Bowdells Bar & Bistro in New Forest

Where do I start! When you walk in you are greeted with a hostile reception from the weird locals round the bar. The bar has nothing on tap, all comes out of a bottle or can. My husband’s coke was flat my lemonade in my vodka was flat and warm. The outside seating area was at best unusable and dirty so we sat inside, horrible atmosphere, the locals kept popping out the back and coming back looking odder than before. A very unpleasant establishment. It’s a shame the area does not have a decent bar or pub.

I was having a great time on the sofa talking to the bald worker and his dog. He suddenly heard the dogs stomach rumble and whipped out the dog bowl, the smell was horrible and unpleasant, good vibes tho

Love this little place, they don't serve food anymore just drinks. The staff & regulars were all very friendly. You make new friends instantly. Reminds me of the US sitcom Cheers. Where everybody knows your name.

Just a coffee stop, Very good atmosphere and lovely to see the tables clean and tidy thanks

Lovely place, one of our favourites

Friendly welcome to all that came in

It is very nice ,good food pleasant people .

Walked in there, expecting to get a good vibe. Instead, everyone almost gave us deathstares. We ordered two glasses of coke, which they pulled out of a 2 litre bottle from under the bar instead of giving us cans. No music and bad atmosphere.

Friendly warm welcome from the hosts. A warm welcome and friendly smile awaits you

Really disappointed with this place. My friend and I went there, thinking it was going to be a sit down place where we could order food. Instead it was a really grotty sports bar where you had to bring your own food in from outside. We didn't like the vibe here at all and will definitely NOT go back again.

Really friendly place. Nice and welcoming.

Great little secret that few people no about. Locals, and the staff, are all bonkers. Cheap drinks, dog friendly and a great night out! Well worth a visit.

Delicious ploughmans only 2 quid xx😘😘

What a great night out Came all the way from Newton Abbot.Devon. Any one know what time we left 😜😜😜😜

Been there a couple of times and it seems nice enough. However, the guy who owns this place is notorious around here for letting his two Staffy-type dogs run loose all over the area. I understand he is rude and aggressive and he and his dogs have caused distress to quite a few people. Will not be supporting this business because of this.

Love the family atmosphere and brilliant sevice, it's so needed in Ashley, thank you guys so much xxx

Best local bar bistro xx friendly staff xx and great fun xx

Started Sunday Roasts at Bowdells and visited to try it. Excellent//the food was delicious and for £9.99 (£6.99) for OAPs for roast dinner and pudding (apple crumble and custard my favourit) it was excellent value for money. A large serving of roast potatoes, 4 vegatables and lamb...scrumptios. Well worth a visit every Sunday.

Lovely breakfast and friendly service

Excellent all day breakfast - down to earth friendly service!

Dogs on all the sofas and staff reluctant to serve.

Love Tanya and John.. I pop in occasionally and always made to feel very welcome xx

Amazing down to earth venue friendly clean and tidy

Very quick service with a lovely presented breakfast 😁

A really wonderful place, with lovely people 💗

First class. Friendly clean good value. All day breakfast including tea or coffee generous portions and served hot. Hmmmm nice . Recommend to any one. We shall be back.

Great food. Brilliant people. Went in for one and stayed past closing.

Very quiet, reasonable prices and good atmosphere.

Pleasant relaxed bar, good setting for a friendly evening drink with friends – clean, tidy, and well decorated.Decent selection of alcohol (although no draght), and meals. Also a daily specials board..The breakfasts are of a good standard, and at £5 (which includes your drink) it's not overpriced either!

Very friendly John's very welcoming good place to meet 10 out of 10

Great food and excellent prices

Lovely place with comfortable seats and garden area. Good priced alcohol and delicious food. Friendly staff. I would highly recommend this place.