The Best Restaurants in Balmerlawn, Hampshire, United Kingdom (2025)

Afternoon Tea yesterday as a birthday treat from my sister. A superb tea in a beautiful location. The best of it all was the service from our charming waiter who was polite, friendly and utterly charming. He really needs special praise. Service was slick and the food amazing and we cannot wait to return. (Table 8)

My family went out for a Sunday roast, and it was delicious. We had the 3 course menu for £42 each. I know it's not th e cheapest but the place more than makes up for it. You expect to pay more for a very distinguished place, and the service was second to none. I would highly recommend 👌

Perfectly tucked in the New Forest, this hotel provides everything you’d want for a weekend escape from the city buzz. It was our first trip with our newborn, so we booked the Walker Suite for extra space and comfort. Spectacular. We used their indoor pool, which had children allocated times for us to enjoy with our baby. Very well kept. Mention a side is the restaurant operation which is magnificent. From their lush Sunday lunch, to the wide range breakfast selection, I couldn’t fault anything. A cheeky glass of fizz in the lounge in front their lit up pond is something id recommend anybody to try. The true secret of this place is the service and the staff though, who looked after us so well, and were kind at every single turn. Special mention to the Armada restaurant staff member Oliver, a true ambassador of 5-star hospitality. I’ve been in hospitality for 20 years, and I can tell you: these people really care about you. Well done.

Incredible experience from start to finish in this truly unique hotel in the heart of the New Forest. The location is breathtaking, service faultless and hotel has so much character. Really nice touch that the hotel put a balloon, card and banner in the room when I mentioned in the booking notes it was my wife's birthday. Not something you get often. Dinner in the conservatory and breakfast in the Armada were brilliant.

What a gem in the heart of the new forest. It's a great location if you're without a car as the train is minutes away and you can start many walks from the doorstep. The tea room breakfast included was delicious and a great way to start the day. Really lovely and helpful staff

Wonderful place to stay and enjoy of an authentic thatched cottage. The food is delicious and the afternoon tea is the best that i’ve ever tried.

Our second stay here and it did not disappoint. Room was lovely and quirky reflecting the age and character of the cottage - loved waking up to the sound of birds just outside the window. Breakfast was wonderful, delicious eggs royal and my hubby enjoyed the cooked breakfast. Loved the small touches such as a jar of shortbread in the room with the tea tray which tasted amazing. Perfect location to stay over after our celebration meal at The Pig and the staff were lovely and friendly too. Thank you!

There is a reason the Lime Wood is a 5* hotel as the service, rooms, food, staff, spa, location, and everything else that comes with it are top-notch. The luxury of prestine service in a superb setting without being pretentious with it. The dress code is relaxed and the added bonus of a luxury spa on site for various treatments.

Just went to have a drink and look around. Staff all so amazingly helpful and pleasant with nothing too much trouble. The duty manager showed us a range of beautifully appointed rooms. Also the spa staff similarly showed us all that they had to offer. Cocktails lovely too

Visited Limewood for a glorious afternoon tea. The sandwiches & cakes were amazing. The staff were so friendly and the service was top notch. There was plenty for two but always more is available. The surroundings and atmosphere was lovely.

We had an absolutely fabulous stay at Lime Wood enjoying a dinner, bed and breakfast and additionally a mud bath treatment. Whilst the mud bath experience was mildly disappointing the rest of our time at the hotel was utterly sublime. Warm, friendly, slick service, gorgeous rooms, excellent facilities, and probably the nicest meal my wife and I have ever had. We hated to leave and would highly recommend a visit to this gem of a place in the majestic new forest.

Had such a lovely meal, olives and arancini for starter, followed by the best lasagne and pizza. Staff were very nice and boxed up the rest of my main so I could have dessert - honey and lemon cheesecake which was one of the best I’ve ever had. The tiramisu was also very light and tasty! Didn’t feel rushed but staff were very well timed with taking our order and food being bought out. Had heat lamps in the conservatory area so we were nice and warm, really liked the fairy lights.

Friends had been here before and recommend going again so we gave it a go. Busy place so I would recommend booking. Staff were friendly. Food was really good all usual choice from Italian restaurants

THE BEST Italian food I've ever had in the UK!!! very friendly staffs yet polite! every dish was extremely refreshing and made fresh! If this place wasn't 3 hours away drive from home, I would be coming every week.. There is no any other way for me to describe the food from here but OUTRAGEOUSLY DEVINE!

Had a delicious meal here with my teen son. He really enjoyed the pizza, and the lasagne I had, was superb. Also enjoyed the desserts. Was the best Tiramisu I've ever had, and son had the brownie. Wasn't very busy but service was a bit slow. Took 40 minutes for the main course to arrive. Having said that, could not fault the food which was delicious, and was the best meal I had in the three days I'd spent in Brockenhurst.

I wasn't convinced about this pub because of the UPVC door entrance and slightly outdated appearance but is was so wrong! The bar staff were so lovely and friendly and the food was awesome. Properly homemade, very generous portions and super tasty. Would TOTALLY recommend! And great value too.

Always had good service here. Food is always tasty with good portions and value for money. Can't wait for better weather so we can spend longer sitting outside with a cold cider

Nice venue, friendly staff. Didn't get to try the food but what I saw go out looked great. Good value and situated close to the train station. Will definitely be revisiting.

Really good British pub! We attended on a Sunday afternoon for Sunday lunch. On arrival the staff were very attentive, making everything clear and easy. The lounge was full but they accommodated us in the bar or tent area. The food arrived in good time and was tasty + well presented. We had a dog and it was brilliant to see an abundance of well behaved dogs in the bar area. Overall a friendly environment to enjoy some food / sport & a beer or 2.

