The Haven Restaurant Lymington - a fabulous lunch

Top Lymington river and sea view accompanied by delicious dining and first rate service.

A first class lunch served in style to our table in a divine setting looking out over the Lymington River and across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, what more could one ask for on a beautiful summer’s day?

We had the choice of the ‘Terrace Menu’, sitting out in the sunshine (or in the shade) on the stylish terrace, a sandwich menu or a more substantial set of options in the restaurant itself – in our case at a beautifully laid table with prime view, in amongst the restaurant atmosphere, yet perfect for quiet and private conversation too.

The gorgeous summer weather helped, but the warmth of our welcome by manager Helen Wood and the whole of her happy team could be imagined at any time of year.

A delicious lunch at The Haven Restaurant

The Haven’s menu prides itself on being seasonal with a significant nod towards the sea it so majestically overlooks. The menu changes regularly - that said, scallops, mussels, whitebait, Keralean fish curry, dressed crab, fish and chips are all so popular there would be an uprising if ever removed from the menu. 

The seafood is, nonetheless, balanced well for those who would prefer not to eat fish. Ribeye steak and the famous Haven burger mingle with a zingy cajun chicken with fennel, orange and lentil salad. Whilst vegetarians have delectable options such as beetroot, ricotta and pistachio salad and a refreshing pea, asparagus and mint risotto.

Starters

After much deliberation, we chose the Scallops with Pea Purée, Chorizo and Pea Fricassee and the Crispy Fried Whitebait with Tartare Sauce.

The scallops were divine, delicately cooked and presented on a vibrant bed of pea purée, the perfect match for flavour and texture, and dressed with pea shoots. The dish was “out of this world…”, not too filling and an ideal summer entrée.

The generous portion of whitebait was served with a punchy, homemade tartare sauce. Flavoursome and delicate, the whitebait were delicately coated and perfectly crisp.

Mains

We chose Dressed Crab served with Fries, Salad and Lemon Mayonnaise and Haven Moules with White Wine and Cream Sauce, served with crusty bread. The recommendation was to have a starter-sized Moules with side of fries rather than the ‘man-sized’ main course size… and this proved to be well-founded advice! The starter portion is incredibly generous – and on seeing the main size delivered to another table, it was definitely for larger appetites!

Neither required a side dish, however we had to sample the popular Crushed Peas with Bacon, having heard so many good things about it! Incredibly flavoursome and vibrant – the perfect match for much of the menu and totally recommended.

The Dressed Crab was fresh, summery and delicious, served on baby leaves and cucumber ribbons, perfectly accompanied by the light lemon mayonnaise. The fries were crispy and delightfully served in a pot on the side.

Desserts

The Haven’s dessert menu is simple but perfect. The choice of New Forest ice creams and sorbets, cheeseboard featuring Isle of Wight cheeses, banana cheesecake, rich chocolate mousse, sticky toffee pudding and Affrogato – something for everyone.

We chose the Sticky Toffee Pudding and Affrogato. The Sticky Toffee Pudding balanced perfectly a light, moist, ‘melt-in-the-mouth’ sponge with a sweet and gooey toffee sauce.

The Affrogato was incredible: served magnificently on a platter, it was unsurprising to learn that once spotted passing a table, more orders usually follow. A cocktail glass held the vanilla icecream, onto which I tentatively poured the Amaretti and a dash of coffee. The result: divine! I don’t drink coffee, but this was the most incredible thing I have tasted in years and I will certainly be returning for another very soon.

Lunch was a wonderful experience, unquestionably good food in picturesque surroundings and with excellent service. The only sadness was when we had to leave...

The Haven is one of those places where you feel on holiday – no matter the time of day or what the elements are doing outside.

Whether you stop by for breakfast or mid-morning coffee (ideal to combine with a walk along the sea wall - well behaved dogs and children always welcome!), sundowners on the terrace (with live music on a Sunday) or enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner, you’ll receive a warm, happy welcome.

