The Terrace Restaurant

Located in the elegant Montagu Arms country house hotel, but very much a destination in its own right, The Terrace Restaurant in Beaulieu is a must-visit for foodies near and far. Primely positioned in the heart of the New Forest National Park, the eatery offers Modern British dining, making the most of the nearby forest, coast and country to create mouth-watering, seasonal dishes that embrace the importance of locally grown produce for flavour and sustainability. Each ingredient is carefully chosen and artfully prepared to deliver inventive, delicious dishes.

The restaurant itself is full of character and charm – much like the hotel – with traditional wood-panelled décor that's complemented by the quality of service, which is friendly and relaxed. During the warmer months, dine alfresco in the beautiful English garden The Terrace overlooks, if you're so inclined.

And the menu? It's guided by the seasons and freshness of available produce, with venison sourced from the Beaulieu Estate just across the river, and mushrooms hand-picked in the New Forest. When it comes to ingredients, local is always the first choice. And if something can be grown in-house, the hotel has its very own kitchen garden – what could be more local than that?

Given the quality of the food, the prices are reasonable. They also offer a good-value light lunch menu, with local delights like Isle of Wight tomato salad and Hampshire bavette steak with Koffman’s fries featuring.

Sunday lunch, although as traditionally hearty as they come, offers something a little different, with meaty mains like lamb leg and rump of beef, alongside dishes like Cornish plaice with confit potatoes and vegetarian local wild mushroom risotto. The set menu also includes a selection of starters and desserts, such as chicken liver parfait served with English damson and brioche and lemon balm cheesecake with New Forest strawberries and shortbread. Oh, and the cheese trolley is unmissable, for any fromage lovers planning a visit.

It's worth keeping in mind the menu changes regularly, if not daily. Altogether, The Terrace is a first-rate place to dine in the New Forest, with fantastic service and food.