The Empress of Blandings in New Forest

If you like Bavarian-style landbier, the Empress' house lager, Forum Lager is an excellent Hellesbier from a UK brewer. It's served in a pint Maßkrug (AKA glass Stein).

Found it on a run out . A lovely pub great food and beer good value for money . Will definitely go again when down in Romsey

We booked a large family gathering for Easter Sunday / Birthday party. Hannah was our main contact. You need to book in advance with a large party. They will need your food order at least a week in advance. Hannah was amazing. She made us feel like nothing was too much trouble. Especially as we had quiet a few changes to our order and number of people coming. £5 ahead deposit was reasonable and of course taken off our bill. We were able to bring our own Birthday cake and some decorations. Nothing was an issue. The food was excellent and came very soon after we arrived. We mainly ordered roasts. The portions were very generous adult and kids size. Desserts came promptly and again were delicious and very generous portions. There was a very slight delay with coffees (otherwise it would have been 5 stars). But this was the only issue and once they arrived the staff were very apologetic and ensure we were happy. The coffee was very good including the decaff which was great. The service was excellent. The team were very friendly and welcoming. Hannah did an excellent job of making sure we had everything we needed. Thank you so much Hannah and team for making our Easter / Birthday celebration an excellent one. We hope to make an Easter gathering at The Empress a new family tradition so it must have been good. ; )

We had a party of 3 adults and 5 kids 13 and under, the staff were very attentive and made all of us, especially the kids, feel welcome and looked after. Can’t stress how good the food is, definitely worth trying with the family. Chilli was out of this world!

A lovely pub which we found after a long day at Paulton’s Park. The menu had something for all of us, and food was delicious. The service was also really good. Would throughly recommend a visit.

We had a group of 16, and it was perfect.

We booked an afternoon Sunday roast here to finish off a long hike. As we arrived early, we grabbed a drink and sat outside for a well earned chill. There are two areas - one at the front and one to the rear - this being quieter. The pub is very close to the motorway but the noise isn't at all intrusive. Food was plentiful and well cooked. Service was (slightly) slow, but very affable and attentive once they engaged. I drink ale, there were a number of options and quality was good. The pub has a slightly generic 'beams and wood fires' feel to it, but was just what we needed! If you know of PJ Wodehouse, you'll probably appreciate some of the links to the "Blandings".

I had late lunch (2.30) with a couple of family members, and it was lovely. Good service, very friendly staff, and the food was beautiful. I would definitely recommend the pulled pork with bacon and barbecue sauce in a baguette. Scrumptious!

Lovely pub, good food and convenient location between Southampton and the forest.

This is the fourth time I’ve eaten here after a day out at Paultons Park, as always it was a lovely meal. I had a jacket potato with pulled pork and coleslaw, my child had chicken nuggets and fries. The staff were helpful, warm and very friendly. My daughter was particularly enamoured with Joe (don’t know if he is bar/restaurant manager or owner) who went out of his way to talk to her. Claudia our waitress was also lovely and very kind to her. Can’t wait for our next visit.

Excellent food, attentive staff and a lovely atmosphere. Great menu and we were made for feel very welcome. Would recommend.

Table for 12, and everyone enjoyed the food. Service was excellent.

Roast dinner had plenty of meat. Staff super friendly

Really lovely roast dinner but service was really slow. Empty salt cellar on table at start if lunch service, no other condiments unless requested. A childs bottle of fruit shoot at £2.95 is ridiculously overpriced ! No ramps on entry, step down to loo with no rails, couldn’t see an accessible loo. Food was beautiful but staff need to be more attentive especially during busy lunchtimes. Overall good but room for improvement..

Prawn and avocado salad, well avocado was not ripe Prawns were obviously defrosted under cold water (I have worked in the food industry) so much salad you could of fed at least 3 rabbits for 3 days. I have no problem catering for the public and know about overhead costs etc but please up your game with the food, just because you are on a holiday route and the season is about to start please serve food to be proud of

Had a lovely time at the Empress, the big momma burger and pulled pork brioche was delicious. First time I tried a coffee stout and it was delicious too. The service was a little slow but the staff were very polite and helpful.

Traditional and huge pub for all occasions

Great family run pub just off the M27 and yet inside the New Forest. Easy to find. Nice welcome from friendly staff: lovely warm, cosy environment. Very clean in all areas. Good food at fair prices. Excellent service. Loved all the piggy pictures, references, ceramics and quotes.Thoroughly recommend.

