The Happy Cheese

The Happy Cheese, a dog-friendly, traditional country pub situated on the east side of the New Forest National Park, is run by Liz, Kev, Arianne and the team. The pub has a reputation for its fantastic Sunday carvery and superb home-cooked food that's created by Kev and his kitchen brigade. Dishes include daily chef's specials and a range of delicious homemade desserts. The interior is immaculately clean, with a pleasing mix of stripped wooden and quarry tiled floors, exposed beams, cosy nooks and comfortable seating. Guests can also sit outside in the lovely, well-kept beer garden, which is a suntrap in the summer months.

Liz and the team serve up a great range of drinks and traditional real ales, including locally brewed Ringwood Best Bitter and Forty Niner. There are a range of meals that are available in a two for £12 offer and the menu lists a whole host of classic, seasonal dishes. Those after a light bite can plump for one of the deluxe sandwiches - maybe the warm pulled pork and apple chutney, or Brie, bacon and redcurrant jelly - while diners after something substantial can go for the full three courses. Perhaps start with cheese and bacon potato skins or grilled goat's cheese topped with hazelnuts and served with rocket and beetroot salsa. From the extensive list of mains, grills and burgers, you might choose homemade steak and ale pie, fish and chips, 8oz sirloin steak, or a spicy bean burger. As an added bonus, cycle hire is available from March until October, so you can work up an appetite before you visit