The best restaurants serving Default food in Downlands and Forest New Forest South East

We travelled from Hertfordshire to a different place to stay 1 night with our dog on a trip to friends in Cornwall, the other place turned out to be a scam so we had nowhere to stay, we Googled for alternatives and called the Cartwheel Inn, who could offer us Bed and Breakfast. Sometimes things happen for a reason, the Cartwheel was beautiful, welcoming, and the room was comfortable, fresh, modern. The food that evening and the breakfast was delicious.

A great community pub that deserves support for the quality of its food and friendly atmosphere! They easily accommodated our party of a dozen as we ordered our food in advance. Definitely worth visiting and regularly if you're local.

Friendly staff and a Steak and Ale pie that was worth the visit.

Visited the new forest for a family Sunday lunch. The three pubs we tried all booked up so left the forest hoping to find somewhere. By chance we stopped here and so glad we did. Lovely garden for the three children with play equipment. Varied menu with child friendly options. Food came out in a timely way and was hot. Lovely helpful staff. Lovely guy whose people skills were excellent. Bill was reasonable. So what started as a disaster with fed up children turned out to be a very nice lunch.

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.