The Huntsman, Brockenhurst

Imposing, much extended pub (and mostly) restaurant also offering hotel accommodation, with even the substantial beer garden divided into food and (much smaller) drinks areas. There is also a patio area in front of the older part of the building which houses the bar and a compact lounge area, with various dining areas further back. Two Ringwood beers - Best (£3.80) and Forty Niner - and Yachtsman as a guest from DBC.

Official site of The Huntsman of Brockenhurst - thehuntsmanofbrockenhurst.com

Official site of The Huntsman of Brockenhurst - thehuntsmanofbrockenhurst.com

This is the largest pub in Brockenhurst and arguably the one most set up for diners. The pub is set in an attractive 18th Century building that appears to have been extended over the years, resulting in a bit of a rambling interior over different levels. The front, lower part of the pub has some smart seating options in nicely screened sections to either side. The servery is positioned fairly centrally, running down an internal side wall with standing room only opposite, but beyond there is access to a raised seating area, again with some decent looking seating options surrounding the large rear doors that lead out to the garden. This part of the pub runs further to the rear where slightly more formal table and chair arrangements, ideally suited to diners can be found, although this space had been reserved by a large group of Dutch students who were camping nearby and wanted to watch the football on the TV screen here. The décor is a bit bland and there is something of a corporate feel to the pub in places, although I thought the front part was a little more traditional in appearance. The real attraction here has to be the lovely beer garden with its well kept lawn and flower beds, dotted with plenty of picnic benches. We visited on a hot summer's afternoon and enjoyed a few cool drinks out here. On the bar, four ales from Ringwood (Best & Fortyniner) and Flack Manor (Double Drop and Flack Catcher). The latter was in pretty good shape and a couple of pints went down very nicely. the bar staff were a friendly bunch who made time for a bit of a chat and were helpful in suggesting alternative locations to watch the football. I've been here a couple of times now and generally find myself drawn to the garden as the interior doesn't quite do it for me. The pub can generally be relied upon for a good pint but for me the place falls just short of the two other pub's nearer the station.