The East End Arms, East End

Good food, but its a shame they don't get their fire lit more frequently, and also earlier - it would be nice to go for lunch on a cold winter's day in a place that felt cosy - the food is wonderful and the staff great, but its let down by the absence of firewood. Get the fire lit early and keep the logs stocked, that will take this pub to the next level.

23 Feb 2009 23:47

The Fleur de Lys, Pilley

Went with three friends a couple of months back and were disappointed. Its a weird atmosphere, not really a pub, more just like an austere dining room. Its a shame, it being such an old building and the New Forest's Oldest Pub that it hasn't got any warmth of charm left it in. Staff are a bit awkward, and the food is overpriced. �3.50 for a cappucino is absurd for the New Forest. The French chef does cook reasonably well, but it is probably over-ambitious and over-priced for the setting. Plenty of better places nearby - the East End Arms or the Red Lion at Boldre being decent places to eat in the immediate vicinity which will set you back about half as much as eating here for similar quality.

23 Feb 2009 23:44