The Rose and Thistle
Gastropub
Location Rockbourne Road, Rockbourne, Nr. Fordingbridge, SP6 3NL t: 0844 625 3374 w: www.roseandthistle.co.uk e: enquiries@roseandthistle.co.uk
NF
Built in the 16th century, The Rose and Thistle is steeped in history. Nestled in the quaint village of Rockbourne, on the outskirts of the New Forest, this traditional pub is at the heart of the village community. At The Rose and Thistle, you’ll see London commuters and local farmers sitting side by side. Inside, the pub has a cosy, homely feel. The restaurant boasts an inglenook fireplace that adds to the intimate setting, while the separate bar area is well suited to larger groups.
£21 to
£28
The menu changes five times a year to offer the freshest seasonal produce. The set menu changes weekly, with two or three courses for lunch or dinner. Head chef Natalie recommends the twice-baked cheese soufflé to start, followed by steamed suet steak and kidney pudding – a long-standing favourite that has featured on the menu for 25 years. For dessert, the amaretto and mixed berry meringue and sticky toffee pudding come highly recommended. At the bar you’ll find three real ales on tap, with popular choices Open: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, such as Doom Bar, Butcombe and 5pm-10.30pm; Ringwood Best. The bar staff are Sat 11am-10.30pm; self-confessed cider fanatics so Sun noon-6pm there’s always a wide selection of local cider to choose from, and wine-lovers will be pleased to see a selection of tipples from around the world available by the bottle and the glass. The Rose and Thistle is a true community hub that welcomes visitors with open arms.
The Bugle
Gastropub
Location High Street, Hamble, Nr. Southampton, SO31 4HA t: 0844 502 8872 w: www.buglehamble.co.uk
SE Award-winning food, well-kept local ale, first-class wine and a fantastic gin selection make up the outstanding offering available at The Bugle, a Grade II listed village inn found in the picturesque coastal village of Hamble. Inside, visitors are £15 to greeted by an inviting, rustic setting, established by exposed brick and woodwork, £30 oak tables, and a log burner radiating warmth and cosiness on colder days. Curl up with the pooch in a cosy corner for the ultimate English pub experience. Here, seasonality and provenance take precedence. Varied menus are revised regularly to make use of the region’s best produce. A typical bill of fare might see guests tucking into starters of pistachio-crusted chicken ballotine with watercress, honey and French mustard mayo before sampling pan-fried rump of lamb served Open: Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm; with saag aloo new potatoes, Canarian red mojo sauce and coriander cress. Fri & Sat 11am-midnight; For the truly carnivorous, locally sourced grill selections such as 28-day-aged Sun noon-11pm rib-eye with Béarnaise sauce or the steak burger can often be found on the menu. The kitchen also prides itself on offering creative and enticing vegetarian options. Before leaving, be sure to try something from the range of sweets. The Bugle’s sweeping bar is stocked with an exhaustive cadre of libations, from world wine and local ale and beer, to craft spirits and premium soft drinks. Boasting a private dining room, The Bugle is the perfect venue for hosting special occasions. Event organisers can expect access to complimentary Wi-Fi, a large screen for display purposes – also great for sports – and a well-appointed space that seats up to 12 guests in complete privacy. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Guide 2019
33