Lovely roast great beer on tap too reasonable prices will return

This pub is half way between where the families live, so made sense to go to based on the reviews and location. It was easy to find, one staff member in particular Hannah, was welcoming efficient and helpful. The food was excellent and fairly priced I thought. I'm sure we'll go back!

We booked a table for 15 of all ages on a Saturday afternoon for a couple of birthdays and it was excellent from start to finish. We had to pre order (as expected for a large group) but all of the food arrived promptly and without fault. The portions were generous and all well cooked and presented. The staff were all lovely. We love the casual atmosphere and it's helpful that dogs are allowed in all areas too. Thank You

Excellent varied menu, really friendly service and relaxed atmosphere with no time pressure on ordering the next course. I'll definitely be going back!

Haven’t been to Empress for a while, seems to have changed hands, menu varied and good if not slightly on the small side to be able to read without glasses!! We all enjoyed our meals but would think twice before coming back because of the price point, out of our price range unless it’s a special occasion. The restaurant seemed to get busier as the evening went on and the atmosphere was nice, something that was lacking in the past

This pub has really turned round. Visited for lunch yesterday and was very pleasantly surprised. The welcome was friendly, the food was served Quickly and was excellent. Once again it's one of the best pubs in the Forest.

Went to a function. The upstairs function room bar was poorly stocked so I had to go downstairs to the bar to buy my round, paid cash, the barmaid turned around and said do you want your change? bearing in mind that the change was a couple of quid and I had to walk downstairs to get the drinks. I've worked in the service industry myself and I would have never have dreamt of asking whether a customer would like their change back fair enough if it was a couple of pence but not £2 and the fact I had to walk up and down the stairs to get the drinks. I've tipped bar staff before, but sorry I wants don't get.

We have been driving passed this place on our way to other pubs and restaurants for years. In about August 2023 we were out for a drive and decided to stop here for a drink. We ended up having food and got talking to what turned out to be the new proprietor. We have visited on numerous occasions since and we have always enjoyed the good value for money excellent food and good service. We visited with friends yesterday who hadn’t been there for years and they were surprised by the quality of the food. As always the service is always good from Hannah and Harry. As a local pub/ restaurant they are working hard to offer a product and service and deserve support. We will be back.

Extensive menu, plenty of choice for the children and adults in our party. All the meals were excellent and Hannah the waitress was friendly and efficient. We have visited the pub restaurant several times since the change of landlord and have always been very impressed with the food and staff.

We had a wonderful Sunday today, the pork was divine and the plate was full of beautiful roasties and seasonal veggies. A real treat. Pudding was just as delightful. We were served by Hannah who was very friendly, attentive and efficient. We will be back soon. The other positives are great value for money and that the pub is very dog friendly. Thank you.

We walked in got served by a young lady, she poured us our drinks, they were lukewarm, atmosphere was very odd, lots of locals, so didn't feel very welcome, people would stop their convocations as we walked pass, and the menu is disorganised. The toilets are very unique, small and a little bit old fashioned.

Another brilliant night out. Since having taken over the new management have done wonders with the menu, and we haven’t had a bad meal there since. The havgis/tatie tower is just amazing and the sharing platter is a firm favourite.. It is just brilliant. Its become a really popular pub again, and we now have to book to ensure we get a table. Hannah has happened to be our waitress there on most of the occasions we have been, and she is just fantastic. She has a fantastic attention to detail, and is so easy in her manner and professionalism with the clients. The sort of pub that is an absolute certainty that you’ll get a good, quality meal and wonderful service. And best of all, it’s well priced too. Love this place and we love Hannah!! Thank you!

A large family birthday meal. All I can say is Thank You to Hannah and Claudia for making it so special. Food was outstanding, all as ordered and on time. Attentive staff, happy and couldn’t do enough. We eat here once a week (if we can) and that’s why we chose it for a family meal. Cannot wait to return.

Absolutely amazing meal probably one of the nicest pub meals I've ever had top marks to the chef and the staff done an excellent job

After a disappointing first impression and long wait to be greeted and seated, we enjoyed the food and ambience. Good menu choice and nice warm restaurant on a cold January day. If only staff could be friendlier and smile!

After a long wait and poor reception the overall lunch was very enjoyable. Excellent menu choice and staff warmed up when they had more time

Popped in for a Birthday lunch with my wife and we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We will definitely be coming back.

