Fox & Hounds, Lyndhurst, New Forest, Hampshire
Once a coaching inn, now a popular gastro pub, this beauty in the village of Lyndhurst in the New Forest is well worth ear marking for lunch or dinner when you’re on your large group holiday in Hampshire, because they food is fantastic, the beers very well kept, and they have an impressive selection of wines and spirits. They like to keep it local, as all decent pubs do these days, so the meat comes from a butcher in Southampton, just 8 miles way, and the eggs are delivered from a farm down the road. The fresh stuff comes in daily and the talented team in the kitchen get to work straightaway, thinking about what they can do with it, how they can put their own creative twist into dishes, and you know what? The result is seriously good food that will have your tastebuds leaping for joy.
The Fox & Hounds has that relaxed ambience that makes you feel very comfortable, like you feel you can take your time and enjoy being in the moment. The general vibe of the décor is modern rustic, with the dining area unusually, set around a big rotisserie oven. Hanker down with a pint on the sumptuous sofas by the fire on colder days; in the summer, grab a table on the sun-trap terrace.
A quick look at the main menu reveals things like Rotisserie bacon chop, barbecue rib, pineapple ketchup, fried duck egg and triple cooked chips, Venison Bolognese tagliatelle, sage and parmesan, and South Coast lamb faggots, creamed potatoes, roasted shallot gravy and crushed peas. Vegetarians aren’t overlooked by any means; they can tuck into Chickpea falafel burger, cholla bun, and all the trimmings with chips, Morrocan vegetable & feta tagine with herb couscouse, or Spiced chickpea fritter with grilled spring onions, caraway pickled cucumber, rocket & tomato salad. Big nom nom.
Open: Every day 11.00am to 11.00pm (10.30pm on Sundays)
T: 02380 282098 All information correct at the time of writing