The London and Southampton Railway was first proposed in 1831 and the bill approved by Parliament in 1834 at a cost of £900,000. The section between Basingstoke and Winchester opened on 11 May 1840 – and was the final part of the London and Southampton Railway to be completed. Prior to its construction, all of the traffic between London and Southampton was carried by eight stage coaches, four wagons per week, and one barge weekly on the Basingstoke Canal!
The London and Southampton Railway was first proposed in 1831 and the bill approved by Parliament in 1834 at a cost of £900,000. The section between Basingstoke and Winchester opened on 11 May 1840 – and was the final part of the London and Southampton Railway to be completed. Prior to its construction, all of the traffic between London and Southampton was carried by eight stage coaches, four wagons per week, and one barge weekly on the Basingstoke Canal!
The London and Southampton Railway was first proposed in 1831 and the bill approved by Parliament in 1834 at a cost of £900,000. The section between Basingstoke and Winchester opened on 11 May 1840 – and was the final part of the London and Southampton Railway to be completed. Prior to its construction, all of the traffic between London and Southampton was carried by eight stage coaches, four wagons per week, and one barge weekly on the Basingstoke Canal!
Half Moon & Spread Eagle
Winchester Road
Micheldever
SO21 3DG
Micheldever Hampshire SO21 3DG
Winchester Road
A New Chapter at The Half Moon & Spread Eagle
Welcoming Head Chef Matt Noonan
The Half Moon & Spread Eagle is thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter in its
culinary journey with the arrival of Head Chef Matt Noonan, a true Hampshire chef at heart whose creativity and passion for local, seasonal cooking promise to redefine the pub dining experience.
Matt’s impressive career includes time at The Hampshire Pantry, Winchester, The Yard in The Candover Valley and The Hut on the Isle of Wight, further broadening his culinary perspective and refining his distinctive style. Matt was also the Head Chef at The Black Rat in Winchester, where his inspired dishes and commitment to exceptional quality earned widespread acclaim. Having grown up in the New Forest, Matt’s cooking is deeply rooted in the landscape that shaped him. His passion for Hampshire’s natural bounty whether through foraging, local produce, or partnerships with incredible nearby suppliers, forms the foundation of his philosophy: wholesome, traditional, seasonal country cooking with a contemporary creative edge.
Beyond his culinary expertise, Matt’s interests in street art and photography inspire the visual and artistic flair he brings to the plate. With over 20 years in the industry, he combines skill and imagination to deliver dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
At The Half Moon & Spread Eagle, Matt will take the reins of the kitchen with complete creative freedom, curating a menu that celebrates traditional pub favourites alongside refined dining experiences. Guests can look forward to comforting classics elevated with local ingredients and bold new flavours that capture the best of Hampshire.
As part of this new direction, Matt will also host fine dining evenings, showcasing the precision, flair, and innovation that have defined his career. “This is a chance to celebrate the ingredients, people, and traditions of Hampshire, and the community.”
This appointment marks the beginning of a fresh era for The Half Moon & Spread Eagle, one that celebrates creativity, seasonality, and the joy of great food shared in good company.
14th October 2025
HMSE Village Investor Group
Face Book. ( Facebook link)
Telephone: 01962 774150
Email: halfmoonmicheldever@gmail.com
Monday – 5.00pm – 9:00pm
Tuesday – 5.00pm – 9:00pm
Wednesday, Thursday, 11.30am – 3pm & 5 pm – 10pm
Friday, 12 to 11 pm
Saturday 12 to 11pm
Sunday 12 – 5pm
Food served lunchtimes Wednesday – Sunday 12pm – 2.30pm, and evenings Wednesday-Saturday 6pm – 8.30pm.
Web-site Half Moon and Spread Eagle
The Half Moon and Spread Eagle, a beautiful old drovers’ inn dating back to 1703, is situated in the picturesque Hampshire village of Micheldever, overlooking the former village cricket ground.
History of Half Moon & Spread Eagle CLICK HERE
2020
2020