Took a long chilly walk for a drink and a bite to eat. It was worth it. Bar/waiting staff were polite and prompt. Food was fresh and tasty.

Excellent place Excellent food and service will return

Good variety of food on menu. Food fresh and delicious. Chips to die for. Great veggie choices too.

We came for a family Christmas lunch, but we had to ask on several occasions if we could order another drink. The food quality and prices did make up for the poor service.

Friendly pub with a great atmosphere. Lots of food and drink choices and great selection of vegan options. The decor is very original and cosy. Great place to spend some time, definitely worth a visit.

Visited with family after a recommendation. I had the ceasar salad, which was one of the best I have had in a long time. Can also thoroughly recommend the non-alcoholic gin. Will definitely be back.

Table of 4 booked for 18:30 on 29th December. Incredibly quiet, we were I think group 1 of no more than 6 eating... 😳 A couple of groups just enjoying drinks and that was it. Food was very good & enjoyed the visit, just very suprised on how busy (or lack of) it was.....

Feeling a little mixed on my thought on boxing day. On one hand the food was AMAZING all 12 meals looked delicious and everyone enjoyed their meal. Well done to the kitchen team!! On the other hand the front of house staff were miserable, no warm welcome, had to remove our own menus from table, the 'boxing day menu ' that appears on Facebook wasn't offered to us at all, no one came to clear glasses or offer us a 2nd drink so instead we had to go to bar ourselves, no check back to see if we were enjoying our meal - I found the service a complete let down . If the service and atmosphere improves combined with the already fab food it could be a fantastic pub.

Feeling a little mixed on my thought on boxing day. On one hand the food was AMAZING all 12 meals looked delicious and everyone enjoyed their meal. Well done to the kitchen team!! On the other hand the front of house staff were miserable, no warm welcome, had to remove our own menus from table, the 'boxing day menu ' that appears on Facebook wasn't offered to us at all, none one came to clear glasses or offer us a 2nd drink so instead we had to go to bar ourselves, no check back to see if we were enjoying our meal - I found the service a complete let down . If the service and atmosphere improves combined with the already fab food it could be a fantastic pub.

Fish was dry and chewy more like meat than fish

We are 10 golfing ladies from around the area and chose The Empress of Blandings for our Christmas dinner. We weren't disappointed. The Christmas menu had lots of choices and we all appreciated the good friendly service and food quality. I would recommend this venue for larger parties as well as smaller groups.

We booked for a family Christmas celebration meal for 14, including two young children. Our booking was made in October, so definitely not a last minute booking. When we arrived, half an hour before our booked time for a drink, our table was not ready, another family were finishing their meal. I will say that party tables were set up elsewhere in the restaurant, looking very festive and pretty. At 8 when we were due to sit down we were shown to our table, which was underwhelming to say the least. The table was bare, certainly not festive, with white napkins, cutlery and a cracker!!!! We did ask if they could turn on the lights so that it looked a bit Christmassy. It was certainly not festive, and very disappointing. Some of the staff members were great, friendly efficient, a couple though were surly and miserable, don’t think they really added to the festive scene!! The food was quite nice, especially the festive burger, which went down really well. Nice touch to have cheese and biscuits on dessert menu too. When I asked for the bill, there were no nice touches like a chocolate or sweet. All in all it was a Christmas celebration meal with so sense of Christmas or celebration at all - so disappointing.

Went prior to going to an auction, we were 3 and a walk in, the positives, polite, friendly staff, seated quickly, drinks and meals ordered at the same time, drinks arrived promptly, food also arrived quickly, was ok, scampi, mushroom stroganoff, chicken strips, Hubby ordered chips instead of rice for his stroganoff, it came with rice! Waitress apologised, chips arrived 10 mins later, it was an average meal, not good, not bad, edible, bill came quickly when asked, but I ordered a large glass of Chardonnay (250 ml) and was charged £9.95, outrageous, I can buy a bottle for £7, I know they have a mark up, website shows it’s £8.60, also website shows Friday fish and chips are £12.95, nowhere on the menu is that mentioned nor were we told, tbh we didn’t ask, I would go else where next time

Just had the worst fish and chips at 70 years old.we were celebrating our 49 years anniversary fish was raw batter under cooked and greasey.the staff were great and everything else was good first and last time we will be going there

Never been here before would definitely go again. Venison pie delicious!

