The Bosuns Chair, Lymington

Facebook page of The Bosuns Chair - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Bosuns Chair - www.facebook.com

A nice traditional Victorian town pub with a different vibe from many of the other nearby pubs marred by the tourist industry. The interior is as described by others, below. Walking in, it seems a bit over-friendly, but I eventually realised I’d stumbled into a ’grab-a-granny’ speed-dating event. Luckily my somewhat scruffy sailing attire meant I was clearly not a target for the poor lost souls who were attending. Still a Wadworth’s house, the ales on were Henry’s, Horizon and 6X, all in fair condition though the 6X left a metallic taste in the mouth. It’s fine if you happen to be near the station but I wouldn’t stop here intentionally as the beer quality doesn’t warrant it.

Decent looking pub close to the train station but opened out and modernised inside with a mixture of high and low seating. Four handpumps and four different Wadworth beers on,6X , Swordfish, IPA and George & The Dragon, the 6X was of average quality.I didn't think this pub was anything too special.

The Bosuns Chair is a pub and B&B located a stone’s throw from Lymington Railway Station. The lights were off in the left hand side where there is seating and a plasma screen. I do not know if this area is the function room that is advertised on the exterior of the pub. In the right hand side were ten or so locals who were watching a football match on the two plasma screens. There is a monthly Thursday quiz, but live sports take centre stage as this pub shows Sky and BT Sports. This is a Wadworth pub so it wasn’t surprising that 6X and their IPA were available. A third hand pump stood unused and a standard keg range alongside Amstel was available during my recent Tuesday evening visit. Pub food is available with a leaning towards their award winning pies that are available or £6 a piece. Out the back is a covered seating area where another plasma screen resides. Beyond is a car park with more seating that stretches up the left hand side where there are also a few stone garden figures. Children are welcome until 21:00 and dogs are welcome all day, however neither are welcome in the accommodation. Be warned that this pub does not open until 17:00 during the week (midday at the weekend).

This Wadsworth owned three-storey pub was originally a coach house and has some external attraction with some striking stone-surrounded windows. Obviously separate rooms back in the day it is now one knocked through single space with a wood floored bar to the right as you enter, and a carpeted dining area to the other side. As to be expected there is a nautical theme internally with plenty of boating memorabilia. Then out the back there is a paved patio area and a long, narrow garden area with tables and chairs. The bar supports three Ale pumps and being Wadsworths , these included 6X and Henry’s IPA. Also a decent pub grub menu was available including local handmade pies, and a Pie and a pint for a £10 offer was available. One word of warning, despite being close to the Lymington railway station this pub does not open until 5.00PM on a week day and we had to return just for a quick one when earlier finding it shut. If you suffer this as well then I would recommend a quick visit to the train station building. This lovely Victorian railway building also doubles as a museum for this branch line, celebrating the fact that the Lymington spur was the last commercial track to have steam trains running on it before they disappeared for good. It also details the fight to keep the line to the ferry terminal open and the enthusiasts who man the information desk will be only too happy to tell you all about it..