Haven House Inn, Mudeford, Christchurch

They had a couple of Ringwood ales on in here - Forty-Niner, and Best (£3.75 a pint). They obviously sell food, as the odour, fish mainly, was quite evident, but I didn't see a menu. A small pot of tea was £1.65, and I'm advised by my companions on the day that the quality was up to scratch. It looks like a massive pub as you approach, but much of the building is occupied by the Haven Cafe, leaving a smallish pub. The pub and cafe seem to be some sort of joint enterprise, with the Haven name in common, as well as the style of lettering on the signage being the same. There's a lot of picnic benches at the front of the building, seemingly shared between the two businesses. The pub looks old, with flagstone flooring in the front part, and dark wooden beams all over the place. There's nothing fancy about it, with one or two basic booths, plus a handful of normal tables and chairs as well as a few stools. It wasn't very busy when I was in mid afternoon on a Friday, (although one of the booths was reserved) whereas the cafe side of things was very busy. There's no accounting for taste I suppose. As well as the picnic benches at the front, there's also a small terrace at the back with half a dozen aluminium framed tables and chairs, that is known as the Sundowners Bar. And it does get a bit of sun here in late September, plus a sea view of sorts, so it certainly qualifies as somewhere to enjoy a quiet late afternoon pint. It's the only pub along this bit of the coast, and provided a valuable respite for someone having walked from Highcliffe.

Enviable location, stuck on the end of Mudeford Quay with great views on all sides Car parking in summer could be problem, no free parking and very busy at a guess Large outside seating area, sort of secluded area at rear of pub for a pint overlooking Christchurch Harbour Bit of history, 15 July 1874, following discovery by Customs of smugglers unloading on what is now the car park, the smugglers then holed up in the Haven House and exchanged musket-fire with the King's excise men. Customs won & result was George Coombes being hung in chains outside the pub