The Compasses Inn, Fordingbridge

A very pleasant village pub, well off the beaten track but still popular. There is a good sized Car park. The Georgian building has been extended to one side to form a restaurant area adjacent to a saloon bar with limited seating. On the other side of the building is a wood-floored village bar is called The Tap Room, which s more basic and has trestle tables, bar food including home made Scotch eggs, a woodburner in a brick fireplace, pool and darts. WiFi is available. The pub has retained its rural character despite the restaurant business, being walker-friendly and is dog friendly – drinks and snacks are provided in the Tap Room for both. Four ales on: Flacks Double Drop, Otter, Marlowe's Blond Witch, TT Landlord, all well kept and reasonably priced. I'd be happy to come back here any time for food and drink.

Have had the pleasure of staying at the Compasses on two occasions. Excellent food and a good selection of well-kept ales enticed me to visit a third time but poor communication on that occasion meant it didn't happen. Hopefully I'll have better luck next time as I'd rate this establishment 9 if it wasn't for the booking problem I encountered.