New Forest Living Mar - Apr 2020

A fabulous foray
into the Forest
Alliteration aside, if you are looking for
a fantastic place to stay, a great place to
meet friends and dine, look no further
than the Forest Park Hotel, wonderfully
situated in the heart of the New Forest...
We arrived on a grey winter’s day but as
soon as we stepped over the threshold
the grey and the chill were banished.
A cosy fire, comfy chairs and a warm
welcome dispelled all winter blues
and our room was a further tonic. We
overlooked the grounds where squirrels
and birds were doing squirrel and bird
things while we made a cup of coffee
and, in my case, settled onto a very
comfy sofa to catch up with my Kindle
for a while.
The bath and shower facilities were
first rate and, suitably refreshed, we
wandered down to the bar for a predinner
drink and a perusal of the allimportant
menu.
This is obviously a place that is loved by
locals and visitors alike and it was busy
and buzzy – great drinks choice too, lots
of gins and all the things a really good
bar should have.
Our table overlooked the grounds and
I was fascinated by the décor, stunning
wall coverings with beautiful birds and
flowers. I spent a happy few minutes
trying to identify the various birds while
the other side of the table made his
decisions on the menu. I had my mind
made up very quickly by an off the menu
mention of a crab salad starter– yum!
It was delicious, so fresh and full of
that lovely sea taste that is redolent of
warmer days, and my dinner companion’s
cauliflower soup was no less delicious, a
very comforting and flavourful bowlful.
I continued with my piscatorial theme and
chose scampi and chips – and it was one
of the best I have eaten. Really good,
crisp on the outside fluffy in the middle,
chips, crunchy plump scampi and a very
generous portion indeed. My companion
was replete with a really good, succulent
fish pie and although there was a very
“The service as great, the food was great
and so was the night’s sleep - followed by an
excellent breakfast...”
tempting dessert offering, we chose a
dessert wine for me, my favourite post
dinner treat, and a brandy and followed
that with an espresso - perfect.
The service as great, the food was great
and so was the night’s sleep – followed
by an excellent breakfast. I can do no
more than to say that if I lived near it
would be a favourite haunt. As I don’t, I
shall just make sure I make space in my
diary for some more visits – there is a lot
to see and explore in the area and with
a great base to go back what more do
you need!
Angela Cave
For more information please contact:
www.forestpark-hotel.co.uk
22 | www.newforestlivingmag.co.uk