The Best Restaurants in Buckland Rings, Hampshire, United Kingdom (2025)

Visited The Elderflower to try the 7 course (yes, 7 course) tasting menu, and I must say it was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. Every dish was incredible, but not large enough to make you feel like a stuffed pig by the end. The wine was matched perfectly to each dish and the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Easily one of the best restaurant meals I've ever tasted, just superb.

Incredible taster menu. Service was on point. Food was delicious, especially langoustine with salt baked beetroot and duck breast. Wines well paired. Would highly recommend.

We had the five-course tasting menu over lunch, and from start to finish, it was an excellent experience. The staff were warm, welcoming, and attentive without being intrusive, setting just the right tone for a relaxed meal. The dining room itself felt either brand new or impeccably maintained, adding to the sense of occasion. The food was outstanding. Every dish beautifully presented, seasonal, and most importantly really bloody tasty! The wine list was solid; while I didn’t drink, my wife enjoyed the wine selected for her. It wasn’t a formal pairing, but when we asked for something to match what we were eating, the choice was spot on. One small piece of feedback rather than a complaint. I was surprised that there wasn’t a seafood course, especially given the restaurant’s prime waterfront location. It felt like a bit of a missed opportunity. Also, while the English sparkling by the glass was a great option, I’d have loved to see a Champagne by the glass as well. That said, these are minor points in what was an otherwise fantastic meal. We’ll definitely be back!

Great people and tasty food and loved the atmosphere but a little rushed through the first couple of courses so had to slow down a bit to send a message. One little downfall is just the w/c could do with bringing up to the standard of the service and food

This was our first visit to Brisa, and it won't be our last! Absolutely stunning food. Fresh, varied, and beautifully presented. Staff were super polite and helpful in explaining the menu, and food was quick to arrive. Nikola the waitress was lovely. Great atmosphere, live music, and an overall good vibe.

We visited Brisa twice during our stay in Lymington. The food was amazing and very freshly cooked. The staff made us smile loads and looked after us. They were very friendly and polite, they also helped us, by recommending certain drinks to try with certain foods (chilled white sherry). Atmosphere was great, whether you love tapas or have not tried tapas before, definitely give Brisa a visit!

Real Spanish food. Every dish is lovely and unique. Great wine too. Thumbs up tob the chef for making our trip fabulously joyful in sharing our plates with love among us.

Great location and a nice welcome on arrival. Table as requested and food was both tasty and well proportioned. The only niggle was the music from the bar area was both loud and not really appropriate for ambiance that was trying to be created. Personal choice maybe but relevant to our reason for dining. Nice dining experience overall and we'll be coming back 👍🏻🙂

Went as part of a group for a set, two course Christmas Dinner. The main course was lovely, very tasty and nicely presented. The two options for desert looked lovely, but due to dietary restrictions I could eat neither. I was offered a small cheeseboard which was lovely, then charged £4 for it. I don't think this is fair as I'd already paid for the two set courses which included a desert. I and two other people were also asked to pay for tea infusions whereas coffee was included in the cost of the meal. I love going to the Cliff House, the staff are terrific and it's in a great position. However, I do think that folk who can't eat deserts on a set menu or drink tea are treated unfairly.

Great spot, food was good. They were busy so maybe service a little slower than the norm, but wasn't an issue for us as chatting with friends in the sun that was streaming through the window. Will definitely go again. Staff were excellent. Dog friendly. Didn't stay overnight, just food.

Lovely views from this restaurant with ample outdoor seating for the warmer weather. Service great and our needs for our anxious dog was warmly accommodated. The food was lovely and the portions very generous too. Would recommend if you are in the area. Excellent fish and chips and a lovely catch of the day sampled. Burgers are huge but delicious, managed to eat most of it… for the fish and chips we were able to take half away for later on so no waste!

Went for Sunday lunch and luckily I booked before going as it was packed. Beautiful old building with bags of history and great atmosphere. The food was amazing. Truly one of the best lamb roast dinners I have ever had. Party of 6 people and we all left super full and happy. Would recommend to all if you want great food at a good price.

