The Rose and Thistle is a quaint countryside pub in Rockbourne, a quiet village in the New Forest. The pub dates back to the 16th century, and sits nestled on the outskirts of the New Forest with its own garden, thatched roof and restaurant, which serves classic comforting gastropub dishes.
The charming, rustic interiors feature a number of cosy log fires, as well as traditional wooden beamed ceilings, carved wooden benches and hardwood tables. There’s an extensive beer garden outside which makes a perfect sun trap in the summer, and the bar area is traditionally decorated, with a range of beers on draught from local breweries.
Meanwhile, the menu is packed full of classic, comforting British pub fare, Kick off with some bread and olives, before tucking into starters like soaked aubergine and red pepper salad, ham hock terrine with piccalilli, or twice baked cheese souffle with granary bread. Among the mains you’ll find burgers, steaks, steak and kidney pie with steamed vegetables, rack of lamb with celeriac puree and butternut squash Thai curry as a vegetarian option.
There are also a host of lunchtime bites, including a rare roast beef sandwich, Welsh rarebit, sausage and mash and a cheese and Marmite sandwich. Plus, The Rose and Thistle hosts a very popular Sunday roast menu as well.
In addition, there’s a wine list that offers a global collection of old and new world wines, with a couple of options by the glass for white and red wines respectively. And of course, you can expect a wide selection of beers on draught, as well as soft drinks, spirits and more.