We stopped in Godshill for dinner after an afternoon sightseeing (Orborne house and grounds, and…read morethen the Brading Roman Villa), because I'd seen it recommended on Yelp. We parked down the street and walked here, and it was pretty busy around 4pm. I'd wanted to try some local cheeses while in the UK, so I ordered a cheese platter (6.95 pounds) as an appetizer and the Duck platter for my main. The cheese plate included crackers, some fruit paste, apple slices, and three local cheeses. I wasn't a huge fan of the crackers, which reminded me sort of like communion wafers in taste. The cheese was tasty, but I neglected to write down which cheeses we ate, so I can't really remember those. The Duck plate... Holy cow! Delicious! It came with gravy, on a bed of (red?) cabbage. I remember the way the salty, tender meat went together SO WELL with the gravy, combining the savory with the mild tang of the cabbage. As I was eating it, I was actually surprised by how flavorful the meal was. I can't say I eat duck a lot, but the way they'd prepared it really brought out the salty, savory taste. PROS: -Delicious, hearty pub fare. -Lots of locally sourced ingredients, from the meat and cheese, to the vegetables. -Cozy atmosphere, with a lot of exposed bricks and wood. CONS: -I wasn't a huge fan of the provided crackers... they reminded me of communion wafers, though I imagine there's some specific reason for that lack of flavor (to really highlight the taste of the cheese, perhaps?). -Small parking lot; I could see this place easily getting packed. THE VERDICT: This was the perfect place to stop for a meal after our long day. We arrived hungry, and left satisfied. The food proved to be delicious, simple fare, made from local ingredients and seasoned oh-so-perfectly. A fairly happening spot when we were there, I would definitely consider coming back here again if I was ever in the area.

After a day out sightseeing and driving around the countryside, we decided to stop into The…read moreTaverners to partake of happy hour. The interior is welcoming with a definite quaint, homelike feel, from the rustic beams to the uneven floor (fear not: cardboard coasters are provided with the express purpose of steadying any wobbly tables or errant chair legs). An interesting feature is the large blackboard on the wall indicating via colored dots what is at the peak of its taste and freshness (meat/fish/fowl) according to the season. There is a lot to see here, including pet-owners bringing their dogs to this pup-friendly pub (note: there is a container of dog biscuits at the ready). It seems like this pub also has an international following, as at one point I heard a group of tourists speaking English (but not quite) at a neighboring table. I later found out that they were visiting from Canada. Surprisingly for a pub, the wine list is comprehensive, even rivaling that of some restaurants. As happy hour was quickly morphing into the dinner hour, we decided to take a look at the menu. I appreciated that the offerings were accessible and local/seasonal in nature as it is often tricky navigating a menu in an unfamiliar country. After some deliberation, I decided on the dover sole (excellent and very moist with the bone still in) and my Aunt had the roast with seasonal vegetables. This was a leisurely meal, with none of the rushed feeling or hovering that often evidences itself in dining establishments. I wish that I could magically transport The Taverners to a corner near me so that it could become a new favorite watering hole, especially as the cold winter months approach. For now, I will just have to content myself with filing it away as a quality eating and drinking option for the next time I am in England.

ATTACKED BY MEMBER OF STAFF After a verbal argument with an…read more18yr old immature barmaid, i was sitting down at the table and was attacked from behind receiving numerous injuries to my head and face, resulting in going to court being found that the employee was wrong and I was acting in self defence after I defended myself, the landlord is yet to accept this as why would he want to as it would do his business harm. Obviously his small minded opinion is beyond a court of law, Beware!!! Your entering a goldfish bowl area here... DO NOT COMPLAIN.... To many young immature self conceited teens work here. Her sister then entered the property i was staying at and tried to stab me whilst I was asleep, I was lucky to wake up and suffered injury as I caught the knife as it was thrust down towards my neck, she is awaiting sentencing. Please see this link below to see the injuries I recieved from a barmaid and the letter of decision from the court. Ask your self do you want to go to a place like this. What a lovely place!!! photo link below http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardconnor/sets/72157626035112166/

Wonderful country pub located in the rustic village of Danehill. The place dates back to 1847 and…read morethey have tried their best to retain as much of its old charm as possible. There's a huge maple tree in the 'adult only' sun terrace (its nice not having screaming kids interrupting your lunch) and from the front garden you get a lovely view of the South Downs. The food here is out of this world, I tried the pork loin the last time I was there and it was excellent (again, the views only added to the enjoyment). This establishment is in the AA pub guide so can get busy at weekends so if you're in a large group, it may be worth booking in advance.

Gastro pub with a Michelin star standards food! We called on a Saturday evening, very last minute…read moreand they managed to accommodate us for a meal! Menu is daily, for starter's we tried Lamb cheek and tongue with rocket and also king prawns with chilli glaze. For main we opted all to have the salmon and the food was cooked to perfection, display on the plate deserved an art award and taste was simply to ones requirements! They have a nice wine list and also have daily specials board! Deserts menu alters as per daily menu and be aware there is no mobile phone reception, which makes it more of a unique place! You forget your phone existed and dig into some tasty food!

Great place, super location; super menu local style food- fresh and very well prepared; well…read morepriced; service super; Worth a visit - had lunch there; live music Sunday evenings!

