What could be better than a delightful day spent enjoying the historic coastal market town of Lymington and exploring the glorious New Forest? This is a tricky question, we know, but how about savouring a glass of your favourite something, with a delicious plate of food lovingly prepared just for you?
This area boasts some of the finest coastal walks and most spectacular countryside in the UK, and when it comes to stunning places to eat and drink near Lymington, it’s also right up there. Let’s pop in and sample each one in turn…
Eat, drink and be merry near Lymington
While each one of New Forest Collection’s pubs and bars possesses its own unique style and charm, what each of these stunning venues has in common is the warm welcome you’ll receive, its breath-taking location, the relaxed and convivial atmosphere, and of course, the inspiring food and drinks on offer.
Their talented chefs proudly showcase locally-sourced, sustainable and seasonal produce on their exciting menus, and bars and cellars are always stocked with the very best from local distilleries and brewhouses, and exceptional vineyards. There is a wide range of extremely quaffable non-alcoholic beverages on offer too, so designated drivers have just as much fun.
The Drift
The Drift is New Forest Collection’s laid-back and stylish country pub in Beaulieu. Been for a walk in wellies with the dog? You’re all more than welcome to relax here and enjoy the delights of their Pub Classics menu. Think South Coast day boat fish in ale batter with chunky chips,
The Drift Ploughman’s with local cheese or something yummy from their light bite selection.
Their drinks menu is extensive and inspiring, supplied by local Flack Manor, Ringwood Brewery and Camden Ales, amongst others.
Only a short walk from The Drift, you’ll find another stylish place for drinks and something light to eat at Taylor’s Bar inside the gorgeous Beaulieu Inn. We’d highly recommend the indulgent afternoon tea with something bubbly on the side, or take your time choosing from its fantastic selection of 14 artisan gins. Tracking these down was thirsty work, but someone had to do it…
Next, why not order a small plate of something scrumptious at the magnificent country house hotel, Burley Manor? We like the sound of the cured cod with gin botanicals, taramasalata and sourdough, and anything at all from the tapas menu, accompanied by flatbreads fresh from their wood-fired oven.
Burley Manor is committed to sourcing some very special wines from smaller producers and private collections, and has a great selection of rare vintages. Do also check out their signature cocktails and seasonal specials; The Farmer’s is a tipsy nod to Mrs Lister-Kay, a former resident of the manor who apparently loved a glass of cream liqueur or two.
You’ll also find an impressive selection of draught beers and artisan spirits within Bartley Lodge, the Grade II listed country house hotel near Lyndhurst. Partake of a little liquid refreshment alongside a sumptuous dish celebrating the best of the locally sourced meats, cheese and seasonal vegetables. We’ll go for the pan-fried sea bass with crab risotto and lemon aioli, please.
1820 is the award-winning brasserie within the stylish and contemporary townhouse hotel, Forest Lodge. Opt for any of its grill classics (the 28-day aged, hand-cut prime steak is a real favourite) or something sophisticated and light from its selection of small plates, like the warm asparagus, poached egg, crispy prosciutto and parmesan. Accompanied by a glass of your favourite tipple, this really is the perfect end to a perfect day of adventures in Lymington and the unforgettable New Forest.
Lymington is just an hour from London and so is super accessible. Visitors might also choose to fly into Southampton International Airport, or arrive by sea at Southampton and Portsmouth. All these toast-worthy New Forest bars are close to Lymington itself, with The Drift, next door to Taylor’s Bar inside The Beaulieu Inn, just a 20-minute drive away from Lymington starting out on the B3056. 1820, within Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst, is only a 20-minute drive along the A337; five minutes further along, turn into the exquisite woodland drive to discover Bartley Lodge, and Burley Manor is well worth the extra five-minute drive along Wilverley Road.
So it’s clear, if proof were ever needed, that wherever you head to from lovely Lymington, all roads lead to a darn fine pub, with New Forest Collection again raising the bar to keep you happy and hoppy (and we’re just hoping that after popping into the very best bars in Lymington with us that you’re now in a generous and festive mood, so we can get away with all that…) Cheers!
