White Star Tavern & Dining Rooms

Formerly a hotel of choice for ocean-going passengers, the White Star is a hot ticket once again, reincarnated as modern-day urban inn. It certainly delivers an upbeat, cosmopolitan vibe, which works with its all-day, something-for-everyone approach. Chill-out lounges & pavement alfresco tables set the scene from the off, while casual & more formal dining areas wrap around a big, sweeping bar. Floorboards, crescent-shaped banquette seating & white retro-styled chairs keep things relaxed, while the modern brasserie menu is an on-cue crowd-pleaser with fashionable ‘small-plate’ openers (pork pie & piccalilli, devilled squid & wild garlic aïoli).‘Bigger things’ masquerade as mains, say Ringwood beer-battered haddock with hand-cut fat chips, pea purée & tartare sauce, for example, or local wood pigeon breast accompanied by roasted chicory, serrano ham & sherry vinegar emulsion. Local produce scores highly, & boutique-style bedrooms keep everyone onside.