3 stars for the food, 1/2 star for the space/location, 1/2 star for the view! superb meal of lamb…read morewith gnocchi, peas, fine beans and lamb jus - gorgeous gorgeous pieces of lamb, perfectly cooked and accompanied with sautéed gnocchi and veg with their light and delicate flavors shining bright (peas never tasted so good). absolutely dreamy view of countryside at sunset. definitely would have you given a rare 5 star if not for the casual level of service - certainly not terrible or even bad, very easy going and friendly, perfect for small town.

One review? Ha! Well here is two. I get why there is only one. This is a hidden gem. You have to be…read morewith locals to find it. But, if you are lucky enough to find this charming country pub, you are in store for the perfect English pub experience. This centuries old homestead still oozes that ancient feel. The dishes are not only classic English but also have exciting takes on Korean and Indian fare. I say stick with the local drafts on tap and the classic English dishes. My favorites were the pea and ham soup (If you add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to put it over the top) and the local sausage and mash is on another level. The gravy is to die for!

Set in a beautiful village, this lovely old 16th Century pub has quite a substantial following and…read morewas Lord Oliviers' sort of local. As an Art club, we used it when out painting in the area. With friends and family, it offers the that lovely warm, cosy feeling on Winter days/nights. The Christmas Day menu/price works out at £60.00, could be seen as pricey but I've seen some at £85.00. Lunch and Dinner prices are around £11 £16 for Mains. Plenty of parking. If you coming from the West via A24, there is a lovely drive from The Old Barn nursery which brings you out nearly opposite The Fountain. Bit of winding lane though, so Vorsicht!!

I spent about a week in Brighton/London area visiting my daughter as she was going to school at the…read moreuniversity of Brighton. While, I have a lot of highlights of my trip in the UK, one of the best was going to The Basketmakers Pub for drinks and dinner. It is interesting how many people asked me when I got back to the states if I'd gone to a pub and they wanted me to share the experience with them. It was a joy to be able to tell them about my time at The Basketmakers.

I loved my visit to this pub. The bartender was very friendly in helping me choose a beer and an…read moreorder of food to eat. I ended up with the HSC beer and Sausage & Mash with the leek and chive mash on her recommendation. The food was very good and the beer selection was good as well! They have multiple food & drink specials in addition to the regular menu items. I will be back next Thursday for the surf & turf special. Can't wait!

Went for lunch on Sunday there were five of us Booked for…read more1:30, however recieved call and told us could only do 2:30. Needed to impress a non local visitor. Sunday lunch was cold so ordered new but was reheated instead. Gravy good but rest was an abomination. Potatoes were not roast and had never seen an oven. Veg was blanched and needed a stake knife to cut. Chicken was yesterdays leftovers and was very tough. I am sad, for many yrs it was my local pub. Ordered a doggy bag but food made dog ill. Asked to pay 7% service charge; NO WAY.

A wonderful find. This oldy worldy pub is a true delight, particularly on a dreich rainy winter…read moreday with its glowing open fire. We stopped in after a bracing coastal walk for some lunch and the food is excellent. Decent portions, a varied menu plus daily specials, welcoming and friendly staff. Dog friendly too. Serves lunch until 2.30pm. Highly recommended.

Visiting the Spyglass Inn on a quiet Monday night in September I was able to appreciate its…read morebrilliant nautical-themed interior that somehow manages to be not entirely kitsch. They don't have the greatest range of ales and wines are inelegantly served in glasses where the 175/250 ml mark is right up by the rim, but it's all pretty decent and we stayed on two extra rounds to enjoy the live music which astonishingly showed up even on an off-season weekday. If you are there in the day/good weather there is a very substantial outdoor area with great sea views. I did not try the food and based on other reviews I would suggest you avoid it if you want anything more than very standard pub grub - there is a fancy restaurant right across the road and renowned fish and chips at the other end of the seafront, plus lots of other options.

A themed pub with a difference. Everywhere you look there are nautical artifacts to peruse, an…read moreeclectic collection of items purchased over decades like an overgrown hobby. The beer is lovely but they also sell hot drinks. On a warm day theres lots of outdoor seating but quite simply the best thing about the Spyglass is its views in stormy weather. Ringside seats to the best mother nature has to offer from the enclosed porch which gives you a fabulous and uninterupted view of the ocean. The chips are great and the portions huge. If its cold wet and blustery then the Spyglass is the place to warm your cockles.

Really good pork roast , service was excellent and a wonderful British pub in the new forestread more

The Turfcutters Inn is an old fashioned pub in the tiny New Forrest village of East Boldre. We…read morepopped in here on a Saturday lunchtime, mid way through a walk. It was fairly busy at the time so I guess it's a popular haunt, it certainly has the feel of a proper local. We didn't stop for lunch, just a refreshing pint and some crisps, but the menu looked like typical pub grub with a few specials on the board. The bar staff were friendly and welcoming, downsides included a telly showing Cash in the Attic or some such tosh, and grotty loos, but overall it's a good stop off for a beer and a wee!

Very pleasant atmosphere, very warm and welcoming staff. Great food…read more Starters we ate the scallops and black pudding scotch egg. Delicious.

great pub ,extensive menu, excellent range of beers, situated in alovely quiet part of dorsetread more