Royal Oak, Fritham

This pub is at one end of a busy cycle track through a beautiful part of the New Forest. One would think, given the numerous passing visitors, they would make the most of their location. Unfortunately a huge opportunity has been missed.

Though it gets good reviews from the real ale brigade who eagerly beat a path to its door, there is more to a pub than the beer and it is let down by its refusal to appeal to those who just want the basics.

The garden is good but could be great if only it had a children's play area. There is a gravel square, presumably waiting for the influx of petanque-playing Frenchmen, which I've never seen being used. On a busy weekend afternoon there are loads of kids in the garden with nothing to do except eat crisps.

Why oh why do they refuse to take cards? Have they not calculated how much trade they turn away by this policy? I stood in the queue today behind someone who was keen to spend their money but couldn't. They were in a large hungry group wanting to eat lunch. Instead they had to share drinks and a few bags of crisps because they could only scrape together a few quid in cash. The landlady even took great pleasure in telling them they didn't take cards! Most pubs struggle to get punters through the door but this pub can't wait to turn them away.

Why is the menu so limited? Ploughman's are so 80s. Just because they are in the New Forest doesn't mean they have to be so posh and aloof. Most locals and tourists are not tally-hos so why not cater for them. The Fighting Cocks at Godshill does a constant roaring trade as it appeals to more than just toffs and CAMRA members. This pub should offer a wide range of snacks at lunchtimes. Baguettes, sandwiches, pies, lasagne, burgers and yes, just chips would be good. Save the posh nosh for the evening. Most people who have just cycled 10 miles from Sandy Balls with a family in tow want good simple food not duck breast or pate even if it is locally-sourced. There is no children's menu and with many families visiting this place the kids go hungry. Also, why is there not a large cake selection and cream teas?

27 Mar 2011 21:23

The George, Fordingbridge

We moved to Fordingbridge in early 2007 and initially really liked The George as it has been recently refurbished. The atmosphere was good and the food excellent as well as reasonably priced.
It appears to have changed hands again in late 2007 and we went along for a meal.
The menu has been rehashed to appeal to a more upper middle class demographic. Sunday lunchtime the place was full of ruddy-faced, country gents and twin-set-and-pearls ladies. The menu was disappointing and not worth the high price. We ordered sausage and chips for our daughter and were presented with one tiny sausage, prentious rectangular chips and one pathetic brocolli flouret!
Having given up with the food we recently popped in for a beer to enjoy the lovely riverside view. Pint of lager shandy, bottle of Czech beer and a bag of crisps for �7.30!!!!
It's such a shame they have alienated the locals to chase the Range Rover brigade. I only hope the recession sees them coming to their senses.
The landlord, a Ted Danson lookalike is also irritating in ending every sentence with 'sir'. I like people to be polite but it grates after a while.
The waitresses were nice and friendly but have a hard job dishing out such over-priced bland fayre. I give this pub 2 for the location and 0 for the management.

25 Jul 2008 09:04