The Bold Forester — Restaurant in Fareham

My wife and I wanted to avoid the Father's Day crowds of hordes of children running amok, so arrived about 6.45 in the evening. The pub was crowded, but fortunately, they had a free table. Unfortunately, it was near the door to the garden, which was propped open, letting in a cold draught. Another customer got up twice and closed it. I had smoked mackerel on a bed of leaves and warm potato salad to start, which was exceptionally tasty. We both wanted the roast beef, but they'd run out. We had the roast chicken, which was very good. It came with roast potatoes (a bit overdone), peas, cabbage, broccoli, and mashed swede, so we got our daily allocation of vegetables. I wanted a second pint of Tribute ale, but they'd run out. I had London Pride instead, which I was fine with, but it did seem strange that they promote Tribute so much - umbrellas in the garden with the Tribute logo - and then run out. My wife had ice cream and the portions were generous. We had to ask twice for the bill and as no-one came to take payment, we just left it on the bar as walked out. Perhaps it was nearing the end of a long day, but the staff just seemed weary. We're coming back next month with a group so will see then how things are. Summary: great food, but the service could have been...

Thoroughly recommended. Ample parking if visiting at 5.pm on a miserable Monday evening. The outside area, although large was deserted and the interior only contained a couple of drinkers at the bar. Our table for 5 was reserved and we were welcomed quickly by the friendly singleton table server. The menu is quite varied and suitable for most options. The starter chicken tenders came with a very nice dip. I went off piste and instead of red meat went for the Seafood Florentine. What an inspired choice. It was delicious. Chunks of Haddock, Salmon and a sprinkle of Prawns in a creamy, tasty sauce. The bread roll did not have a butter companion, but on request it was quicky provided. The Honeycomb Cheesecake completed the meal, again a nice flavour and the whole lot was washed down with a glass of Malbec. The wine is at the top end of acceptable mark up and was drinkable although nothing Special. All in all, a good night out though service was a little slow considering the lack of covers at the time. Nice touch with the birthday candle...

The place has so much potential but seriosly let down by the staff. One indiviual inpartular.... wow... honestly the young man was half asleep or high as a kite (space cadet)

Slapped the food on the table with no thought to get us any cutlery or even have the decentcy to ask if we would like anything he just run off to clear another table. Really. So we had to chase him and asked.

It gets better...

As he was clearing the plates he spilt some beans on the table and started walking away... we got his attention and asked for one of the used napkins on our plates he was walking away with , just so we could clear it up quick. He only goes and puts down someonelses platter ontop of the spilt beans 🤡 absolute clown.

Its pretty clear he hates his job and has no interest in being here at all.

Food was average joes. Really hope this place can sort out good staff and take the food up a notch...