Mill at Gordleton, The

Liz Cottingham has owned the Mill for almost six years; it is ocated in one of the most beautiful parts of an outstanding county. This former 17th century watermill is a homely and well-run pub with restaurant and rooms easily accessible from Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

Liz is very proud of the fact that they source most of their food locally or organically and also that they make everything on the premises including soups, sauces, ice creams and bread. At lunchtime they offer snacks, which include homemade Scotch eggs with homemade brown sauce, fresh Lymington crab with organic leaves and local new potatoes.

Proximity to the sea seems to drive the main menu along quite marine lines, a source of pleasure to many; it changes with the seasons and includes lobster and crayfish ravioli, fresh asparagus with béarnaise sauce and delicious puddings such as mango soufflé with coconut ice cream and a trio of raspberry desserts.

Perhaps the best part of all is their beautiful riverside gardens with a family of ducks - they even have a pet duck called 'Crispie', who lives with the manageress and makes a guest appearance on the days she is working!

There is nothing minimalistic about the Mill deco, it is cosy and warm but with touches of modern art and sculptures. Seven individual bedrooms and a gorgeous private dining room/seminar room with Bang and Olufsen technology.