So, you’ve booked your relaxing staycation in Ringwood surrounded by enchanting wildlife and wonderful company, but something is missing… food of course! Hunting for the perfect place to wine and dine can be daunting, but you can sit back and relax because we’ve done all the hunting needed. Let us guide you through the lovely range of New Forest pubs and restaurants that you’ll want to add to your holiday to-do list.
Eat and drink near Ringwood
If you’re staying in Ringwood or you live there and are looking to explore new places to eat, you’re right on the doorstep of many of our beloved New Forest pubs and restaurants, but be warned – choosing which restaurant to feast at can be a tough decision to make. No matter where you dine, you can rest assured that you’ll be greeted with sensational dishes, exciting drinks and warm and friendly staff.
Across all of our restaurants, you’ll find our menus fully stocked with locally sourced ingredients, it is quite literally Forest to Fork. You’ll be met with succulent well-aged meats, pub classics, mouth-watering Sunday roasts, glorious afternoon teas and much more. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends and even your furry friends, the New Forest has a place for you to enjoy delectable food in amazing environments with even better company.
The best pubs in Ringwood
Warning: hard decisions and possible mouth watering ahead…
Burley Manor
When you walk through the doors of Burley Manor, you’ll be greeted by a relaxed atmosphere, stylish decor and incredible service. Their talented chefs have carried out extensive research into their carefully crafted dishes and imaginative menus. In such a stunning setting, it’s only right to let nature play a leading role in their menu, whether this be pork from pannage pigs who can be spotted around the village or hand-dived scallops from the Scottish Isles. You can enjoy food out on the terrace or in their enchanting orangery if the skies are blue or if skies are far from, (don’t be surprised, we live in England!) you can indulge in your meal in their grand drawing room or cosy lounges.
If you need to refuel after a day of exploring the woodland in your wellies, head on over to The Drift, a relaxed and informal pub serving great pub classics and friendly company. At The Drift, they’re always looking to shout about their extensive range of locally-brewed and locally-distilled beverages, from places such as Flack Manor down the road in Romsey to their long standing friends over at Ringwood Brewery. And just in case you need a little more convincing – families and dogs are welcome!
Visit Taylor’s Bar for a spot of sweet afternoon tea or a casual catch up with friends over inventive cocktails with nothing but the best locally-sourced beers and of course delicious seasonal plates.
An award-winning grill and brasserie, serving locally-sourced prime hand-cut steaks and brasserie classics in a modern setting. Dabble in a sweet and savoury afternoon tea with options including smoked salmon and creme fraiche sandwiches, Queen of Hearts bakewell tart, freshly baked fruit or plain scones with jam and Dorset clotted cream and Char tea; no, you’re not in heaven!
When you visit 1820, the chefs will help you understand why the New Forest is one of the UK’s top foodie locations.
A country house kitchen serving up a brilliant British-inspired menu using seasonal locally-sourced ingredients. As we all know, in England our plans are heavily weather-dependant, but at Bartley Lodge, this is no problem as your food can be enjoyed either inside the cosy restaurant or by the cosy fires in their snug sitting rooms when the wind is blowing outside, but if the sun is showing its face, you can dine out on the sunny terrace or in their wonderful orangery – it’s the best of both worlds.
If you’re flying in to stay in the Ringwood area, you’re placed conveniently in between two airports, Bournemouth Airport, a 15 minute drive away and Southampton Airport, 25 minutes away.
If you don’t wish to travel far for your dinner plans, Burley Manor is just a short car journey of 10 minutes down the road. Just a little further down the road is Bartley Lodge, a 15 minute journey from Ringwood. The stylish 1820 restaurant is just 20 minutes away and if you’re looking to travel further out to fill your belly, The Drift and Taylor’s Bar are 25 minutes away in the car.
