Henry's (The Master Builder's), Brockenhurst

As described below, this bar tries to feel ike a village local pub, but the prices, ethos and atmosphere still bind it to the Master Builder’s House Hotel complex, part of the Beaulieu estate. They even closed the pub bit when the hotel stopped serving as they “had to cash up and the tills wouldn’t work” shortly before 10pm. The young staff were pleasant enough, the clientele were pleasant, dogs were made welcome, but it just didn’t feel like a real pub. That apart, it was a pleasant, if expensive, experience. Three ales on were Romsey Gold and New Forest from Flack, and Monkey Brewhouse’s Sea Wall were on draft, all in excellent condition, complemented by Harry’s cider. On keg were Somersby Apple cider, Guinness, Hobgoblin IPA and Poretti. Fine if you’re already visiting or using the marina, but not a place to go for its own merit.

Official site of Henry's (The Master Builder's) - www.themasterbuilders.co.uk

Official site of Henry's (The Master Builder's) - www.themasterbuilders.co.uk

Although part of the Master Builder's hotel, the Yachtsman's Bar is very much a pub with its low ceilings and traditional furniture and decor. Housed at the river end of the western range of the parallel rows of very picturesque terraced houses that were only completed part of the planned 18th-century Montagu Town. The wooden tables out on the extensive grass lawns provide a splendid view over the Beaulieu River and the former shipbuilding slipways. Doom Bar, Romsey Gold (£4.20) and Forty Niner available from the three handpumps on the counter. NB - It can be freely accessed by public footpath as well the hotel's separate driveway, but the museum (including several of the historic cottages) offers an interesting visit if you have the time but you will then need to pay for admission.