Excellent meal today, great value and very pleasant surroundings. Great service. Dog friendly too.

First time at the Empress of Blandings. Booked a table for 4 people for Sunday lunch. Very impressed by the whole experience. Staff very friendly and attentive. The quality of food was fantastic. Lovely atmosphere. Exceeded my expectations. Will be back again. Lovely to have such a nice pub/restaurant local. Cannot believe not attended before even after being told it's good ! Well it's very good

Nice Christmas Dinner, and good Badger ales...

Insulting. As a regular customer, arrived with 3 family members at 17.30 and rudely told no food for walk ins, even though our normal tables were empty, we offered to have a drink and wait for food but were told there was no point. I would expect regulars to be catered for as well as booked parties at this time of year. We found an alternative establishment (Salmon Leap in Totton) where despite being packed, we were made most welcome and fed handsomely. It seems we have found a new local and sadly will not return to the Empress.

Went for a meal, plenty of tables not reserved in the bar area. Were referred to as ‘walk in’s’ (as if thats some sort of 2nd class) and told no room in tue Inn. Staff then huddled behind the bar and acted like we had committed a crime for asking for a table. Real shame as normally a great experience here

We had a family lunch here and were incredibly impressed with the variety of options. They were able to cater for multiple food allergies and even adapted an existing dish to make it vegan from scratch. The staff were very friendly. Lovely pub and surroundings....

Thoroughly enjoyed our meal, I had the wild haggis it was fab. Service was very friendly and prompt.

Lovely staff and service - very tasty burger- shame it was served on a board ? What’s wrong with a plate?

Great food and service. Will definitely return.

Absolutely AMAZING Sunday roast, great portion, great taste, thoroughly enjoyed. Desert, anther great dish, well served.

Popped in for a pint and ended staying for a light lunch. Greeted by friendly staff and when we saw and mentioned the books on the far wall, were seated there. A good selection of ale available including a German-styleHelles which we opted for. I had the ham and cheese ciabatta which came with chips and salad. The ciabatta wasn't stodgy or heavy and the chips were light and crispy. My partner had the haggis stack (starter) which he said was very tasty. Indulgent, we decided on desert. I had the sticky toffee pudding with cream. Served warm, very light and tasty and my partner had the American Cheesecake that was very good. We were amazed at the book selection and came across The Wooden Horse that was made into a B&W WWII movie. Asked if I could take it home to which they sad yes. Gave them my details and a £10 refundable deposit. Definately well worth visiting.

Really tasty vegan burger..but please stop serving my food on a wooden board! Always good here..mitch(waiter) deserves a thankyou..excellent...

We stopped off for lunch on Monday, although quite, this is a lovely restaurant. The menu is very good spoilt for choice. All our meals were delicious and reasonably priced.

Lovely food, excellent service and wonderful setting.

Have not been to The EOB for a while and my friend and i were very surprised how good it was. Good variety of dishes to choose from the menu, very good food at reasonable prices and excellent service. What more can you ask for?...

Lovely meal, friendly welcoming staff

I unfortunately don't live near here, if I did I'd never eat another Sunday lunch at home. Great food, nice wine, friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere (love the guitarist, enjoyable without feeling imposing). I might move.

Great beer, super food, really good service & atmosphere and lovely countryside!

Great place friendly staff. Great food. Big meals.

We came across this place by accident or should I say fate, because WOW! Not only are they extremely dog friendly for our fur baby, the staff were so welcoming and accommodating. And then there is the food. The food that came out is beyond the expectations that the prices would reflect. In my opinion the food that we had is Michelin star quality and incredible value for the money. Thank you to both front of house staff and the chefs, you really made a dreary wet October evening an enjoyable event.

What a nice pub... Good selection and nice food

Thanks to Stuart and crew for excellent hospitality , we had the prawn cocktail and the venison and bacon pie.

It has been a while since we had eaten here so we’re pleasantly surprised at the menu choice. Food came out timely, hot and well presented. The food was delicious and plentiful. Good selection of beers and wines and I had a few Thatchers 0%...

It is an excellent pub with amazing food and beer. I especially enjoyed the chicken with haggis and washed down with a pint of Tanglefoot. 🍺

Had a lovely meal here great value for money fantastic food all cooked fresh and piping hot when we were served . Relaxed atmosphere and super friendly and helpful staff. Would definately recommend 5⭐️ from start to finish. Well done everyone we will certainly be...

