Food & Drink and Places to Eat in the New Forest

Whether you’re a keen foodie or simply love enjoying a meal out, food and drink options in the New Forest are diverse and enticing, catering to a huge range of tastes and preferences. From hearty pub classics to fine dining, you’ll find plenty to look forward to. Explore local produce and award-winning menus in one of England's most picturesque locations!

Discover Fresh Local Produce in the New Forest

Here in the New Forest, we are proud of our strong tradition of using fresh, local ingredients. Many menus feature produce grown or sourced sustainably in the area, marked by the New Forest Marque, showing rigorous standards have been met indicating top-quality and authenticity. Browse our local farm shops and farmers’ markets to take home delicious cheeses, meats, and freshly baked goods. 

Take in locally brewed ales from microbreweries in Downton, Ringwood, and Lymington, or savour wine from New Forest vineyards in Brockenhurst and Bramshaw.

Fine Dining, Restaurants, and Traditional Pubs

Our award-winning restaurants and traditional pubs in the New Forest offer a wide range of options, from romantic fine dining experiences to casual meals with family and friends.

Look out for seasonal food and drink events, cookery demonstrations, and wine tastings, which are popular highlights throughout the year.

Our traditional pubs brim with charm and serve comforting classics like pies, burgers, and Sunday roasts. Why not cosy up by the fire in winter or enjoy a meal in a scenic beer garden during summer?

Discover fine dining and pub options for every occasion.

Cafes, Tea Rooms, and Afternoon Tea

After a ramble in the woodlands, why not rest your weary feet in one of the cafes or tea rooms in the New Forest? Whether it's a delicious breakfast to start your day, a brunch or lunch date, or a quick snack, our cafes and tearooms have tempting menus and tasty food and drink. Many of our cafes and tea rooms also have areas with outdoor seating, perfect for a sunny day in the forest!

Afternoon tea is particularly popular, featuring delicate finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats. Fancy an upgrade? Combine your tea with a glass of bubbly! Many cafes also have outdoor seating for sunny days.

Explore the best cafes and tea rooms to plan your perfect treat.

Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly Dining

Visiting with family? Many local restaurants and pubs offer children’s menus and gardens with play areas, ensuring little ones have just as much fun as the grown-ups.

What about the dog, you ask? No to worry, muddy paws are welcomed at many pubs, cafes and restaurants across the New Forest. Some are so dog friendly that they have dog treats on hand, even dog beds and dog food menus! 

Browse family and dog-friendly dining options here.

Award-Winning Food and Celebrity Chefs

From those who have won awards for their foodie experiences, through to AA rosette and five star dining award-winning dining, there are a wide range of pubs and restaurants in the New Forest that will offer you an unforgettable food and drink encounter. 

Did you know that some of our hotel restaurants also have close connections with some wonderful celebrity chefs, including James Martin? James, and other celebrity chefs, often take part in cookery demonstrations at Chewton Glen, near New Milton.

Special offers on New Forest Food & Drink

Before visiting the New Forest, we recommend you purchase one of our Go New Forest Cards for just £10. The card gives you access to over 350 special offers and discounts, many in restaurants, tea rooms, farm shops and cafes across The New Forest, helping you to save lots of money on your stay here. You’ll soon be reaping the rewards of buying the card.

You can also check out some special offers that our hotels, restaurants and pubs are offering visitors to this website! Keep checking back as well as offers are regularly added.

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