Open every day from 8am until late, The Haven is perfect for every time of day and every occasion.

The Breakfast Menu includes a generously sized full English Haven Breakfast and Vegetaran Breakfast, as well as our personal favourites, Crushed and Spiced Avocado and Free Range Poached Eggs on Toasted Bloomer, Eggs Benedict and simple Toast and Tiptree Jam.

The Sandwich Menu includes the Haven’s Famous ‘Fish Finger’ Sandwich, a true family favourite in this household! All sandwiches are substantial and served with fries and a salad.

Reassuringly, the Haven’s Children’s Menu echoes the main menu rather than providing the usual drearly ‘brown food’ choices and includes Smoked Salmon, Hummus with Flat Bread, Moules Mariniere, Fish Fingers with Fries and Crushed Peas and Bacon and more… certainly enough to keep Mum happy as well as the kids!

The Terrace Menu has been carefully designed for enjoyment outside and includes menu favourites such as Poole Bay Oysters, Whitebait, a Salmon Platter to share, Moules Marinere and the Haven Burger.

11 July 2018

New Forest French bistro puts out the flags for Bastille Day

Celebrate 'le 14 juillet' in style at Le Blaireau in Brockenhurst

Whether you’re strolling through the streets of Paris or sitting outside a restaurant of sun-baked stone in a sleepy French village, sooner or later you’re bound to get caught up in the party atmosphere as the French celebrate Bastille Day on July 14.

The nation as a whole rises up to celebrate the storming of the Bastille and the turning of the French revolution in 1789. But you don’t have to be in France to join the party – in a leafy corner of the New Forest, quirky French bistro Le Blaireau is uncorking the champagne and hosting its own Bastille Day celebrations.

Sitting in the grounds of Careys Manor Hotel in the New Forest village of Brockenhurst, Le Blaireau is inviting guests to put on their best Parisian party clothes and come along for an authentically French three-course dinner.

The charming bistro features an all-French wine list alongside classic regional French dishes, and has an interior inspired by Paris street café culture, with globe lights, cobbled streets and even a full-size 2CV parked just beyond the bar.

Head chef Jean-Raymond Dijoux has also devised monthly menus which each celebrate the cuisine of a different region of France, and feature dishes like Nougat de Tours from the Loire Valley, Choucroute Garnie from Alsace, and Boeuf Bourguignon from Burgundy.

On Bastille Day, the menu might include dishes like Crottin du Perigord goats cheese with lardons salad, fillet of seabass with a lemon samphire butter, and apple tart with pear sorbet.

To join the party, book a table at Le Blaireau on July 14, where a three-course dinner with coffee costs £30.95 per person.

And to really make the most of your Bastille Day celebrations, why not leave the car keys at home and spend the night at Careys Manor? 

With a sweeping oak staircase, cosy drawing rooms, plush suites and a luxury Thai spa, the historic country hotel is the perfect place to wind down after partying the night away.

Find out more about Careys Manor and SenSpa

Life’s a picnic at The Montagu Arms!

Enjoy National Picnic Week in the New Forest with a fabulous Montagu Arms hamper!

As the sun beats down on our glorious English countryside, what could be nicer than packing up a picnic hamper and finding a secluded spot away from the madding crowds for lunch with a view?

And, thanks to a luxury New Forest hotel, you won’t even have to spend hours hunting for that battered old picnic basket or making your own sandwiches.

To celebrate National Picnic Week from June 15-24, The Montagu Arms has created a fabulous wicker hamper for guests that’s bursting full of delicious goodies, complete with crockery, cutlery – and even a picnic blanket.

The traditional afternoon tea picnic includes an amuse bouche of lemon meringue pie, a selection of traditional sandwiches, sultana and plain scones with Cornish clotted cream and homemade strawberry preserve, carrot cake with candied walnuts, a dark chocolate and toffee macaroon, a passionfruit cheesecake, and speciality tea.

