New Forest Coast Pubs and Restaurants
To us, an important element of any holiday is going out and discovering interesting places to enjoy a drink or a good meal. Fortunately, over the last few years Milford has become a bit of a ‘foodie’ destination. There are in fact no less than six restaurants, three pubs, a traditional beach cafe and four coffee places all within a 5-10 minute walk of Mulberry Barn and Old Walls flat.
Whilst within walking distance of Lime Grove is one of the finest New Forest gourmet pubs – the Crown.
All the following views are our personal experiences, and there are many other worthy places to visit and we suggest buying the local newspaper ‘Lymington Times’ for all the nearby restaurant promotions and advertisements. We do recommend booking particularly Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday lunch
For more information visit: http://www.milfordonsea.org
Bon Appetite!
Milford-on-sea restaurants
Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant. This new restaurant offers a contemporary dining venue in the heart of the village. The menu has a strong fish bias and sources much of their produce from local suppliers. This is our favourite village eatery and highly recommended. The owners also run a traditional fishmonger (same address) should you wish to cook your own fish dinner! Reservations 01590 642176 or www.vervienne.co.uk
Piccolo Mondo. This was taken over last December by a local family who supplied pizzas to local restaurants. Not surprisingly the restaurant specialises in this Italian favourite as well as pasta.Cosy and friendly. Reservations on 01590 643557
Zaika is the village Indian restaurant. Not too large, friendly and with a good variety of dishes it is a popular place to eat and consistently good. Reservations or take-away 01590 643084.
Thai Britannic has a menu in line with its name. Rather on the pricy side but they offer a 20% discount on take-away which makes it that much more affordable. Tasty but with the speed in which the food is delivered not too sure it is freshly cooked. Reservations or take away 01590 642226.
South Lawn Hotel. A little further to walk to and appears to cater more for the mature seniors. We have not eaten there but Sunday lunch is very popular. Nice terrace for summer dining and afternoon teas served. Reservations 01590 643911
Westover Hall represents the top end of the local market. A great setting, close to the cliff edge and overlooking the Needles with excellent food and service which is slick if a little brisk at times. A venue for that special celebration – they have a small terrace and on summer days take advantage of their special two course lunch + glass of wine. Reservations 01590 643044
Needles Eye Beach Café Open from 9am to 6pm this inexpensive family run café is a great place for an English breakfast, a cup of coffee or a lunch time snack and with a licence you can now enjoy a drink or two when you eat. We often walk down there on a sunny evening to enjoy a New Forest ice cream and watch the sun go down.
Milford-on-sea pubs
White Horse. If we drink or eat in a Milford Pub this is our first choice, good ambience, friendly staff and sensibly priced reasonably food - although on a hot summer’s evening it does get very warm in side. (01590 642360)
The Smugglers Over the last two years this pub has improved enormously since it was taken over by a local business person who already runs other Forest pubs successful. Children’s play area and large outside terrace. (01590 644414)
The Red Lion To my mind this pub lacks atmosphere and I find it strange that there are no bar stools. Having said that this pub does an excellent Sunday lunch and if you have a family (or just want to sit outside) they have the nicest beer garden in the village. (01590 642391)
Belle Epoque Wine Bar and Cafe Milford’s only wine bar opened in February this year. Wines by the bottle or glass as well as a selection of tasty snacks. Friendly and inexpensive. Closed Monday and Tuesdays.
Milford-on-sea take-aways
Mr Pink is the village fish and chip shop. The queues outside his shop are a testimony to how popular and good his fish dinners are!
Zaika’s and Thai Britannic do take-ways as already mentioned
Milford-on-sea coffee places
Bon Appetite (opposite the Post Office) has excellent coffee, smoothies and organic juices as well as a good selection of light bites and baguettes.
Polly’s Pantry a traditional village tea room does a good selection of coffees, light meals and ice creams
The Village Coffee shop has a selection of cakes and baguettes
Anger Lise’s Good coffee and an interesting selection of open smoresborg sandwiches
Restaurants - further a field
Stanwell House (01590 677123) in Lymington is a privately owned boutique hotel that has a good restaurant with an interesting menu. If you are visiting Lymington this is a more interesting spot for coffee rather than your traditional high street coffee places.
Pebble Beach (01425 627777) at Barton is a fine dining contemporary designed restaurant with good views over Christchurch bay, an outside terrace and a good reputation. Well worth a visit even if just for a light lunch.
Gordleton Mill (01590 683073) in Hordle has a good local reputation for excellent food as well as a lovely setting by the side of a stream. It has a restaurant, a bar area and a large outdoor terrace. Ideal setting for warm summer days. Consistently good food and service.
Pubs - further a field
The Crown (01590 642655) at Everton to our mind serves the best Pub Food around these parts and this is our first choice for pub food. Yes – you pay a bit more – but we still go back!
The Gun (01590 642391) in Keyhaven is a great place to stop for a break whilst out walking. Their Crab sandwiches are very popular.
The Ship (01590 676903) on the quay in Lymington is a delightful place for an evening drink, though we have not been so lucky with the food there.
The Chequers. (01590 673415) At Pennington/Lymington is another traditional pub that caters for the ‘yachties’ Plenty of garden area and if you are feeling energetic it is a great walk from Milford via Keyhaven and the sea wall to Lymington. (Approx 2 hour walk). The return journey length depends on the sort of lunch you had!
Fisherman’s Rest (01590 678931) in Lymington – another friendly pub that has a good food reputation
The Red Lion in Boldre (01590 673177) is a good traditional pub that serves home made dishes and locally sourced produce.
The Oak Inn (02380 282350) at Bank (just west of Lyndhurst) is a favourite of ours as close to some good forest walks. The food is excellent
The Hare and Hounds (01590 682404) in Sway has always been a popular local pub with reasonable food. My favourite is the liver and bacon stack!