Dating from 1096, this great pub, with a fantastic menu, was originally under the control of the local monks. Historically important, the Grade 1 listed building has been preserved for our pleasure. Out of the way, on a small country lane and village. Nice selection of beers, it is in contention to be the oldest licenced estabishment in England. Great chat with the landlord, and skilled chef, Steve who knows so much more. Plenty of seating inside and outside. Friendly staff.

Lovely little pub with great history. Very warm welcome from all staff. The atmosphere was lovely and country-esk. They accepted dogs which was fab. The food was absolutely beautiful, faultless and served timely and with carefully thought about presentation. We had the Monkfish Scampi and Salt and Pepper squid, both superb. For mains we had Halibut in a lobster bisque, and the Chicken and Ham hock pie - full of flavour from start to finish. To end we shared the sticky toffee pudding which was topped with delicious honey comb. We even had the chef and owner come out and chat with us which was such a lovely touch. Wonderful experience, will definitely be back when we’re next in the area!

Outstanding food, service and atmosphere - couldn't fault it! Sensible pricing too - while not cheap, they don't take the proverbial like so many places do; that's the difference which prompted me to leave a 5 star review. This is a treat to be enjoyed once or twice a year if you live locally!

From start to finish our experience dining at the Lighthouse was perfect. We’d phoned in the morning to let them know it was a special engagement meal and they couldn’t have done more for us. The welcome Prosecco, impeccable service, and a very thoughtful ‘congratulations’ board served with our desserts made it a very memorable meal. Heidi, our waitress was very friendly and had great knowledge of the menu. The food had such a depth of flavour, the meat was tender and cooked to perfection! I’d highly recommend the Lighthouse and look forward to visiting again. Thank you for a great evening!

Recently popped by The Lighthouse on a trip to Milton after seeing such good reviews. We booked in advance as a large table and were readily and kindly accommodated via email and the phone regarding the large booking. The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and gives coast vibes, matching the idyllic location of the restaurant! Our food came out in food time once we had settled and as far as I am aware everyone enjoyed there meals, which were all very fresh! The staff were generally very warm, welcoming, and humorous, albeit one member who seemed to appear a bit frustrated with our table at times due to being large and perhaps a lot of manage? Regardless, the overall experience was good, and I would recommend The Lighthouse to those visiting the area!

Vibes were immaculate. Heidi and Erika served us and they were so lovely to us and our dog 💖 had amazing fish and chips and they also have loads of veggie options, which is rare to find at a little town. Will definitely be coming back xo

What a find! Decided to pop here on a whim and we were so impressed. Delicious fresh fish and great staff. Looking forward to visiting again.

We have just discovered this little gem just off lymington high street. Perfect for just a coffee, lunch or tappas. So impressed to see the passion and enthusiasm displayed by the owner/chef freshly preparing his amazing selection of tappas to be served this evening. The extensive menu choice of tappas was incredible and tasted winderful. Such a welcome change from the typical ‘pub grub’ served these days! Great atmosphere and enjoyed socialising with the customers. We will certainly be returning. Thank you for a very memorable evening

What a find! A great selection of tasty food at reasonable prices. The proprietor Karl looked after us very well. We opted for the homemade Scotch Eggs served with salad and chutney- and they were the best we have ever tasted. Delicious cakes too. 10/10! Alan

What a breakfast ! Not for the faint hearted, this large you definitely need to be hungry 😂 not just quantity full of flavour too . I'll definitely be back !

We love it! Came back the next day for more. Such a friendly feel to the whole place and the head chef guy clearly knows and loves his food and flavours. Pro poached eggs, inspired berry smoothies, tastiest granola we’ve ever had, and the ingenious suggestion of adding lime to the granola that we wanted to add cinnamon to. We’ll be doing that again and I’ll be practicing my poached eggs.