For a spot of al fresco fine dining, the luxury picnic menu features green Nocellara olives with preserved lemon and coriander, chilled Exbury tomato and red pepper gazpacho and a selection of cured meats and pickles. There’s a plum tomato, mozzarella and basil muffuletta, a homemade Scotch egg, home-smoked Loch Duart salmon, pork, apple and sage sausage rolls, a fennel, orange and dill salad, and cucumber with yoghurt and cumin. Savoury delights are followed by a Beaulieu Mess, fresh fruit tartlets, and a selection of French and English cheese.

The Montagu Arms is ideally located for finding a spot for lunch with a view. At the heart of the New Forest in the picturesque village of Beaulieu, the hotel is a stone’s throw from the banks of the tidal Beaulieu River, and peaceful river and countryside walks start from the hotel’s doorstep.

Walk the two miles along the river to the pretty maritime village of Buckler’s Hard, and unfurl your blanket on the grassy slopes at the river’s edge before taking one of the popular boat cruises.

Or take advantage of the hotel’s classic car package, which allows you to motor through a succession of idyllic New Forest villages in an iconic sports car of your choice – perfect for hunting out the best spot to stop and unload your picnic hamper. Then return to the hotel to enjoy more fine dining in the hotel’s award-winning Terrace restaurant, where head chef Matthew Tomkinson will prepare his seven-course signature tasting menu, with fine wine pairing by the head sommelier.

The Luxury Classic Car Break starts at £395 per person.

A Luxury Picnic is £35, and an Afternoon Tea picnic is £25.

For more information, visit www.montaguarmshotel.co.uk

Enjoy a fish and chip supper on the banks of the Beaulieu River.

Takeaway fish and chips from Monty's Inn every Friday over the summer months!

We’re a nation who love our fish and chips – and what could be better on a balmy summer’s evening than sitting on the banks of a river in a picturesque English village, tucking into white, flaky fish in crispy batter and a pile of rustling, golden chips?

It’s National Fish and Chip Day on 1st June, and as a salute to this iconic British dish, a luxury country house hotel and pub in the New Forest is offering a fish and chip takeaway every Friday night from now until 7th September.

Monty’s Inn is part of The Montagu Arms hotel in the charming forest village of Beaulieu.

The English country pub is known for its heritage cooking and classic British favourites, and head chef Robbie McClean has created a fish and chip supper perfect for enjoying on the banks of the Beaulieu River, just a pebble’s throw from the pub.

Robbie encases sustainable-sourced haddock in light, crispy batter made with Ringwood ale, and twice cooks Maris Piper potatoes for the perfect golden chips – crisp on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.

The fish and chip supper is perfect washed down with a Beaulieu Bitter or Montagu Lager, which has been created in conjunction with Piddle Brewery, and is exclusive to Monty’s Inn and the Montagu Arms

Monty’s Inn is in the perfect spot for a takeaway. Nestled in the heart Beaulieu, this picturesque forest village dates back to the 13th century and sits at the head of the tidal Beaulieu River. New Forest ponies wander through the cobbled streets lined with Georgian cottages, and peaceful riverside and country walks start from the door of this stylish country pub.

The Monty’s Inn takeaway fish and chip supper is available every Friday until 7th September, and costs £9.95.

For more information, visit www.montaguarmshotel.co.uk

Afternoon Tea in the New Forest

Great places to enjoy afternoon tea in style in Lymington, the New Forest and surrounding areas...

Afternoon tea is one of the most quintessential of English customs and no wonder – all those delicious sandwiches, fruit-laden slices, yummy scones and melt-in-the-mouth cakes. 

In fact, afternoon tea a relatively new tradition. The tradition of drinking tea dates back to the third millennium BC in China and was popularised in England during the 1660s by King Charles II and his wife the Portuguese Infanta Catherine de Braganza, but it was not until the mid 19th Century that the concept of ‘afternoon tea’ first appeared.

Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, would have a “sinking feeling between luncheon and supper”. In 1840 she asked that a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake be brought to her room during the late afternoon. This became a habit of hers and she began inviting friends to join her.

This pause for tea became a fashionable social event. During the 1880’s upper-class and society women would change into long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea, which was usually served in the drawing room between four and five o’clock.

‘Wouldn’t it be dreadful to live in a county where they didn’t serve tea!’ - Noel Coward

These days there are several distinct excuses to our mind for taking afternoon tea. The first is to make a change. Those groups of friends who have the luxury of time to meet for morning coffee and gossip could try switching their gatherings to try afternoon tea in one of the many New Forest eateries where it’s served.

The second is for a business meeting with a colleague or your team, especially when you need to do a bit of brainstorming and thinking outside the box. We tried an afternoon tea and it works brilliantly!

And of course afternoon tea in the New Forest is a wonderful experience to share with loved ones on an anniversary, special birthday or other occasion; afternoon tea is a sophisticated and relaxed way to celebrate with your closest friends and family.

Pour your tea and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, usually including a selection of dainty sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and preserves. Cakes and pastries. Tea grown in India or Ceylon is poured from dainty teapots into delicate bone china cups. 

Where to enjoy a splendid traditional afternoon tea in Lymington and the New Forest

Remember to mention that you read about them on Lymington.com when you arrive!

Balmer Lawn, Brockenhurst

Afternoon tea served between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Booking essential.

Enjoy traditional Afternoon Tea at this historical country house hotel on the edge of the New Forest - ideal to combine with a stroll from the hotel across the forest! Whilst there, take a walk along the photo wall gallery and learn some history of the New Forest and the Balmer Lawn.

Afternoon tea is served in one of the comfortable and spacious lounges or outside on the terrace if the weather permits. It includes a pot of Birchall Tea, freshly prepared finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam and a selection of home-baked cakes and biscuits. Add Champagne for a really special occasion!

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Balmer Lawn...

Chewton Glen, New Milton

Afternoon tea served between 3pm and 4.30pm. Booking essential.

Named after the celebrated naval officer, Captain Marryat, afternoon tea at the Chewton Glen features sandwiches, cakes, scones, jams and teas - most locally sourced (although the smoked salmon comes from the slightly further afield crystal clear waters of Scotland).

Enjoy afternoon tea in The Dining Room, or in fine weather on the terrace overlooking the croquet lawn.

Find out more about afternoon tea at Chewton Glen... 

Lime Wood, Lyndhurst

Afternoon tea served daily from 3pm to 5pm.

Lime Wood's afternoon tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones, clotted cream & strawberry jam and sticky eclairs, with your choice of tea. Plus choose a big slice of one of the homemade cakes, and tuck into some of the daily pick and mix treats. Perfect to pair up with a glass of fizz or a cup of Lime Wood blend. Or try the G&Tea - A special Gin from the head bartender’s selection paired to your tastes and to accompany your sandwiches and sweet treats.

Find out more about afternoon tea at Lime Wood...

Rhinefield House Hotel, Brockenhurst

Afternoon Tea served daily: 2pm - 5pm. Booking essential.

Enjoy afternoon tea in The Lounge or al fresco on one of the terraces during warmer months. Afternoon tea at Rhinefield House is perfectly accompanied with a stroll around the beautiful garden featuring ornamental ponds, fountains and terraces. Add to the country mansion’s exquisite surroundings, its distinguished reputation, impeccable service, delicious handmade food and Taylors of Harrogate tea strained to your own taste, afternoon tea at Rhinefield House makes for a memorable occasion.

Find out more about afternoon tea at Rhinefield House Hotel... 

The Thatched Cottage, Brockenhurst

Afternoon tea (booking essential)

Enjoy afternoon tea or cream tea inside at The Thatched Cottage or out in the beautiful garden when the weather is kind. This charming Grade 2 listed Hotel was built in 1627 during the reign of Charles I.

