The Three Lions

More of a destination restaurant than a local boozer, The Three Lions is a countryside hideaway at the edge of The New Forest. Offering the best of both, the downstairs is split between a refined pub bar and a slightly smarter, carpeted restaurant area, with each proving to be as civilised as the other. Leather armchairs, exposed brickwork, and restored wooden tables make this a welcomed space to whet our whistles and our appetite.

Settled into our table, with a view of the surrounding fields, we kick things off with the ham hock terrine with crisp bread, piccalilli and crackling. Each plate arrives in a style that leaves you unequivocal about the consideration going into everything here. Pickled vegetables are twisted into neat bundles, and pea shoots adorn the plate to give a further pop of colour against the dark crockery. The terrine is moulded to a perfect right angle, and collapses at the touch of a fork, giving a salty hit that’s expertly balanced by the sharp piccalilli.

To follow, mains arrive as a fine example of well-polished pub grub, with a rich steak and Guinness pie, sat atop of a flawlessly piped mound of mash. The filling hits the flavour mark, but lacks an abundance of sauce to pour from the pastry when opening. Thankfully, this is quickly rectified by an accompanying jug of gravy, which is used to douse the meal (without a drop to spare).

Rounding off with a classic, we go for the chocolate mousse with orange gel and strawberry salsa. It was wonderfully intense, but mimicked the texture of ganache, rather than containing the light and airy characteristics expected from a mousse. Good for when plating as quenelles, but little else.

If you’re taking a trip to the national park, we’d recommend stopping by to experience The Three Lions take on some fan favourites, where flavour is paramount and service is first class.

Those seeking a relaxed yet refined restaurant with rooms near Fordingbridge will find what they are looking for at The Three Lions. Whether it’s the cosy bar offering an impressive selection of drinks, the elegant restaurant or the peaceful rooms (not to mention the Sunday roast), there is something for everyone here.

The menu at The Three Lions features simple yet sophisticated British dishes, made with the finest locally sourced ingredients. Guests and non-guests alike can start their dinner with the reasonably priced soup of the day, or a confit of salmon with cauliflower purée and salad for a more indulgent entrée. Baked camembert with garlic and rosemary is available for cheese-lovers, while those looking for something a little lighter can opt for a couscous salad with sun-dried tomatoes and chilli. Main courses at The Three Lions feature locally sourced meat and fish, served with the best accompaniments. These include, among others, braised lamb shoulder with a parsley crumb, roast pork belly with braised red cabbage, champ potatoes and parsley root or grilled whole plaice with lemon-scented onions and mashed potato. For vegetarians and vegans, there is the option of pan-fried tofu or crisp polenta with baby spinach and ratatouille.

Finally, diners can end their meal with a decadent dessert such as creme brulee with root ginger and raspberry sorbet, bitter chocolate marquise with raspberry and mango sorbet or warm chocolate and orange bread and butter pudding with chocolate ice cream. There is also the option of a selection of local cheeses for those looking to end on a savoury note, with pear and date chutney and biscuits.

There is a large selection of affordable new and old world wines available by the bottle, with many under the £20 mark. After dinner, we recommend staying the night for the full experience, immersed in the Hampshire countryside.