Totally rebuilt and extended over the years, this 15th-century listed building is now an independently run boutique hotel in the self-proclaimed capital of the New Forest National Park. Food-wise, the focus is on the Bar & Grill – an all-day eatery offering a mix of international standards and Euro-accented dishes sprinkled with regional produce. Confit duck terrine or Isle of Wight blue cheese pannacotta with heritage beetroot salad might precede New Forest venison casserole or slow-roast shoulder of Dorset lamb with Jerusalem artichokes, red cabbage and dauphinoise potato. Fish from the Lymington and Christchurch boats also gets a good outing – from smoked salmon and crab roulade to seared cod fillet with mussel velouté, and there’s plenty for fans of steaks and burgers too. Drinkers can sup local Ringwood ales or dip into the well-spread wine list.