The Smugglers Inn — Restaurant in New Forest

OK - I far prefer writing good or exceptional reviews! However, we've now visited the Smugglers Inn twice in the last 2 weeks, once for lunch and also for a family meal. Both time, we felt the food was ok, not great, but keenly priced. (The Lazy Lion down the road has better food, but at a slightly higher price). However, the service was seriously awful.

Wasn't particularly busy, and were shown to our table........and then forgotten about. After 20 mins, I got up and asked if we ordered drinks ourselves and the food at the bar (it was a Sunday) or whether someone would come to the table. Had to interrupt 2 lads behind the bar who seemed far more interested in their conversation than serving me. They asked a waitress to come over - again no apology for the wait from her, just "what do you want to drink?". We ordered the food at the same time.......seemed safest thing to do. 15 more mins passed and I had to get up again, and again interrupt the bar staff from their very engaging conversation, to ask if our drink would be on their way soon. No apology, but simply a, "dunno, I'll find out". Hooray - drinks arrived but my wife's Sauvignon Blanc was a large glass of red! We explained this, again, no apology, but a "right, I'll change it". The (different) waitress who returned shortly with the correct wine did offer an apology. Nicely received. At the end of our meal, we were ready to go and decided the quickest thing would be to pay at the bar. All I was asked was, "what table were you on", not whether we had enjoyed our meal or anything. We paid and left. I contrast this to any of the other eateries in Milford-on-Sea where you are greeted warmly and your presence is appreciated when you leave. 2 out of 2 poor experiences. We will try once more when the proprietor has had a chance to fix the service and attitudes of their young staff. However, if there is no improvement, then a 3rd time and we'll be...

Visited here several times over the period of 10 days when staying in the area.

Our first visit was a Sunday afternoon for drinks and a dessert. We got the last table available inside as there was a power cut locally and this encouraged people to seek out the Smugglers Inn. We were welcomed, found a space and looked after promptly and with a smile.

We came back for drinks in the garden during the week. The kids love the garden here! We have had the pleasure of using the well kept, spacious beer area play equipment over the summer and this venue is now a must visit when we are in the area.

Monday lunchtime we treated ourselves to two courses and each and every dish was delicious, good value, well cooked and well presented. We can highly recommend the nachos, pate and mushroom pot starters. The lasagne, meat burgers and baguettes equally as tasty and throughly enjoyed. A special mention to Suzy and team on duty!

Thank you for several fab visit, we will visit again...

The food is lovely 2 young girls served me were nice. However I wouldn’t return Reason, I went in as it said ‘dog friendly’ but didn’t find this to exactly be the case. I’m from London where dogs are allowed on your lap or on the sofa in dog friendly restaurants/pubs etc. My small French Bulldog was sitting on my lap and 2 members of staff didn’t seem to mind, however what could of been the manager made a point to stop and directly smile and say ‘dogs are not allowed on the sofa’. She than watched I as placed my dog on the floor. I wouldn’t of minded if she politely said ‘I no your dog is on your lap, but we would kindly ask if you could have her on the floor’. Other reason I don’t find this place to be dog friendly, I asked 3 times for a bowl of water to be told ‘I’ll bring one over’ to than be told 45mins later that ‘dog Bowls just in summer’. I also wasn’t asked once how the food was? Shame, shouldn’t state dog friendly if its not really dog friendly. Dogs are allowed in...