Hare and Hounds

Another of the New Forest's secrets has been uncovered. Spacious and bright but maintaining the traditions of the English inn, the Hare and Hounds entices you with its combination of snug dining area and sociable bar. Having an enviable reputation for substantial portions and extensive menus (including one for the tots), this pub and restaurant toys with hearty favourites and achieves an interesting and mouth-watering selection.

The specials board can feature anything from fillet of black John Dory to homemade seafood pancakes, and with food served throughout the day (including baguettes and jacket potatoes), I suggest kicking off your wellies and settling into some well-earned rest and relaxation.

Our winter warmer homemade vegetable soup and tangy prawn cocktail were almost meals in themselves, their quality paving the way for the main courses. I tried a house favourite - chicken Hare and Hounds style (breast of chicken stuffed with flavoursome mozzarella and spinach, wrapped in smoked bacon with a creamy white wine sauce) - while my guest's cottage pie was wholesome and incredibly tasty.

With almost no room for a dessert each we opted to share a treacle sponge pudding (this pub is rightly famous for its desserts), which proved sheer indulgence. Booking a table is advised in this New Forest oasis, and I suggest working up an appetite before you go.