Located in Brockenhurst in the heart of the New Forest National Park, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the railway station, village centre, open heathland and forest.

Find out more about afternoon tea at The Thatched Cottage...

South Lawn Hotel, Milford on Sea

Cream teas and full afternoon tea served 2pm to 5.30pm (Monday to Friday) and 2pm to 6pm (weekends)

The South Lawn Hotel is a county house retreat near Milford on Sea. Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Cedar Tree Restaurant, with views across their manicured gardens. Indulge in a selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones served with clotted cream and jam along with a choice of tea or coffee.

Find out more about afternoon tea at the South Lawn Hotel...

 Careys Manor, Brockenhurst

Afternoon tea served Monday to Friday from 2:30pm to 5:30pm and weekends 1:30pm to 5:30pm. Booking essential.

Indulge in Traditional Afternoon tea at the chic Cambium restaurant or in the comfort of a cosy lounge in front of a roaring log fire. A mouth-watering selection of finely cut sandwiches, speciality cakes including freshly baked scones smothered in New Forest Jam and thick clotted cream, all complimented by a large selection of the finest artisan teas from Camellia’s Tea House and Fair Trade coffee. 

Careys Manor cater for everyone, their gluten free afternoon tea and vegan afternoon tea are especially popular. Special afternoon tea menus and offers are usually available for Easter, Mothering Sunday and Father's Day (with additional delights for Dad, including more savouries and local ale!)

Find out more about afternoon tea at Careys Manor...

Montagu Arms Hotel, Beaulieu 

Afternoon tea served from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Booking essential.

Afternoon tea at The Montagu Arms is reminiscent of the rituals of its 1840s origins, with a twist. A unique ‘course by course’ tasting journey starts with a savoury selection of delicate finger sandwiches and an array of sweet treats, before arriving at freshly baked scones served with homemade jam and clotted cream. Your afternoon tea will be perfectly accompanied by a selection of finest loose leaf teas and fairtrade coffee.

Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon tea experience in quintessential English surroundings in comfort of a cosy lounge with log fires or in the conservatory overlooking the manicured gardens.  Special afternoon tea menus and offers are usually available for Easter, Mothering Sunday and Father's Day (with additional delights for Dad, including more savouries and local ale!)

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Montagu Arms...

New Park Manor, Brockenhurst

Afternoon tea is served from 3pm to 5pm. Booking essential.

If you are looking for a family-friendly location then New Park Manor makes the perfect setting for afternoon tea after a walk in the New Forest. One of the luxurious Family Friendly Hotels, children of all ages are welcome and catered for.

Take a seat in one of the cosy lounges, in The Vinery, or on the terrace if the sun shines, and sample sweet treats and delightful savoury snacks with a wide range of fresh loose-leaf teas, from traditional English breakfast and herbal classics to flavourful fruit blends. 

Find out more about afternoon tea at New Park Manor...

June 2021

Appetite for Adventure produces pedal power!

Greg James and Zoe Ball fuelled by Lymington business to complete Sport Relief Challenges.

Radio and television celebrity Zoe Ball recently completed her BT Sport Relief Challenge, 'Zoe’s Hardest Road Home', cycling more than 350 miles from Blackpool to Brighton in five days - and behind the scenes on her final day, bringing a taste of the great outdoors, was the Lymington and New Forest based event catering firm Appetite for Adventure.

The catering team were fresh from supporting the previous week’s Sport Relief event, 'Radio 1’s Gregathlon', where DJ Greg James was challenged to cover 500 miles in five days, summiting Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis plus cycling between the peaks in all weathers. While Greg and the team didn’t quite make Ben Nevis due to being grounded in Moffat (Scotland) by the snow, he still raised over £700,000 for Sport Relief.

Based in Lymington on the edge of the New Forest, Appetite for Adventure owners Jason Plevey and Adie Callaghan, support a number of charity challenges with delicious food. Adie said: "We were utterly delighted to support Greg, Zoe and all the support teams on these epic challenges, to be part of the emotional highs and lows was something we will never forget!"

