Create your own food adventure in the New Forest and discover exciting culinary experiences – all you need to bring is your appetite!
In the past decade, this region has streaked ahead in the food-lover stakes, and emerged as a centre of culinary delight. Taking stock of the generous pantry supplied by Mother Nature, creative chefs, imaginative bakers and owners of some pretty amazing eateries cleverly collaborate local ingredients to create a subline selection of treats for your taste buds, as well as scrumptious foodie gifts to take home.
Don’t get holed up in the hotel restaurant, instead choose a gorgeous self-catering New Forest cottage and try somewhere new to eat every day. Bring your friends and family, sprawl out and relax. If you are looking for inspiration to cook up a storm in your holiday cottage kitchen, you’ll have a ball visiting farm shops, delicatessens, market stalls and food stores that will satisfy both shopaholics and foodies.
The best bit about having your own cottage? Pop a bottle or two of something deliciously cold and sparkly with nibbles created by local artisans and forget about the worry of having to drive home. No last orders in your own cottage, stay up as late as you fancy whilst the little ones are sound asleep upstairs.
Many of our properties are close to some of the best pubs and restaurants in the New Forest, our top picks include:
Pubs and Inns
The Three Tuns, Bransgore – A real gastro pad in a beautiful thatched 17th century inn.
The Oak Inn, Bank – Great food, lovely staff and very, very popular with those in the know of where it is.
The Trusty Servant, Minstead – A quaint country pub with log fires, a huge beer garden and lovely food.
Dog lovers, you don’t have to leave your best friend at home!
The New Forest is one of the most dog friendly destinations in the UK. Here are some great places to eat and drink in the New Forest where dogs are welcome.
The Alice Lisle Inn, Ringwood – Good food, homely atmosphere and a favourite haunt for dog owners.
Royal Oak, Fritham – Another pretty thatched pub, this time dating back to the 1600’s. Great food and a warm welcome for dogs and their owners.
The Turf Cutters, East Boldre – There are canine treats at the bar and water bowls for your pooch. For owners, there are delicious menus and a fine selection of real ales.
Take a look at our dog friendly cottages.
Our top three exceptional fine dining restaurants in the New Forest
The Elderflower, Lymington – Be wowed by the food of Head Chef Patron, Andrew Du Bourg – former Head Chef of 5* Chewton Glen Hotel and Michelin starred Club Gascon, London.
Verveine, Milford on Sea – Quite possibly the best fish restaurant on the south coast. They are also a fishmonger during the day – well worth a visit.
Hotel TerraVina, Woodlands – Creative, imaginative and wonderful fine dining. Enough said.
Find properties for a New Forest Foodie Break.