This pub has been an attractive part of Chilworth's history since the 19th century. It is located close to the New Forest and a short drive from the sandy beaches of Bournemouth. An extensive refurbishment has transformed it into a comfortable place with warm log fires in the winter, and a large al fresco patio and garden for finer weather. They serve tasty food, beers, a range of wines and fresh juices.

There are gourmet pizzas perfect for an early weekday evening out, to a range of fine aged steaks and fresh fish for that ultimate treat. The menu is full of traditional pub classics, many with a slight Italian twist. Plenty of pastas, salads and lighter dishes for those who don't want to over-indulge are always there.

The wine list has an even balance of New and Old World wines with a variety of styles to choose from. There is also a range of continental beers to enjoy. Food is served all day from the bar menu, containing lighter bites to a full set of options.

To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, antipasti of dolcelatte, Italian meats, marinated vegetables and warm stone-baked flatbreads, or Mediterranean mezze of hummus, roasted vegetables, fregola, tzatziki, feta, spinach and ricotta pâté with flatbreads.

Amongst the appetisers there is freshly made soup; smoked salmon, pomegranate molasses, fennel and micro herb salad, or gambas with rocket, garlic aioli and rustic bread. Look, too, for scallops in the specials section.

The salads offer chargrilled chicken, courgette, fennel, apple, asparagus, hazelnut and balsamic dressing, and for the seafood fiends some prawn and avocado with pecans, mango, bacon, orange and pomegranate vinaigrette appeal.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; expect to find a classic margherita of pomodoro, mozzarella, basil and cherry tomatoes, the rustica with roasted Mediterranean vegetables, goats' cheese and cherry tomatoes, or the piccante with pepperoni, chorizo, tomato and jalapeños.

Pastas include linguini with tiger prawns, crab, chorizo, chilli, tomato and white wine, or tagliatelle with slow cooked Bolognaise and parmesan. For the big event there is always a spit chicken with lemon, garlic, thyme and frites. The roast rump of lamb with sauce soubise, asparagus, pancetta, button onions and baby potatoes is popular, a sign of the times and improving taste in eating. Salmon, crab and chorizo fishcakes, roasted sweetcorn, cherry tomato salsa is worth trying too. For hearty eaters there are rib eye and fillet steaks or battered haddock with frites, tartare sauce and minted mushy peas.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes carrot, cumin, orange and chilli salad, and cabbage, leeks and peas. For desserts choose between an apple, blackcurrant crumble and vanilla custard and, sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream. There is also a selection of cheeses to set the buffs alight.

More information, including full menus, is available on their Website. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.