The Foresters Arms
Abbotswell Road Frogham Fordingbridge Hampshire, SP6 2JA
Recently taken over by the excellent Little Pub group, the Foresters – known locally as the so-called 'Donkey pub' for the donkeys that often cluster outside – is a great example of how pubs can change and reinvent themselves while still doing all the things that pubs are supposed to do, providing a cosy venue to stop for a while for a chat, a pint and maybe something nice to eat – and, in the case of the Foresters, a welcome stopping-off point for weary New Forest walkers. The Little Pub people know their pubs, and they have been careful to preserve all that's good about this traditional New Forest inn, placing an emphasis on serving good local ales and delicious food in a suitably pubby environment. Dogs are welcome, there's a lovely garden for when the weather is clement, and when it's not they crank up the woodburner indoors. The food they serve isn't anything out of the ordinary – fish and chips, a lovely burger with cheese and bacon, homemade pies and steaks – but it's moderately priced, beautifully prepared and frankly delicious – and if you're especially hungry you can tuck into their haunch of venison, served with sauteed potatoes and wild mushrooms (yum); if you're not, just opt for a filled baguette or a sharing platter of cold meats. All in all perfect fuel for tramping woods and meadows of the New Forest.
The Owner Says
Known locally as the donkey pub, The Foresters Arms in Frogham has always been a New Forest favourite. But it is now even better (and yes, we do say so ourselves)!
It’s been spruced up, given a stylish, rustic and rather chic update, and painted muted shades of dappled woodland greens.
The look is comfortably eclectic - a mix of tartan and exposed brickwork, antlers and lampstands, in-vogue character cushions of Geisha faces and traditional pews, old pine tables and auction finds. Think it sounds dandy-meets-country? Well, it is!
Our passionate chefs serve up nothing but top-notch grub. Whether it’s yummy sarnies, seasonal specials, or great pub classics, all our dishes get given the same love and attention.
There are still donkeys at the gate, dogs (on leads) are welcome in the bar, and there is a sunny garden, complete with outside barbecue and bar; perfect for the long summer weekends.
Winter time it’s a place where you can hunker down beside the wood burner and tuck into a heart warming dish to see you through the crisp, clear, cold days that the New Forest does so well.
It really is a treat of a pub.