Over the course of the challenges the Appetite for Adventure team produced a number of hearty breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks including Chicken & Chorizo Casserole, Thai Red Curry and full English breakfasts all cooked fresh on gas rings in various locations including car parks, lakeside laybys and snowy lanes! As passionate New Forest Marque members and advocates, the team pride themselves on supporting local suppliers and producers and took various New Forest supplies with them including Fluffetts Eggs, Village Veg fruit and vegetables and Lyburn cheese. Jason’s homemade sausage rolls with Appetite’s own ‘Red Onion Marmalade’ are always a big hit and good fuel boosters, as well as their own trail mix that they put together – Greg was grateful for Smarties in temperatures of -15 degrees! But one of the tastiest surprises was Jason’s homemade chocolate fudge provided for Zoe and the team on her final day, “LOVE the chocolate fudge!” was Zoe’s enthusiastic response!

Said Jess Kirke, Senior Events Manager from Sport Relief: "Appetite for Adventure were a fantastic asset to the Sport Relief team - not only helping to keep up moral with great delicious food but also their high standards of event management professionalism. We have worked with them previously on the BT Sport Relief Challenge: 'Jo Brand’s Hell of a Walk' in 2016 and hopefully we will welcome them onto other Sport Relief events in the future!"

Added Jason; "Our last few weeks have certainly seen some unique challenges of our own. At one point we were operating in the unrelenting cold storms, supplies were frozen and we had to adapt to the weather - but that's part of the excitement and why we enjoy what we do. To be part of the two challenges, which together have raised more than £1.2million for Sport Relief, is something we can be really proud of."

See how Greg and Zoe got on with their challenges when Sport Relief 2018 airs on BBC One, Friday March 23rd. Sport Relief 2018 takes place for a week, starting on 17th.

Find out more about Appetite for Adventure here.

Great British theme nights at Monty’s Inn

A series of themed events is to take place at a stylish country pub in the picturesque New Forest village of Beaulieu. 

Monty’s Inn – next to the award-winning Montagu Arms Hotel – offers delicious heritage cooking and classic English favourites including home-made local pork Scotch eggs, the famous Monty’s burger, and delicious Sunday roasts like Hampshire top-side of beef with duck fat roast potatoes.

The new themed events will include a celebration of British Pie Week from March 5 to 11, a series of steak nights, and Fish on Fridays, when takeaway fish and chips will be available every Friday evening from May 4 until September 7.

The pie is one of the icons of British cuisine – and we Brits eat millions of them every year. British Pie Week celebrates our love of this most delicious comfort food, and Monty’s Inn will be marking the occasion by offering different pies throughout the week.

Pies will include creamy chicken and sweetcorn in a shortcrust pastry, Hampshire steak and kidney suet pie, winter veg homity pie, salmon and scallop puff pastry parcel, and spiced Pondhead Farm pulled pork shortcrust pie.

Each pie is served with a choice of potatoes and selection of vegetables.

Steak nights will offer a variety of steaks from Pondhead Farm in Lyndhurst, with a choice of potatoes, vegetables and sauces.

All ingredients are sourced carefully, and fruit and vegetables are grown in the kitchen garden.

Monty’s Inn’s enviable location makes it the perfect place to stop when out for a walk in the New Forest or after a visit to the world-famous motor museum at Beaulieu. It’s also just a short walk along the Beaulieu river from the ancient maritime village of Buckler’s Hard.

More information.

Local Lymington community to control The Wheel Inn.

Historic moment as Bowling Green is one of the first communities in Hampshire to take control of its local pub!

After months of paperwork and prepartion, the reassignment of the lease of The Wheel Inn at Bowling Green has been completed. This is a historic moment as the Bowling Green community becomes one of the first in Hampshire to take control of the running of their local pub.

