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In summer, and especially on summer weekends, visitors can overrun the restaurants in small villages, so either book a table in advance or prepare to wait. The more popular or upscale the restaurant, the more critical a reservation is. For local specialties, try fresh-grilled river trout or sea bass poached in brine, or dine like a king on New Forest's renowned venison. Hampshire is noted for its pig and sheep farming, and you might zero in on pork and lamb dishes on local restaurant menus. The region places a strong emphasis on seasonal produce, so venison, for example, is best between September and February.
This cozy, child-and-dog-friendly restaurant in a 17th-century building at the bottom of Lyme Regis's main street makes a great spot for a light lunch or an excellent cream tea. Apart from hot drinks and sandwiches (including fresh crab), you can order more substantial dishes like homemade beef lasagna. It closes at 5 pm.
With a vaulted glass roof on steel supports, this self-service cafeteria in a walled garden across from the cathedral combines contemporary style with freshly prepared dishes to create a refreshing stop for brunch, lunch, or afternoon tea. Food is served daily until 4:30 or 5 pm, and there are tables outside on a slate terrace for fair-weather eating.
This family-run traditional pub that dates back to the 16th century has flagstones, bare stone walls, an inglenook fireplace, an open fire in winter, and a beer garden in the summer. The homemade food leans toward the traditional, with superior versions of old favorites like fish pie. You'll also find more exotic selections like a vegan three-bean chili as well as Purbeck-brand honeycomb ice cream for dessert. The inn has 11 rooms for guests who want to stay the night. Wareham is 4 miles north of Corfe Castle via A351.
Whether you're in the mood for beer-battered fish-and chips or a chicken and bacon pie with a puff pastry top, this welcoming pub-restaurant with great views over the harbor specializes in a well-executed, modern approach to classic British pub fare. Service is attentive and friendly, and there's an excellent selection of beers and ales.
A 17th-century thatched-roof building with foundations made from sarsen stones, this traditional inn and pub (Dickens mentions the building in Pickwick Papers) is a two-minute drive from the Avebury stone circles. With a beer garden that has views of Silbury Hill, it's something of a tourist hub in high season, but lunches and dinners are still excellent. Dishes include roast fillet of sole and a Mediterranean tart, along with pub favorites like steak and ale pie and stuffed baked potatoes. Traditional roasts are served on Sundays. Recent innovations include meatless burgers.