We had not visited in a while, so was so surprised to see the modern varied menu, with several special. We had spring rolls for starter which was great. My chicken and haggis, was superb, piping hot well presented large portion and very tasty. My...

Good beer and lovely little garden. They did facilitate an 'off menu' kids meal for little man, which was lovely. Suprised to see dirty plates etc on the table where we decided to sit (and the table opposite) given we were the only patrons.

Nice food, nice atmosphere, lots of parking. Interesting framed pictures on the wall re. the pub's history.

Went here for dinner today with my family and every one of us loved our food and the lovely welcoming service. We haven't been here for a few years but from todays experience it's now on one of our favourite places to go for food.

Good food, good price and very large portions

Visited lunchtime on Sunday 3rd September. The meal was delicious and the service excellent. We had the haggis starter to share, then the brisket burger and fish and chips. We'll definitely be back!

Fantastic little spot !! Used to eat at the Mortimer arms when visiting Paultons park with the baby, they advised us to try here, and I can’t look back, Food was awesome, drink selection was great, service was spot on, Interior and atmosphere was awesome, The beer garden was nice, safe, and great to let the little ones loose without worry. Just wish we could pick this one up and plonk it in Cardiff. 👌👌

Visited last night with a large group.We had preordered our food ,which was excellent.Great service by all the staff.Would definitely recommend.

Our group of 26 TVR members enjoyed excellent tasty meals, really impressed with quality. All meals were served within a 20 minute window, perfect. Thank You to all the staff for very good service 👍

Between us we had a burger and lamb steak. Both were absolutely delicious! Food is reasonably priced, staff are friendly and attentive. Lovely little pub with a calm atmosphere.

Excellent food and service. Thank you.

Friendly, efficient staff. Lovely food. Blessed with a sunny day so sat in the garden

Can’t rate our meal highly enough. Vegetables tasted so fresh and cooked to perfection, a proper pie with mash and gravy, pudding was equally yummy, by far the best pub grub I’ve had in a very long time! And if you’re gluten free you will be spoiled for choice, a rarity in any eating establishment !

We found this pub after our car took a detour on our journey home and we decided to stop! We are very glad we did it was stunning inside! The selection of food was very wide for adults and children and the staff were very helpful and pleasant. It was quiet and we were served very quickly. Devine food and very well priced for the amount you get. We wished we could have stayed for pudding but I would definitely think this pub is well worth the 1 hour 15 min journey from home to visit again!

Fabulous food and very attentive staff. Their roast dinners are the best in the area. The only down point is that sometimes they have some dishes unavailable due to stock, but everything is delicious so always something else you will like.

Absolutely delicious food, very generous portions and very reasonable prices. The service was impeccable. Highly recommend

Beautiful place, great food, and great staff.

This was a very pleasant environment. Moderately busy this lunchtime but tables are set so that they don’t intrude on others space. The menu was varied and I’m sure there is something for everyone. I had Chicken fajitas. Lovely quality and quantity. Three of us...

Went for lunch at this independent pub. Owner is the chef. Really good food. Exceptional service by Hannah on the day we went

Nice Sunday lunch, two of our party had dietary requirements which were a little difficult as they had to constantly check with the chef, but we got there in the end, full marks to the lovely staff for perseverance ! Menu is very good, roast...

8 of us booked to celebrate a couple of birthdays and hadn’t been here for a while so thought we would give it a try. There is a drinks menu on the table, with no prices, but no wine list. After asking for a wine...

Previous long standing customer of the Empress of Blanding, we discovered it was under new management as we arrived. One thing is the same, the lovely helpful staff. However the meal was utterly awful, poor quality + the order was wrong. Usually requesting to speak...

Had an excellent meal. Staff were friendly and polite. Not long to wait for our food but it took a while to be offered a drink at the table. Would definitely make a return visit. Food was good value. Draught lager was around 30p a...

Very dissapointing sunday lunch. Main course acceptable. We had to ask a member of staff to clear dirty plates. The table wasnt wiped clean. We ordered desserts and they didnt arrive. Customer service non existent. Never again.

Went with 5 Family members on a Sunday, one of whom was visiting us from Vancouver Island Canada. Mains arrived okay then down hill from there. No one came to clear our plates, we had to ask someone to do this. We then ordered deserts....