The best restaurants in Downlands and Forest New Forest South East

Sensational - possibly one of the best pub lunches we have ever had. From the quality of the ingredients, the presentation, the friendly and attentive service. We could not fault it. Great beer too.

We had an excellent meal - no pretensions but a real level above ordinary “pub food”. Friendly helpful service and a lovely log fire on a cold December evening.

I have just had the most delicious Christmas lunch with friends. A friendly welcome, attentive staff. Food arrived hot, which is unusual in some places. Large portions, turkey was succulent and a large portion (I had to take some home). There was a large variety of vegetables. There was a wide selection of puddings which were delicious. My friends have not been before and will definitely be returning!

What a difference from last visit. Welcoming staff and atmosphere was nice. Food was great. Waitress was very nice and helpful. Overall great experience. Had the chicken burger with chunky chips. Double burger inside. Will go again

We went here after reading good reviews in the daily echo, but I will certainly not be going back. I ordered the sirloin steak, not cheap at £22, and unfortunately was part way through it when I noticed a large insect had been cooked with it. After pulling it off of my steak I called over a waitress who said she would fetch the manager. The manager came over and inspected the insect, and then amazed me by saying "I am not sure exactly what you want me to do about it, we are in the new forest after all and unfortunately you have to expect this kind of thing to happen with all of the insects and bugs etc flying around, would you like a dessert instead?". Needless to say I declined his offer, settled the bill less the £7 he knocked off for my unwelcome extra, and left never to return again. Be warned, do not eat here unless in training for I'm a Celebrity duties.

2 grandsons (12 & 9) walked with cash into Hale on 12.4.24 to buy a yogurt treat with one topping each. We (grandparents) checked price on website minutes before they went on their own and they were nude 2.75 & one topping 3.35 so they had 2X 3.35 cash ie £6.70. But they were told they didn’t have enough money and were only allowed two nude / plain ones for the £6.70. Both too quiet & shy to question or challenge. I didn’t have time to go to the shop myself so contacted by the only other method that appears to be available (website contact page). Upset by the complete lack of response to date (20.4.24)

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.

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!

I'd rang in the week before the Saturday (19th Oct) lunchtime, and pre-booked a table for our party of 13, and I said we needed 2 high-chairs. (How nice it was to ring and book a table verbally, instead of booking on-line.) On the day, we arrived to find 3 tables pushed together for us, and all was good, though no high-chairs, which the staff member got sorted fast. We arrived in a bit of a disjointed way (an initial 5, then a 3, then a 5), but this caused no problem, and we had drinks on tab. Our meal experience was really very good, with good attention by all staff (at bar and at table). The food (we had main and dessert) came in good time, and it was delicious. All in our party thought their main course was excellent, being really flavoursome. I had the cottage pie, it was delightful, as was my partner's pork rump steak. Yes, prices were a couple of pounds more per plate for mains, but definitely worth it. At no time were we hurried along, or unduly hassled, and we ended up spending much of a great Saturday afternoon there. Our 7yo in the party enjoyed the wooden play apparatus outside, and I loved the Exmoor ales! Lastly, how refreshing to have no service charge automatically added, and allow customers to decide. We'd never eaten there before, but we will again!