IT may be owned by a company called Alcatraz, but this is one place from which no-one ever wants to escape.

Despite having a major facelift several years ago The Hobler Inn has retained its old-fashioned charm, thanks to its low ceilings, timber beams and attractive brickwork.

The bar is decorated with old pictures of the New Forest, including the Rufus Stone and the centre of Lyndhurst.

Thought to have been built between 200 and 300 years ago, The Hobler was originally a row of cottages. Its previous incarnations include a bakery, which explains the built-in oven at one end of the bar.

A large beer garden at the back of the pub is surrounded by tall trees and rolling fields, enhancing the picture postcard setting.

Customers have included crimebuster Shaw Taylor, who presented the long-running TV series Police 5.

Olympic sailing hero Ben Ainslie, who lives in nearby Lymington, has also been spotted at the bar.

The Hobler is run by Maritza Becker, who used to work in the hotel industry and has also been employed on cruise ships.

She was appointed landlady in 2005 – a year after arriving in England from her native South Africa.

Maritza, who has relatives in Dibden Purlieu, said: “I love working here and value the relationship I’ve built up with my customers.

“The Hobler is a very friendly pub with a relaxed atmosphere.

“We pride ourselves on the quality of the food we serve and the good service our customers receive. We believe it’s a place where people should feel at home.”

Families flock to The Hobler from all over the Forest, including Fawley and New Milton.

Maritza added: “It’s a quirky pub with snug little areas instead of one big open space. And the garden is an ideal place for drinking Pimm’s while you watch the world go by.”

The Hobler is on the A337 – the main north-south route through the Forest – and is perfectly placed to capture passing trade.

During the winter most of the customers are locals. But summer brings a variety of custom, including walkers, holidaymakers and people who have just driven off the Isle of Wight ferry.

“Apart from the Waggon and Horses, we’re the first pub they see,” said Maritza.