Absolutely loved our stay here. This was the perfect place for our young family to explore the New Forest and was always a nice warm welcome back to at the end of each day out and about. The food is excellent (both adults and children’s menu) and the cosy pub with its open fires and great beers was the perfect place to relax after an eventful day exploring. We stayed in room 1 which overlooked the green so our daughter was able to watch the horses grazing and had plenty of room for us all. Thank you for having us and can’t wait to stay again.

Lovely pub/eatery set in the heart of the New Forest just on the outskirts of Lyndhurst. Food was delicious and reasonably well priced. The staff were excellent, personable, efficient and cheerful. We will certainly be returning. Highly rated.

Thank you to all staff at the Trusty Servant. You made us feel very welcome and service was excellent. Great location to explore the new forest. Our room was spacious, warm and clean. All food very enjoyable. Thanks again to all.

Had an excellent evening meal here last week. While the food wasn’t Michelin quality, when added to the lively ambiance, super friendly staff, open fire and the feel of a genuine old-style community pub (a lot easier said than done) this is a winner. This part of the New Forest is blessed with decent pubs (like the New Forest Inn) but the Trusty Servant is up there with the best of them. Be careful with parking as it is easy to block a gate or driveway in the pitch darkness that descends on England by four in the afternoon at this time of year. Place is chilled.

Food was yummy, I am fussy. Chocolate cheesecake was delicious. Really good food, lovely building, parking and staff were friendly. Very quick service. Would go again if local, thoroughly enjoyed it. We spent £95 for two, including £25 bottle of wine. And 3 courses.

Second time back here. Loved it just as much as the first time. Delicious, clean, authentic food, lovely staff, and great atmosphere. Not cheap, but not expensive either. And I promise you the quality of the experience is easily worth it. Even our semi-fussy toddler gobbles up the food here! Will always come back anytime we're looking for a nice, relaxed enjoyable eat out.

Been here a few times now and can’t get enough. This place deserves 5 stars!!! Can’t find a better pizza in the new forest than this one, even in Southampton! It’s close to the taste of Rome pizzas (which is crazy for the UK!!) Proper fresh ingredients, highly recommend the Margherita DOP. Sensational! Service 10/10 and staff so friendly! Incredible place!! 🍕

Very good little Italian restaurant. I wish I’d ordered the pizza as I have a feeling this is their speciality. The pasta was good but not special. Good service from friendly staff and generally a nice atmosphere.

Lovely, friendly atmosphere. A really great place for a little get away. The staff are excellent. Wonderful accommodation. Definitely recommend!

We recently had our wedding here and it was perfect for a Christmas wedding. The venue, food and service was amazing! Clara and the staff made our day the best! Highly recommend.

We got married at the montagu on 17.10 24 & it was absolutely phenomenal. From the start of the planning process they have been incredible. Thank you so much to clara & paige who guided us planning our big day! Everything was absolutely perfect. Every single member of staff was wonderful, we felt so at ease the whole time. Huge shout out to everyone who was there from reception, our meal, the chefs, head of events & Jonathan behind the bar! If we had to do it all again we wouldn't change a thing. If you are contemplating getting married here you will not regret it! All of our guests complimented all of the staff & how beautiful they made everything. The rooms are also incredible. Thank you so SO so much! Hannah & Owen Webb xx

Went to Cottage Lodge as a surprise for my wife as it was her birthday and our wedding anniversary. White Tails is the restaurant there. The food was fantastic, as was the service. Only 4 for the atmosphere as we were the first people in the restaurant at 6.00pm, but it improved as more people turned up.

A really lovely welcome by the owner and absolutely wonderful food. This was our first visit and it was a fabulous evening.

Had a fabulous dinner here. Amazing scotch egg and salmon cannoli for starter. For mains the sea bass and Lamb shank and to end the evening with the creme brûlée. 10/10 for the food. Feels as though you are dinning at a friend’s independent restaurant. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic meal here whilst staying at a B&B down the road. All the courses were delicious and the service was great. I booked due to the good reviews on the food and was really pleased to find it lived up to the previous reviews! Definitely worth eating here if you are in the area.

Stayed at the Inn for two nights, staff were very welcoming! Room was presented well with a big comfy bed and great bathroom facilities. Breakfast was delicious, we’d highly recommend the Eggs Royale, was sublime! Also had a lovely roast one evening too! The location was perfect, right on the outskirts of the forest and straight off the main road! Also our dog loved the Inn too! Would we stay here again, Absolutely!

The whole experience at the Filly was perfect. Great atmosphere and location. The staff all seemed to enjoy working there and were positive, efficient and very welcoming. Room was a good size, had great walk-in shower and very comfy bed. There was a really good selection of teas and coffees. Also the selection of toiletries and extra items, such as razor, toothbrush and pillow mist, was excellent. We booked for three nights B&B and the breakfasts were excellent. Quality sausages and bacon, poached eggs were perfect and scrambled eggs were rich and creamy. We ate there for the three evenings and again food consistently tasty and of good quality. Slow braised lamb shepherds pie was so rich and tasty. Also the cherry compote with ice cream and waffles was so good I had it two evenings! Definitely a place to visit, location perfect for getting bus if you just want to leave car there. Bus straight through to Southampton in hour.

Great pub with super friendly staff! Served by Charlotte, we were made to feel extremely welcome, as she talked us through the events coming up throughout February! We only ordered a few small plates. But each, was absolutely fantastic! Especially the Yorkshire pudding. Will definitely be coming back soon!