Discovered this gem whilst visiting the New Forest. Was recommended to us, and for good reason. We dropped in mid week for dinner and immediately felt welcome. Definitely feels like a pub that's used by locals, but not one where strangers are made to feel unwelcome. Staff were warm, welcoming and professional. Food was great... Lovely balance of quality and just enough to leave us satisfied but without feeling uncomfortable. The vibe is great with a choice of the more restaurant side or the pub side (which is where we positioned ourselves). As we're moving into the area next year, this week certainly be one of our regular places to enjoy an evening. Thanks to all at MB. Bob

Had an absolutely amazing meal with my husband! Service and food was top notch, the restaurant is beautifully decorated, and really pleased that they are dog friendly. Shame we live so far away or we would definitely be back!

Turned up on the off chance. 2 adults and 3 dogs . From taking the call to see if they had space, to getting served was great. The beer was very good "Toll House". The food was also very good, I thoroughly recommend it.

Popped in for a quick pint. Very good selection of beers and ales. Friendly staff. Food looked really good and the place was full. So I would book if going for food. Large seating area outside, some seats have heaters. Will probably have a meal here before we go back. Dog friendly, small car park. Cant comment on rooms didnt stay there.

It's difficult to find but once you are there you are in for a good surprise. The food is amazing, not pretentious dishes but executed to perfection. I recommend the avocado mousse and the flamboyant chocolate and coffee desert.

Utterly faultless. My partner is coeliac and they didn’t even bat an eyelid!! Staff were simply charming and the food was SUBLIME. Delicious wine and just the most beautiful evening. Dietary requirements aren’t a thing… they’re just not phased which made eating out a complete pleasure. Thank you!!

Wow! What a lovely place. We had a gorgeous lunch. The food is the best we have had in a long time. The staff are great. Our dog got fresh water on arrival. We will certainly be regular customers on our frequent visits to the area.

Very nice beef roast. We had lunch in their outside garden, the atmosphere is cute and the pub is very well kept and clean. If you’re looking for a pub in the area would recommend this one! The staff was very friendly and welcoming although we didn’t book in advance 💫

Ate here after talking to someone in our B&B and was told they served good fish and seafood dishes we decided to give it a try. We booked a table just to be sure and as it was a nice evening decided to eat outside. The food was excellent we had salmon gravlax to start with seabass dauphinoise potato in a bisque and I had the seafood special. Service was good, water was constantly replenished without asking The man who served us I believe is the owner has a bit of a nonchalant demeanor but dont let that put you off Would definitely recommend if you like fish and sea food, we came to the New Forest to try a couple of restaurants should just have eaten here more often and saved a shed load of money

Service is very good, nice and attentive, they give you the option for service charge (now adding to the bill is very important to me). The atmosphere is great, you feel into a small old pub, food is ok. Creative, good presentation, should have come warmer though.

We are return visitors to the new forest and love to come to the mayflower for food and drinks with our dog Scout. She is quite anxious but the staff are very helpful with helping us find a good seated position. Recently we ate here for 3 weekday lunches, a Sunday roast and on our final morning had breakfast here too. The food is always great and the Sunday roast is the ultimate meal for me. Beautiful succulent loin of pork, perfect roast potatoes and lovely seasonal veg. The gravy was like silk and tasted amazing! We wish we lived closer as we would I wouldn’t be cooking on Sundays very often! The breakfast was also delicious. Service wonderful and cannot wait to return to eat more!

I came here for lunch only, and did not stay at the hotel. It was a great place to rest after a long walk in the nearby nature reserve. The staff in the restaurant were efficient and friendly, and the fish dish was delicious. Great pit stop.

Stayed here for a night with my wife, lovely room. Had steak for dinner which was cooked perfectly. Breakfast was absolutely delicious too. Would highly recommend staying here and also dine. Went for a walk around the marina in the morning on a beautiful crisp sunny day.

Love this place! Just out of the town but on the Solent way before the marina, the service was first class. Greeted by polite, friendly and accommodating staff. Dog friendly to! The food and drinks were excellent and staff were attentive throughout. We never have pudding at lunch but enjoyed the atmosphere and mains so much we stayed and they are big yummy puddings! Will definitely be coming back on our holidays in the summer