Fordingbridge, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

2022 Review: “Amazing food and friendly service” characterise this “impressive” restaurant on the edge of the New Forest, run for more than 20 years by chef Mike Womersley (ex-Lucknam Park) and his wife Jayne. “The ambience has been transformed by a refurbishment – a welcome surprise since our last visit”.

2023 Review: This “brilliant thatched country pub” has “lots of game dishes” on its menu – appropriately enough for a traditional establishment in the historical hunting landscape of Cranborne Chase. “Vegetarians and vegans are well provided for” too, while there’s also a “well-stocked bar with local ales and a reasonably priced wine list”.

“Such a fun place that coped so well with a mixed-age group of ten people” – the ‘dressed down’ option at this famous country-house hotel occupies a contemporary, pitched-roof space overlooking the kitchen gardens and complete with outside terrace and cookery school. The brasserie menu includes burgers, pizza, steak and other grills, plus a good selection of other options; and reports say “it’s just really good food backed up by friendly, informal but efficient service in a convivial environment”. Not cheap perhaps, but “well worth the price”.

The “idyllic New Forest location” is the big draw at the original Pig, where Robin & Judy Hutson set the template for their shabby-chic country-house hotel group that had grown to 11 branches by the time they stepped back into retirement at the end of 2024. The “food is perhaps not quite as adventurous as it used to be”, but its basic premise of “fresh local produce, cooked perfectly” still passes muster for most reporters. Black marks, though, for some “poorly trained staff” and “seriously overpriced wines”.

“A classic afternoon tea with exceptional service” is one reliable attraction at this famous, cossetting Relais & Châteaux property, set on the edge of the New Forest about half an hour’s drive from Bournemouth. Dinner in its light-filled dining room does afford the possibility of a six-course tasting option (for £98.50 per person) but the main thrust is an à la carte selection of individually priced dishes, with lots of relatively straightforward steaks and other grills (of fish, lobster, lamb and so on). Feedback suggests it’s all very pleasing if not in a particularly ‘foodie’ mould.

“Waterside dining with a great buzz” makes this nautically themed spa hotel (built 20 years ago on the site of a former Pontin’s) an “attractive” option (“we’re regular visitors, and have never been disappointed by the cooking”). The hotel, which resembles a cruise liner overlooking the River Stour and the harbour, is doubling its capacity under expansion plans approved in early 2025.

“So pleased to see Jan and Stacey’s excellence recognised!” – the Bretschneiders have operated out of this address a couple of minutes’ stroll from the promenade in Southbourne for over ten years now and it’s “a go-to when in the area” for those in our annual diners’ poll. Despite its looks, it’s “too expensive to be called a neighbourhood restaurant” which wouldn’t do justice to the ambition of its multi-course modern European menus, which are an attractive mix of classical and contemporary dishes (with ‘South Coast Sushi’ rubbing shoulders with ‘Creedy Carver Chicken’ and ‘Pear Belle Helene’). There’s a ‘Classic Menu’ (currently £99 per person) or ‘Discovery’ (at £139 per person).

“Fresh local fish” is the star turn at this beachside restaurant – in “an excellent location with wonderful coastal views on a good day”. Chef Andy Waters worked under the great French chef Paul Bocuse early in his career. Top Tip – “they also serve an exceptional breakfast”.

“A lovely traditional out-of-the-way pub with lovely traditional pub food”, this ancient thatched village inn is these days owned and run by Ben Maschler (son of restaurant critic Fay and a former operations director at Soho House) and long-term fans say “it never fails to please”, with a menu that offers hearty country dishes alongside more ‘pubby’ options.

This “lovely” red-brick gastroboozer in a New Forest village recently changed hands, and is now run by the same team as The Royal Oak at North Gorley. The menu offers British classics with a twist, and based on “really top-quality ingredients”, whether you go for the Sunday roasts or finer dining. There’s also a “garden with well-spaced tables for the summer and pleasant walks close by” – and, should you wish to overnight, you can stay in the dedicated ‘Desert Orchid’ room, which draws its name from the Grand National winner, whose former HQ, the Whitsbury Manor Stables, is just behind the building.