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

Had a wonderful time. On Sunday there are special roasted dishes which are supreme. Amazing food for a real British experience. Would definitely come back.

Popped into this very dog friendly pub for Sunday lunch and it didn't disappoint! Great value too at just £12 for the standard roast chicken, beef, pork etc. An extra £3.50 for a generous portion of cauliflower cheese unfortunately left no room for desserts so that will have to be one for next time. The menu has a good spread of food and a number of daily specials across Starters, Mains and Dessert. They also sell a variety of doggie treats for your four legged furry friends! A little off the main strip in Lymington but well worth a visit!

Friendly welcoming staff. Nice relaxed atmosphere. Unfortunately they had run out of the lamb shank roast option. As can be seen by the photos portions are generous. We had the Mac and Cheese bites for starter with roast beef and scampi for mains. We will be visiting again before our holiday ends.

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 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.

Food was really good all dishes would have again. Cocktails superb. Staff so accommodating

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.

Absolutely fantastic lunch. Staff were very friendly and attentive. The food both looked and tasted amazing. We had 3 courses, and it would be hard to choose which was our favourite, as the whole meal was faultless, and exceeded our expectations. The location is just off the main street, and is a hidden gem.

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.

We visited for the first time for a birthday celebration on 28/10/23. The food was superb. Portion sizes were very generous. The service was great. And it was a lovely atmosphere. The only drawback, was the wood fire which irritated our eyes. But apart from this, the waiter and chef were extremely attentive, courteous and very kind. All we can say is, this is a fantastic place to go for a great meal with friends and family. Thank you for making my birthday meal a memorable occasion with my wonderful friends.

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!

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!

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.

Had an amazing dinner at Waterman’s Rest in Lymington! Started with a flavorful seafood cocktail and perfect salmon gravlax. The freshly cooked trout and same-day sourced skate wing were delicious, paired with a refreshing and good-value Prosecco. Service was excellent, and the owner’s commitment to local vibes and top-notch ingredients really shines. If you’re in Lymington, definitely check it out!

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!

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.

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

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.

Cracking place this, stayed for business but would definitely return on a leisurely vacation, the staff were impeccable, the lad was having his dinner and jumped up to serve without hesitation, so polite and this matters today imo! Room is spot on, heated, lovely bathroom and I can't wait to try the breakfast tomorrow! Great beers brewed on site. Location is good for a short walk into the centre bit and would recommend to friends and family without doubt

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!

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

Great restaurant with food sourced from within 25 miles. Lots of wine available and also beer and cocktail menus. The staff are very attentive and service is excellent. It gets very busy and bookings are essential. The only drawback is the restaurant area gets very loud due to being in an old orangery, making it difficult to hear when it's busy with large groups. But there are quieter areas which could be requested.

Overall fantastic experience! The food was amazing, loved how they focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. I particularly loved the gardens and decor. The staff made us feel very special as celebrated our engagement. Thank you for everything, I could not recommend the Pig in the forest enough!

We absolutely loved our one night stay at Lime Wood, celebrating my wife's 40th Birthday! We had very high expectations but they were exceeded! The staff couldn't be more friendly and helpful, including the lady who checked us in and the fantastic sommelier in training. The spa was very relaxing and varied enough not to get bored. The best part was the quality of the food. The breakfast is up there with the best we've had at hotels, and the restaurant was absolutely superb, one of our favourite meals of this year. We can't wait to return!

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.

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.

We stayed at the Angel and Blue Pig for the weekend for 3 nights for our anniversary, and our stay was lovely. We booked a Double Deluxe room, which was really cosy, and the bed was so comfortable I had the best night's sleep. Our room faced onto the High Street, so I thought it might be noisy, but other than the doves roosting on the roof and the refuse collection early one morning, it was really quiet. Not sure how old the building is, but due to its age, the corridors and floors are creaky, and the rooms have imperfections and wonky door frames, but this all adds to the quirky atmosphere. You can feel the history in the building. We booked a table for Sunday lunch, which was very good. My partner ordered the vegetarian option, but this had sold out, so he was offered vegetarian sausages instead, which was fine. It must be a popular option, as this was only 2.15pm. We would most certainly stay here again.

First visit while travelling to the area ! Such a warm, welcoming and cozy atmosphere. Staff were lovely and bubbly. Food price matched expectations, was excellent value for money. Unfortunately didn’t catch our servers name but she was lovely. Looked quiet when we visited but was early afternoon. Looking forward to visiting again! No delays in service and cocktails to die for!

Treated myself to a delicious lunch of fish and chips today and a pint of Boon Doggle brewed by Ringwood brewery. Service was excellent too.Definitely will be returning. Excellent service and beer.

Enjoyed lovely food and drinks in this super pub. The staff were welcoming and interested in our experience and made a big fuss of our dog Scout. Special mention to Ella and Courtney for their exceptional service and care. We felt genuinely looked after by them. This is definitely worth visiting and we will be back when next in the new forest!