The Wheel Inn is currently being refurbished, both inside and out. The interior looks fantastic, with new flooring, lighting and lighter walls making a clean, bright and cosy space. The original beams and woodwork has been retained and painted in a darker hue to help create a really welcoming local pub.

The exterior of the pub has also been dramatically improved and further landscaping of the carpark will take place over the next week.

A new landlord and chef will arrive at the end of the month, ready for the grand re-opening on (or around) 29th January. 

Peter Simpson would like to thank the small band of dedicated, skilled and patient volunteers who have brought The Wheel Inn to this stage. Paid specialist tradesmen are now on site, progressing works and being supported by the volunteers. 

Volunteers for all types of work are welcomed; marketing, fund raising, cleaning, bar work, decorating, gardening etc. Please email Peter Simpson on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have time to help!

And The Wheel Inn are also seeking some outdoor benches/furniture as well as newer tables and chairs for inside. If you know anyone who could donate any surplus furniture, please do get in touch with Peter and the team!

Eating out at Christmas time in the New Forest

Family friendly venues for family and friends get togethers over Christmas

Restaurants and pubs serving Christmas menus in Lymington and the New Forest, many with winter walks close by

It's a pleasure to eat out sometimes over the Christmas period, give the host and hostess a break and everybody a chance to  have a really good chat while someone else does the cooking.  

Lots of our favourite New Forest restaurants and pubs have special festive special menus for Christmas suitable for all celebratory occasions with family or friends.  

And some of these restaurants and pubs are also in brilliant locations either with their own grounds to explore or with fabulous winter walks close by - another essential ingredient of family Christmas time! 

So make this the Christmas to try one of them out whether small group or large!

Macdonald Elmers Court - Lymington

Comfortable and excellent value Christmas dining in atmospheric Tudor building in beautiful surroundings a stone's throw from Lymington, with views of Lymington River and the Solent and lots of outside space for younger diners to take a break during a long family gathering, in fact it's a wonderful place for a multi generation stroll around the fabulous grounds.  There's a lot of value on offer with Elmers Court's traditional menus over Christmas time.  

New Park Manor - Brockenhurst

This lovely family friendly hotel in its idyllic forest location tucked away behind the Polo Club and Showground at New Park, Brockenhurst welcomes locals to share its cosy comfy sitting areas and relaxed dining room.

Afternoon tea is a particular feature and special event, and non residents are also welcome to lunch informally and fine dine in the evenings. The service is friendly service and fresh ingredients are all sourced locally.

Special Afternoon Tea offer until 22 December

The Haven Bar and Restaurant - Lymington

With glorious views straight down Lymington River and across the Solent to the Isle of Wight this has to be the prime spot in Lymington for coffee, lunch, tea or dinner!

The Haven is now under close management by the award winning Lymington Yachthaven, the whole experience of this amazing location between perfect winter family walks along the sea wall in either direction together with relaxed, comfortable ambience, excellent food and great service, what more could be wished for this Christmas!

The Turfcutters Arms Pub - East Boldre 

A roaring fire, warm welcome and cosy atmosphere always greet you at the Turfcutters and being right on the forest there are of course plenty of great winter walks nearby too  Their Christmas Menu is being served all through December and is fantastic value

Montys - Beaulieu

The olde worlde surroundings of historic Beaulieu Village create a wonderful Christmassy atmosphere, it’s as though this village were designed especially for Christmas!  And then the cosy atmosphere at Monty's Inn part of the Montagu Arms sets the scene for a relaxed yet a little classy too, Christmas get-together with friends, family or colleagues.  A  special Christmas 3 course meal with a selection of craft ales, locally distilled Gins and an extensive wine list is on offer.
https://www.montaguarmshotel.co.uk/Montys_inn_Christmas_Party_Menu.html

Le Blaireau French Bistro - Brockenhurst

Le Blaireau French bar and bistro in Brockenhurst is part of Careys Manor Hotel and offers an alternative Christmas menu and also Christmas day lunch with delicious French cuisine.  It's a great place for families with lots of space and a fun atmosphere.  For letting off steam afterwards  "Brockenhurst Beach" (beside the river!)  is just along the road and much less crowded in winter!  Christmas Day menu here...

