The Ferryman Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in New Forest

We passed this place whilst on our way to our holiday apartment. Taken by chefs recommendation sign eat here, which I found quite amusing. We had a look at the menu and rung to book. Very helpful female got us booked in just half an hour earlier than our request. Suspect this is to help the chef with numbers. There were some good things and some nit so good things.

A good short menu and decent specials board. We had the John dory and the lemon soul from the specials menu. One came with roasted small potatoes which were nice and well cooked. One came with skinny fries which were unremarkable just frozen fries refried, thought the chef could have done better with this element it did let the menundown a bit.

Both fish well cooked but not for those that don't like whole fish, or meals withblots of small bones, so just be aware. Samphire was lovely  and the salad was fresh with a marmalade dressing, a bit different.

Some downsides, the waitress didn't listen very well  because I ordered a grazing starter of olive bread which never arrived, but neither was I charged, so no issue there. But this is one for the management to address. Also when ordering second drinks, tried to put them in same glasses we had, when we had ordered different drinks. Never had second drinks in anything other than a New glass quite surprised at this. Again management to check.

Whilst we were not affected by the next point. A table at the side asked about a children's menu and we noted they didn't have one. Again in this day and age i was quite surprised about this. I know a chef may not want to cook chicken nuggets and fish fingers, but I am sure a chef of any credibility could create a minors menu without going against their ethics  e.g. homemade fish or chicken gougons, pasta dish or pizza. Families are a major draw and minors are your future adults.

Also very limited menu for vegetarian.

Another downside was the female toilet (so I am reliably informed!) which was very tiny and a major squeeze to get in and out of the cubicle without having to slide back down the side of the pan.

I wouldn't not go again, but wouldn't be running back. I would certainly try others in...

Don’t be misunderstood or you’ll be on the receiving end of their wrath. A misunderstanding on booking time, had them calling to cancel table within 15 minutes of booking start. But we arrived anyhow , ten minutes thereafter and were seated - on the promise we order quickly. We were asked for drinks before we even sat. We chose no starter, just main. Food okay, some burnt, some tasty. Menu left on table, anticipating fast desert choice. Sure enough, within 30 seconds of putting forks down the waitress took our plates and within 15 seconds the next staff came to ask for desert choice. Sure enough we paid and left instead. Turned around in under an hour (less than 1.5hr or original booking). They’re keen on business, cover numbers and using COVID supply & demand to dictate rudeness.

EDIT: whilst Jon has put an eloquent reply, it does indeed try to cover up or deny the facts. Let's be fair and honest. Yes I can fully understand needing to be clear on cancellations - but once this matter was cleared up and I made it clear within 30 seconds of receiving a call, that I did still want the table. At that point, under Jon's stance, the matter was resolved and nothing more need be said. However, the following facts are true and definitely influence an unpleasant experience, which gave an impression of wanting to turn tables around. On the phone I was told I had to arrive quickly as they had more sittings that evening - this in its self suggests turning tables. Once there, you can see from my original review that the experience was all met with haste. There is no denying this. And is, in my view, unpleasant and not a...

While staying at a nearby hotel, this pub became our 'local', and after popping in to check out the menu, I knew we had to pay it a proper visit.

From looking at photos of past reviews, and then chatting to the owner (?) and staff, it is apparent that this pub has recently undergone a renovation, and now looks gorgeous.

I was told the menu changes monthly (or so), and the specials menu weekly, so if you have any specific dietary requirements, I'd suggest calling them first.

They don't have a kids menu (or provide any pencils etc), but instead serve smaller portions of the regular menu for your little one. I can imagine this might be a bit 'gourmet' for some kids, but our daughter loved the smoked cod with leek and potato (and was generously sized).

The pork belly and black pudding dish I ordered was delicious, although I would have loved more crackling (maybe I'm just greedy).

The menu also caters for vegetarians, however my wife was disappointed by the way her aubergine was cooked (an aberration during an otherwise 5 star evening). This was quickly recognised by the waitress, who initially offered to have another dish cooked. When my wife declined, they subsequently removed the price of the dish from our bill.

Although the vegetarian dish was disappointing, I have nothing but praise for the manner in which this was handled. And if you believe the quality of the other 2 dishes is a better indication of the meals (which I do), I would definitely pay this gorgeous...