charming country retreat overlooking Woodside Park Vineyard, serving refined menus with a serene garden setting.”
Woodside Road, Ascot, Windsor, SL4 2DP
“Penn Hill’s most anticipated dining experience.”
106 Penn Hill Ave, Poole, BH14 9NA
The Plume of Feathers – Crondall
“A Tudor gem with timeless comfort, serving the complete village pub experience.”
The Borough, Crondall, GU10 5NT
The Lion Hotel – Wimborne
“Wimborne’s heart, where warm pub comfort meets boutique stays and great food.”
23 West Street, Wimborne, BH21 1JS
Nicholas James – Ashley Cross
“A neighbourhood hideaway in the heart of Ashley cross, blending the warmth of a café with the sophistication of a wine bar.”
32 Station Road, Poole, BH14 8UD
THE Boathouse – ISLE OF WIGHT
Our pub on the beach pairs stylish food and Classic drinks with stunning Solent views. “
Springvale Road, Seaview, Isle of Wight, PO34 5AW
SANDOWN – isle of wight
“Beachfront dining on the Isle of Wight, offering Fresh dishes, a vibrant bar, beautiful surroundings.”
1-9 Esplanade, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8LA
the cricketers – WIMBORNE
“Wimborne’s home of live sport. Featuring five screens, darts, pool, live music and a friendly welcome.”
12 Park Lane, Wimborne Minster, BH21 1LD
MANOR FARMHOUSE – MORETON
“Your perfect countryside escape in the picturesque village of Moreton, Dorset.”
Manor Farmhouse, Old Weymouth Rd, Moreton, Dorchester DT2 8RF
Across our venues you’ll find menus that change with the seasons, think crispy tempura fish & chips, hand‑cut steak frites, moules marinière and pan‑fried seabass. Share a board of Moroccan spiced houmous, smoked chicken terrine or king prawns cooked in garlic, then settle into hearty mains like homemade pies, burgers piled high, roasted Mediterranean‑vegetable Wellington or an 8oz sirloin steak with triple‑cooked chips.
The Best of Now
Our menus evolve with the seasons, ensuring every dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients at their peak. By working with local producers, we keep our plates vibrant, unique, and full of flavour to ensure there’s always something new to discover.
Choice Without Compromise
With menus as diverse as our guests, we strike the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Familiar pub classics sit alongside market-fresh seafood and expertly prepared steaks, all crafted with care and an emphasis on freshness.
Every Course Counts
It’s not just about the mains, our small plates, starters, and desserts deserve their moment too. From intriguing dishes perfect for sharing to indulgent desserts that end every meal on a high, there’s something to tempt everyone.
Beyond the Plate
Our bar offering is as thoughtfully curated as our menus. Enjoy sparkling, rosé, white and red wines, an array of signature cocktails from classic favourites to inventive new options, and a considered selection of premium spirits and beers.
Real Insights from Real Hospitality Operations
We are a restaurant and bar group with deep, hands-on experience across the hospitality world. Our background is in operating quality venues day in, day out. Ranging from neighbourhood cafés and casual dining spots to lively bars and destination restaurants. We offer a complete range of support for businesses, including Strategy and positioning, concept development, menu direction, Design input and fit-out guidance, Opening or re-opening support, Recruitment, training, staffing structures, Marketing, branding, cost control, supply chains, processes and more.
We’re not traditional consultants. Our style is informal, collaborative and grounded in real operations. We focus on what actually works on the floor and in the back office, not just what looks good in a report. We’re here to help you make better decisions, improve performance and create places that guests want to come back to.
Outstanding Hospitality Starts With Our Team: Valuing, Supporting and Growing Our People
We believe the only way to look after every single person who comes through our doors is to offer truly outstanding hospitality, every day. To do that, we hire, keep and develop exceptional people who are passionate about what they do. We are only ever as good as our last service, so we treat each new day as a fresh start and a new opportunity to delight our guests, whether they are joining us in our restaurants, bars or staying in our rooms.
We are always on the lookout for the very best in every area of hospitality, from front of house teams to chefs and managers. Once you are with us, we focus on making sure you are happy, supported and able to perform at your very best. Through ongoing training, development and a culture of care, we give our people the skills and confidence they need to grow, succeed and create unforgettable experiences for our guests.
