New Forest Inn Lyndhurst — Restaurant in New Forest

Booked a few days to relax in the forest and chose the New Forest Inn based on their reviews.||This Inn is a mishmash of historic buildings, it trails along the street, quaint, and unassuming. Like an old lady cloaked in green waiting to welcome you in. Colourful hanging baskets festoon the front. There is a large sign warning townies that ponies bite. ||Reviews highlighted that parking could be an issue. The forecourt was filled to capacity, down a steep incline to the rear we found a space, but additional parking is available on the road. Beware the parameter onto the road at the front falls away and you can easily ground your car as I discovered. ||Stepping into the bar was like stepping back in time. Not many old inns keep their integrity, but this one has. That musty old beer aroma, stone walls and dim lights, worn leather couches and plenty of nooks to slide yourself into and while away the hours. A young man welcomed us and showed us to our room. ||Located at the top of the stairs, our room overlooked the rear of the pub. The accommodation was bright, clean and welcoming. A large TV commanded one wall, with tub seating, a side table and stool. ||The room was stuffy, so we opened the window, immediately discovering the kitchen extraction unit. The drone from the extractor was annoying, and not the peaceful atmosphere I was expecting. ||Descending one step, there is a well-lit, spacious bathroom with a good-sized shower, hand basin, and toilet. Toiletries, towels and hairdryer provided. ||There was a reasonably well-stocked tea tray, but it was on a very low shelf. ||We later popped into the bar for refreshments. It was very busy, but had a friendly buzz. ||We had eaten prior to our arrival but did partake in dessert. A little pricy at £8.50 each. Gluten-free sticky toffee pudding and a slice of cheesecake, both served with ice-cream. ||Returning to our room was a bit like running the gauntlet. The automatic watering system giving those hanging baskets a drenching also drenched us. The doorway leading to the accommodation is not well lit. Trying to dodge the water and get the key in the lock was a feat in itself, but on a warm autumnal evening, caused great frivolity. ||The window remained closed until the extraction unit fell silent. Peace descended, window open, the forest came to life, the magical caterwauls of an owl, then silence. The bed, although very creaky, was comfortable.||Thankfully, they do not turn the extractor on too early in the morning. Breakfast is available from 8.30-11.00am. ||Staff serve breakfast in the bar, the welcome could have been warmer. The menu had a variety of options, from the full forest to simple toast and preserves. There is a serve-yourself table laden with, cereals, fruit juices, yogurts, preserves, and fruit. I chose the full forest. The gluten-free option (menu provided) did not include sausage and black pudding. Sadly also no gluten-free cereals on offer, but toast was available. ||Half an hour after ordering breakfast was served, it was worth the wait. Hot food, golden yoked eggs, crispy bacon, good produce, well presented. ||We returned later that day. Managed to bag ourselves a parking spot right outside the pub entrance, high five for me! Thankfully, the weather was a little cooler, so we didn’t need to open our window. We booked a table in the orangery that evening. The pub was very quiet, staff were attentive, friendly and helpful. Drinks ordered, we perused the menu and settled on steak and ale pie £19.99 and pan fried lambs liver (gluten-free) £17.99.||Service was reasonably quick, and like breakfast the food was piping hot. The pie lived up to all the media-hype. Crispy golden pastry, ram packed with melt in the mouth steak, served in a pool of gravy. ||My husband rated it the best pie he had ever eaten!||The pan fried lamb’s liver, served on a bed of creamy mash and gravy, was tender and moreìsh. Both dishes were filling. I managed to make room for another slice of the gluten-free sticky toffee pudding and ice-cream. ||Check in from 3pm and check out 11am. ||Would we stay here again, a resounding yes, but in a different room.||This quirky unspoiled inn is 100% worth a visit, whether you are staying or seeking somewhere to dine. We would like to have stayed longer, but enjoyed dipping our toes into this little piece of heaven. ||An excellent location with many wonderful walks. The inn welcomes dogs and is close to Lyndhurst and many of the forest’s visitor attractions. ||. ||||....

