Copythorne Restaurant Guide

“Superb French cuisine in outstanding New Forest scenery” attracts a dedicated following for this characterful country bistro, whose “delightful ambience” and “friendly, very Gallic service” are directed by patron Claude Laage, originally from Alsace, who founded the establishment more than 30 years ago. This year’s biggest gripe? “A bit less emphasis on red meat in the mains and 20th-century British confectionery brands in the desserts would make it even better!”

For a dozen years now, Angela Hartnett’s “country restaurant with an Italian focus” has put in a “good but quite pricey” performance in the New Forest, as part of a “classy” 33 bedroom property, which fans say it’s a “sheer joy, from the venue, to the staff, to the best non-alcoholic drinks menu ever… and then the food!” No other reports demur, other than that it can seem “expensive”. Luke Holder is the chef in charge on a day-to-day basis here. Top Tip – for those counting the pennies there’s a ‘Pranzetto’ menu (which means a light, leisurely lunch) – two courses for £39.50.