Whether you are a keen foodie or simply love to enjoy a meal out, our food and drink in the New Forest is certainly worth knowing more about!
Here in the New Forest we are proud of our strong tradition for local produce and you’ll find examples of our amazing produce on many menus here. Enjoy delicious pub classics at our cosy country pubs, a variety of cuisines including traditional English fare, Italian, Thai, seafood specialities and French dishes at local restaurants, plus delightful tea rooms and cafes. Whet your appetite by discovering the New Forest’s amazing food and drink offer and Taste the New Forest. Browse through all the wonderful places to eat and drink in the New Forest...
Fine dining and tasty dishes at our restaurants and pubs
Our restaurants in the New Forest offer a wide-range of dining options to suit all manner of palettes, whether you are looking for a romantic meal for two at a fine dining restaurant or a get-together feast for a group of people.
Look out for themed food and drink evenings at some of our local restaurants throughout the year where you can sample certain styles of cuisine, watch cookery demonstrations or perhaps enjoy some gin, whiskey or wine tasting.
Our traditional pubs in the New Forest, oozing with charm, offer a delicious choice of pub classics, including pies, scampi, curries, burgers and loads more favourites! Plus many pubs also have daily specials and serve mouthwatering Sunday Roast, too. Enjoy fantastic food and drinks while cosying up by the fire in the winter months and soak up the sun in gorgeous pub gardens during the summer months.
Cafes, tea rooms and afternoon tea
After a ramble in the woodlands, why not rest your weary feet in one of the cafes or tea rooms in the New Forest? Whether it's a delicious breakfast to start your day, a brunch or lunch date, or a quick snack, our cafes and tearooms have tempting menus and tasty food and drink. Many of our cafes and tea rooms also have areas with outdoor seating, perfect for a sunny day in the forest!
Afternoon tea is an incredibly popular choice for both visitors and locals alike. There are a whole host of places within the New Forest where you can indulge in a pot of tea, delicate finger sandwiches, sweet treats and scones. Perhaps you fancy upgrading your afternoon tea by combining it with a glass of fizz?
Award-winning dining
From those who have won awards for their foodie experiences, through to AA rosette and five star dining award-winning dining, there are a wide range of pubs and restaurants in the New Forest that will offer you an unforgettable food and drink encounter.
Did you know that some of our hotel restaurants also have close connections with some wonderful celebrity chefs, including James Martin? James, and other celebrity chefs, often take part in cookery demonstrations at Chewton Glen, near New Milton.
Fresh, local produce
Take a piece of the New Forest home with you by buying some of our fresh local produce from a farm shop, one of our regular farmers’ markets, or from our town markets held each week across the New Forest at Hythe, New Milton, Lymington and Ringwood.
Sample our locally made cheeses and dairy products at farm shops. Our local farm shops are full of delicious local produce, offering cheeses, meats, homemade breads and cakes, locally produced drinks and treats and so much more. Some of our farm shops also have on-site cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy light lunches or a spot of tea and cake.
Taste the fine ales from our micro breweries at Downton, Ringwood, Lymington and Linwood. And enjoy the wines of New Forest-based vineyards, with locations at Brockenhurst and Bramshaw.
Many of the pubs, restaurants and cafes in the New Forest thrive on using local produce to make up their delicious dishes on their daily menus. Be sure to look out for the New Forest Marque when browsing our listings or when visiting places. This marque indicates that the produce used has been sourced locally and sustainably or grown by certain criteria within the New Forest area.
Local food and drink can also be sampled and bought from the stalls and food tents that form part of the annual New Forest & Hampshire County Show in Brockenhurst or at the Lymington Seafood Festival.
Take all of the family out
Are you coming to the New Forest with the whole family and are looking for the perfect family friendly places to dine whilst you’re here? Well, luckily there are loads of amazing places to choose from! Take a browse through our listings for places to eat that offer children’s menus or that have gardens with play areas.
What about the dog, you ask? No to worry, muddy paws are welcomed at many pubs, cafes and restaurants across the New Forest. Some are so dog friendly that they have dog treats on hand, even dog beds and dog food menus!
Special offers on New Forest Food & Drink
Before visiting the New Forest, we recommend you purchase one of our Go New Forest Cards for just £10. The card gives you access to over 350 special offers and discounts, many in restaurants, tea rooms, farm shops and cafes across The New Forest, helping you to save lots of money on your stay here. You’ll soon be reaping the rewards of buying the card.
You can also check out some special offers that our hotels, restaurants and pubs are offering visitors to this website! Keep checking back as well as offers are regularly added.
