IT'S a charming 13th century pub in the heart of the New Forest and it's back open for business!

Today we feature The Huntsman of Brockenhurst as our pub of the week.

It's a welcoming local pub with rooms situated on Lyndhurst Road, a central Brockenhurst hub next to many Forest walking routes and a host of  attractions nearby.

The extensive garden offers al fresco dining for more than 200. Following lockdown, the space has been revamped with covered areas, more parasols and heaters to keep diners and their four-legged friends cosy.

Daily Echo:

The pub is doing a roaring trade around the delightful fire pit, but staff are looking forward to welcoming customers back inside on May 17.

Ann Maher, who has been General Manager for 18 years, told the Daily Echo: "The government guidance and regulations have been a challenge, but we have adapted well to ensure that the Huntsman is safe. We have a very loyal team who have been employed throughout and received some great support from our locals.

"It was tough to close our doors for so long and we are so excited to be back open. We cannot wait to fully open our doors!

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"Every day is so different and that’s what I love most. There are new challenges, but also new faces to meet and new conversations to be had. A pub is the heart of a community and that makes it all worth it."

The Huntsman enjoys a shabby chic look and its menu focuses on crowd-pleasing British classics.

Daily Echo:

The pub, which even has its own skittle alley, dates back to the 13th Century, previously an old coaching inn called the Rose and Crown. The building was transformed in early 2016 and became The Huntsman. The New Forest’s former history was as a royal hunting ground and there's a nod to this history in each of the 13 rooms named after traditional game animals.

While the local cask ales and ciders are always popular, spritz pours and gin twists such as the Rhubarb Fool are also proving big hits.

  • We're so thrilled that our local pubs are reopening. If you'd like your watering hole to feature in our pub of the week section, click on the link below.