This Inn is a mishmash of historic buildings, it trails along the street, quaint, and unassuming. Like an old lady cloaked in green waiting to welcome you in. Colourful hanging baskets festoon the front. There is a large sign warning townies that ponies bite. Reviews highlighted parking could be an issue. The forecourt filled to capacity, down a steep incline to the rear we found a space, but additional parking is available on the road. Beware the parameter onto the road at the front falls away and you can easily ground your car. Stepping into the bar was like stepping back in time. Not many old inns keep their integrity, but this one has. That musty old beer aroma, stone walls and subdued lighting, worn leather couches and plenty of nooks to slide yourself into and while away the hours. A young man welcomed us and showed us to our room. Located at the top of the stairs, our room overlooked the rear of the pub. The accommodation was bright, clean and welcoming. A large TV commanded one wall, with tub seating, a side table and stool. The room was stuffy, so we opened the window, immediately discovering the kitchen extraction unit. The drone from the extractor was annoying, and not the peaceful atmosphere I was expecting. Descending one step, there is a well-lit, spacious bathroom with a good-sized shower, hand basin, and toilet. Toiletries, towels and hairdryer provided. There was a reasonably well-stocked tea tray, but it was on a very low shelf. We later popped into the bar for refreshments. It was very busy, but had a friendly buzz. We had eaten prior to our arrival but did partake in dessert. A little pricy at £8.50 each. Gluten-free sticky toffee pudding and a slice of cheesecake, both served with ice-cream. Returning to our room was a bit like running the gauntlet. The automatic watering system giving those hanging baskets a drenching also drenched us. The doorway leading to the accommodation is not well lit. Trying to dodge the water and get the key in the lock was a feat in itself, but on a warm autumnal evening, caused great frivolity. The window remained closed until the extraction unit fell silent. Peace descended, window open, the forest came to life, the magical caterwauls of an owl, then silence. The bed, although very creaky, was comfortable. Thankfully, they do not turn the extractor on too early in the morning. Breakfast is available from 8.30-11.00am. Staff serve breakfast in the bar, the welcome could have been warmer. The menu had a variety of options, from the full forest to simple toast and preserves. There is a serve-yourself table laden with, cereals, fruit juices, yogurts, preserves, and fruit. I chose the full forest. The gluten-free option (menu provided) did not include sausage and black pudding. Sadly also no gluten-free cereals on offer, but toast was available. Half an hour after ordering breakfast was served, it was worth the wait. Hot food, golden yolked eggs, crispy bacon, good produce, well presented. We returned later that day. Managed to bag ourselves a parking spot right outside the pub entrance, high five for me! Thankfully, the weather was a little cooler, so we didn’t need to open our window. We booked a table that evening. The pub was very quiet, staff were attentive, friendly and helpful. Drinks ordered, we perused the menu and settled on steak and ale pie £19.99 and pan fried lambs liver (gluten-free) £17.99. Service was reasonably quick, and like breakfast the food was piping hot. The pie lived up to all the media-hype. Crispy golden pastry, ram packed with melt in the mouth steak, served in a pool of gravy. My husband rated it the best pie he had ever eaten! The pan fried lamb’s liver, served on a bed of creamy mash and gravy, was tender and moreìsh. Both dishes were filling. I managed to make room for another slice of the gluten-free sticky toffee pudding and ice-cream. Check in from 3pm and check out 11am. Would we stay here again, a resounding yes, but in a different room. This quirky unspoiled inn is 100% worth a visit for dining or...

I've given 5 stars to all aspects as I believe it to be a fair, overall assessment of the premises and the people who run it. The location is really lovely with wild pony's wandering all over the place.

STAFF We stayed for four nights and we found the staff to be genuinely very friendly and accommodating. Alicia Verity and the bearded lad who's name I didn't get, were absolutely lovely and a true credit to the Inn and its owners. Verity particularly went to great pains to make us and our little dog Molly feel at home.

FOOD Despite what I'd read in previous reviews we found the food to be well prepared and presented. With the exception of the Venison haunch which as a bit on the 'a la carte' side for my taste, in other words a bit lacking in the serving department, all other meals were tasty and generously proportioned.

ACCOMMODATION Our room was lovely. Well presented clean and tastefully decorated. The bed was a tad soft for my taste but I was comfortable and slept well. The only niggle for me was the stairs to our room. It was extremely steep and rather difficult to climb if you're blessed with big feet and dodgy hips. Perhaps a hand rail would help.

As you will have read, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and plan to return at some point soon however not all was to my liking. I'm referring to two things specifically that fall outside the remit of the on-site staff side and they are firstly the policy to take payment for the entire booking BEFORE you have even arrived. I agree that a percentage should be paid on booking but to then deduct the final bill before we've even seen the place is a bit steep. Secondly, at the end of an evening meal even staying guests, who have already paid £100's to be there, were asked to settle their bill every night. I appreciate they may have had people 'do a runner' in the past but fully paid up guests??? I suggest that the company revisit this policy because when I was informed by my bank I'd been hit for the bill for a holiday I hadn't had yet did cause me to reconsider the booking. Lastly, the WiFi needs sorting. The coverage is good in the accommodation but in the bar it is spotty at best and is just annoying.

In conclusion, ignore the bad reviews and focus on the good cos these people and this place are what the phrase 'getting away from it all' is all about.

We will...