Koh Thai Tapas - Lymington

Experience the irresistibly rich and authentic flavours of Thai cuisine this Christmas, with the delicious festive menu at Koh Thai Tapas.

You can dine for just £27.95 pp on the premium two-course Thai Tasting, including a chilled glass of prosecco to welcome you on arrival.

This is a really convenient destination especially if you live or are staying in the centre of Lymington, and offers something a little different for the tastebuds over the Christmas break - perhaps especially when you've had enough of turkey and tradition!

Take a leisurely Christmas stroll around the alleyways and courtyards of Lymington afterwards, you'll be amazed to discover all the little nooks and crannies and see the backs of the historic buildings of the town centre - which you never normally notice marching up and down the High Street!

La Perle Restaurant -  Milford

Gorgeous little restaurant in the heart of Milford on Sea which serves simply stunning food!  La Perle is offering festive lunches and dinners all through December, and Christmas Parties for up to 36 guests at once.

And it’s not far to the seafront ,for a bracing walk great for working up appetites or digesting large meals!

Monkey House Pub with Rooms - Lymington

The Monkey House Pub  commands a strategic position at the gateway to Lymington from Brockenhurst and the main routes in from the North. There is parking next to the pub and the Monkey House can always be relied upon to provide a warm proprietor's welcome, carefully selected always delicious menu options, friendly professional service and not forgetting the crisply laundered white napkins. Enjoy some fresh air and let the children play and the dog have a run, beforehand or afterwards at Buckland Rings.
For Christmas menu click here

South Lawn Hotel - Milford

This historic hotel in its own lovely grounds is also in a convenient location on the main road into Milford with ample adjacent parking.  Dining is in the recently totally refurbished Cedar Tree restaurant, with lovely views over the gardens including the stately cedar tree! Good for families and friends and well priced menu.  Always gets rave reviews!   Christmas brochure here

More great places to eat out - at Christmas and all year round

Christmas Party Venues for large gatherings

Montagu Arms Hotel wins restaurant of the year

The Terrace restaurant in Beaulieu has again scooped a top regional award.

The three-AA Rosette restaurant at the Montagu Arms Hotel in the heart of the New Forest has won Restaurant of the Year at the Hampshire Life Food and Drink awards – voted for by the public.

Run by one of only 34 Roux Scholars, Matthew Tomkinson, the Terrace is renowned for using seasonal, free-range ingredients sourced from carefully selected local suppliers and its own kitchen garden.

Matt, who will be celebrating his 10th anniversary as Head Chef at the Montagu Arms next year, creates a seasonal, enticing menu capturing a delicious and exciting range of flavours, textures and aromas.

Matt said: “We are pleased that our efforts to make the Terrace the best restaurant in the region have been recognised with this award.

“The commitment to the perfect dining experience drives everything we do and the whole team works hard to give our guests an experience to savour.”

Dishes at the Terrace include spiced diver caught Scottish scallops with cauliflower puree, apple and coriander or steamed Cornish ‘fish of the day’ with crispy mussel kiev, saffron fondant potato and crab butter sauce or salted caramel fondant with ‘cider lolly sorbet’ and crème fraiche.

The Montagu Arms country house hotel is in the beautiful, historic village of Beaulieu. It is set in beautiful gardens inspired by Gertrude Jekyll and has 24 en-suite bedrooms, some with four-poster beds and two brand new hay loft suites.

The Hampshire Life Food and Drink awards are designed to showcase the great and the good in Hampshire, and reward the hardworking people behind them, including suppliers and producers, small farming businesses, chefs, restaurants, pubs and hoteliers.

Read our review of dinner at the Terrace at the Montagu Arms Hotel

Read our review of the excellent value table d'hote lunch at the Terrace

Find out more about the Montagu Arms Hotel