The best restaurants in Downlands and Forest New Forest South East

Although it is along some country roads once there the welcome is warm and friendly and the food is always really wonderful. We travel from Southampton to get there and it has been well worth every mile on each of the half dozen occasions we have been there so far...and counting!!

I first reviewed the Rose and Thistle under the old lovely owners - fabulous food and service. It was wonderful to hear that the community had managed to take over the running of the pub, and today was our first sunny trip to the RaT under the new community landlords. Very pleased to say it’s as good as it always was. Superb food and fantastic service. I had a bit of a meze with the cheese soufflé at the heart - was a fabulous soufflé and all the food was just divine. For those (like me) who rarely carry cash with them, just be aware that they don’t currently take tips on card - felt guilty not being able to tip the superb service. We will definitely be back. Congrats to the Rockborne community for bringing back the Rose and Thistle and making it marvellous!

Abysmal beyond words. The staff ignore you and ignore you. We had to find a waiter to order. Wrong drinks arrived - our fault apparently. When I voiced my displeasure it seemed to amuse the smirking young man who eventually came to see us. Food actually reasonable but literally ( and I do mean literally) the worst experience in a restaurant pub in my life. And as we speak I am chasing a coffee that never arrived - they can’t even get that right. Update - coffee cancelled as they couldn’t remember what we ordered. I summarise our visit as an experience of the worst service imaginable and staff that showed no concern whatsoever even after , half way through the stay, we expressed our disappointment. It did not get better at this point- it actually got worse.

The food was nice enough albeit very expensive. I don’t agree with ‘service charges’ it’s just restaurants helping themselves isn’t it. If you want to tip you tip - by choice…. There were very few patrons for a Saturday night, speaks for itself.

First visit to the Horse and Groom since moving from the New Forest 8 years ago. Very pleased to see the pub is thriving and is now a top destination in the Forest. Met some old friends for a very tasty lunch. Given the size of the pub the choice available for lunch was impressive. Both the clam and scotch egg starters were delicious as were the fish and chips and catch of the day main courses. The staff were friendly and engaging and the restaurant area had a pleasant feel. There is also a large 'back garden' if you just want to call in for a coffee and the separate public bar if you just want a beer. Great pub in a great spot.

Found the Pantry Barn Cafe by chance after seeing the signs on the main road as we were heading for Bournemouth - and what a find - what a gem. Had a light lunch and it was the best Ham & Cheese toastie on sourdough that I had ever tasted. The tea and coffee was delicious as well and my wife said it was the best soup she had ever had. The cakes are lovely as well. although we took this with us. Well done and we will be back when the house is open next year.

Wow, so I went for a medium Biscoff Frozen Yoghurt that turned out to be huge! A generous amount of Cadbury’s Fudge was added to my serving, too. Very popular with students, and I can see why!

This was a great place for our Fordingbridge Cycling Softies Christmas lunch. There were nine of us and the excellent food all arrived at the same time. The staff were friendly, the place was warm and comfortable and the food and drinks were perfect for our group. Well done!

Just enjoyed a superb 2 night break at The Fighting Cocks. The room and en-suite were excellent with lovely bedding and towels. All staff were very friendly, polite and attentive. The Inn was super dog friendly. The breakfasts and dinner were also excellent, compliments to the Chef. We will definitely stay again. Thank you to all the team and especially Lily for making us so welcome and our stay so enjoyable.