WITH the easing of coronavirus restrictions, people are returning to eateries across the south.

The return of outdoor service, coupled with the success of the vaccine rollout, has resulted in more people deciding to venture out.

But with so many places to choose from, it's not always easy to choose where you should go if you're feeling peckish.

Here we take a look at some of the best pubs, hotels and restaurants in the New Forest, as reviewed on Tripadvisor.

Shoe Inn, Salisbury Road, Plaitford

Recent reviews:

"This place is superb, from the welcoming to the food. Would recommend the steak but anything that came out of the kitchen looked amazing. The rooms are warm and cosy. Very dog friendly, ours fell asleep in front of the open fire. We’ll be back for sure."

"We stayed at the Shoe Inn for the second part of honeymoon with our two well-travelled collies. We had a lovely room overlooking fields and woodlands and were made to feel really welcome. We ate every evening in the pub - beautifully presented and large portions, as was the breakfast. The staff and locals were super friendly."

"Visited here with a friend for the first time in many years. For my main course I had the homemade lasagne - a very good choice, lovely tasty filling and piping hot. My friend was well pleased with the pie he chose. I will definitely go back and sample something else on the menu.

Mortimer Arms, Romsey Road, Ower

Recent reviews

"This was by far the best service and food we have had in a long time. Massive thanks to Sandy especially for the superb hospitality. Went above and beyond our expectations and delivered in every field of hospitality. Will definitely be back again."

"We had dinner at he Mortimer Arms and it was very good. The menu is varied and the food all very freshly prepared. The staff are very personable and knowledgeable - our waiter even recommended wines to pair with different dishes. An all-round very good experience."

"Lots of good things to share about the Mortimer Arms. Room was clean and good size. Staff we met were all fantastic. Food was exceptional for a pub - we only planned to eat here the first night but returned for the second (their chilli is the best I've had). Breakfasts were also superb and so plentiful we weren't hungry again until dinner."

Rockingham Arms, Canada Road, West Wellow

Recent reviews:

"The food was very good and all of our group enjoyed their meal choices. Service was excellent and social distancing arrangements fine. However prices are top end and probably a bit high for a spur of the moment visit."

"We had a dinner there last night and the food was amazing. We were made to feel extremely welcome by the staff, and they even offered hot water bottles to guests in case they were cold. We were seated inside the marquee so we were not cold, but it was lovely to have the option."

"Visited this pub during the Easter holidays. We hadn't booked, but they managed to find us a table. We had the fish & chips and burger & chips. Cost was around £15, which could seem a little pricey, but nothing is cheap these days. I can honestly say it was the best fish & chips I'd ever had. Really tasty and well worth the price. The staff were very helpful and polite at all times. Would really recommend a visit."

Les Mirabelles, Forest Road, Nomansland

Recent reviews:

"Our food and wine was excellent. The set menu is extraordinarily good value, and the setting in the village of Nomansland makes it even more agreeable."

"Great menu, delicious food and more wine than you'll ever need - and all at a reasonable price. Service is faultless. All in all a fantastic experience with great food, great wine and great staff. Will be returning with friends."

"Great food, reasonable priced three-course menu, fab wine -no more to say. Just perfect. Really recommend this for a special night out."

Crown Manor House Hotel, High Street, Lyndhurst

Recent reviews

"Crown Manor House has a fantastic location in beautiful Lyndhurst, right in the centre of the New Forest. Great for cycling, near the beach and Lymington. Really enjoyed the service and the quality of the hotel, plus ability to charge our Tesla car."

"A very friendly and comfortable hotel. The food was good but it would have been nice to have a more varied menu rather than the same each night. There were only two vegetarian options, one of which the vegetarian in the party did not like. However, the chef excelled himself as he prepared a different meal for her each night."

"A great hotel with especially good staff providing exceptional service. We travel to the new forest a couple of times a year and this hotel is ideally situated in the village of Lyndhurst. We do stay at other places but this is our special place."