Looking for the best restaurants in the New Forest?
The New Forest has a reputation for being one of the best places to explore the outdoors here in the UK, with boundless opportunities for activities such as hiking, forestry adventures, kayaking as well as exploring its rich history and culture.
But what day spent outdoors would be complete without a delicious meal at the end of it? In today’s post I’ve compiled a list of the 13 best places to eat out in the New Forest! From traditional pubs to restaurants and fine dining- these are sure to keep you going for a fabulous New Forest break!
One of the New Forest’s signature dishes is wild venison which has been caught and eaten here since the days of William the Conquer back in 1066.
However, don’t worry if meat isn’t your style as the New Forest is also a well known foraging hotspot for wild fungi and mushrooms, with over 1,600 varieties growing here! Not all are edible though so best to leave fungi picking to the experts and enjoy a dish in one of the restaurants instead!
So let’s do this, here are the best restaurants in the New Forest.
Copyright The Elderflower
Contents
1. The White Buck, Burley
Best for traditional Pub experience
To experience an amazing traditional pub your best bet is The White Buck in Burley serving up a range of traditional pub lunches and excellent beer selection it is the perfect spot for a Sunday lunch! If you want to take your experience even further this pub also has a range of accommodation available for weary travellers alike.
2. The Elderflower, Lymington
Best for Fine dining
For a unique fine dining experience look no further than The Elderflower in Lymington. This restaurant -which has been commended numerous times as a star location in Hampshire- offers up a unique menu of quality food. They use a lot of locally sourced ingredients and have a range of tasting menus available, making it a great location for a special occasion or date night experience!
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Best restaurants in the New Forest [continued]
Copyright Hockey’s Farm
3. Hockey’s Farm
Best for a quick cake stop
After an early start exploring the New Forest Hockey’s farm offers the perfect place for a mid-morning snack and quick shop! This award winning farm shop and café offers a wide selection of homemade cakes and breakfast options perfect after a walk (or lie-in) depending on who your with!
4. The Royal Oak, Fritham
Best for traditional Pub experience
The perfect spot for a traditional pub lunch and ale is the Royal Oak in Fritham. This cosy pub is perfect for a spot of lunch after a walk. They offer a range of real ales as well as excellent menu options, its perfect for a hearty lunch with the family (dog included!).
5. Offbeet, Hinton
Best for Plant Based dining
For the plant based lovers out there Offbeet is one not to be missed! This plant based restaurant offers a range of top quality fine dining options, and if you still want more after your meal or want to know the secret to their gorgeous desserts, be sure to check out their Plant based cookery school for fun classes and experiences!
6. Verveine, Milford on Sea
Best for seafood
If you are a lover of seafood than Verveine restaurant located in Milford on Sea is a must visit spot! This award winning specialist seafood restaurant has its own in-house fish mongers and with a variety of dishes to choose from you are sure to enjoy your meal!
Copyright: Chewton Glen
Best restaurants in the New Forest [continued]
7. The Kitchen Chewton Glen, New Milton
Best for Lunch and Afternoon tea
Not actually a stand along restaurant but a 5* hotel and spa Chewton Glen the Kitchen and their afternoon tea options are so lovely that even if you aren’t staying at the hotel this place is still worth a visit. Most well-known for the TV Saturday Kitchen, The Kitchen at Chewton Glen is host to chef James Martin with a range of high quality main meals and desserts to choose from.
8. Fleur de Lys, Pilley
Best for a cosy lunch and dinner
Also known as the Grand Old Lady of the Forest the Fleur De Lys has been serving food since 1498 making it the New Forest’s oldest pub! This beautiful spot is nestled in a traditional thatched building with a quaint interior perfect for a cosy lunch or dinner. They offer quite a range of options from Beef wellington to mushroom and wild garlic risotto there is something to keep everyone happy!
9. The Red Shoot Inn, Linwood
Best for real ales
The Red Shoot Inn is a fabulous pub with a friendly atmosphere and home cooked meals such as beer battered fish and chips. This inn is also great because they have their own brewery producing four different types of real ale, making it a great place to stop for a drink on your way through!
Copyright David Martin
Best restaurants in the New Forest [continued]
10. Bikes and Brews
Best for a morning coffee and pastry
Bikes and Brews is a great spot for a morning coffee and pastry before you head out on your days adventure. This little spot uses local bakers and producers to source a delicious range of sweet treats and pastries catering for all diets including plant based and gluten free. As the name suggests theses guys also offer a range of bike hire options so once you’ve finished your brew you can head into the local forests for a cycle!
Have you been to any of these restaurants in the New Forest?
If you on a bigger trip exploring more of Europe check out my guides to France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and United Kingdom.
My Travel Tips and Recommendations
Flights
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Accommodation
For accommodation, I usually book most of my hotels or hostels through Booking.com. I love using this platform as it provides me with some amazing deals for accommodation all around the world. Or if you prefer, I also recommend using Airbnb.
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