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.