The characterful Cartwheel Inn boasts a mouth-watering menu, local real ales, a historic building with an olde worlde feel, and a delightful beer garden that seats up to 60.

But it's the links to Desert Orchid which it is best known for. 

READ MORE: Inside cosy edge of the Forest pub The Forest Home

The legendary steeplechaser captured the hearts of millions by notching up an impressive series of victories in races such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Irish Grand National.

A bold but erratic jumper, the gallant grey was affectionately known as Dessie and even had his own fan club.

He was trained by David Elsworth at Whitsbury, near Fordingbridge, where stable staff celebrated his wins by retiring next door to the village’s only pub.

Photographs of the horse in action still adorn the walls of the pub, which was purchased by Select Country Inns in 2018 and reopened following a major facelift nearly a year later.

Since it started trading again, customers old and new have joined landlord and landlady Paul and Annette Somerville, including legendary motor racing commentator Murray Walker, who lived nearby until his death last year.

Paul told the Daily Echo: "The most memorable thing was taking in the lease of the pub ourselves in February 2020, five weeks before the first lockdown, and making it through to reopen with the support of the village buying takeaways.

"We love making our customers happy with a warm welcome and serving quality local food at a reasonable price."

The pub, which used to be a bakery and wheelwright, serves delicious locally sourced food including venison with gratin dauphinoise and beef short rib alongside a full fish menu fresh from the market every Friday.

There's also hand-made pies, burgers and cod and chips.

Local real ales come from the likes of Downton Brewery, The Brew Shack, Plain Ales, Dark Revolution and Remedy Oak.

There's live music on Bank Holiday Sundays from Easter onwards with a barbecue and pizza available in the garden.

Walkers visiting the family and dog-friendly pub are attracted by stunning countryside where Hampshire meets Dorset and Wiltshire.

A circular route that includes the 14th century St Leonard’s Church and historic Breamore House, the headquarters of General George Patton during part of the Second World War, is particularly popular.

The Cartwheel also boasts a popular private function room.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook