Montagu Arms

'Elegantly restored', this much-extended 18th-century building in a famous New Forest riverside village is managed by Philip Archer. 'A good welcome, rooms and ambience,' is this year's comment. An earlier guest, who appreciated luggage being taken 'without our asking', had 'a pleasant, quiet garden-facing room'. The Terrace restaurant has 'beautiful views of the formal garden', a 'smart dress code (no trainers or denim)'. Its chef, Matthew Tomkinson, was awarded a Michelin star in 2009 for his 'classical' cuisine, eg, slow-cooked oxtail and celeriac lasagne; sea bass with Jerusalem artichoke purée. Monty's, the informal bar/brasserie, serves 'home-cooked classics' (like sausage and mash); children under eight have supper here. Lavish afternoon teas include Fairtrade teas, and scones with clotted cream. The bedrooms vary greatly: 'Ours was a little dark but well furnished.' Many suites have a four-poster. 'Excellent breakfasts' have 'a wide choice of home-made pastries, etc, and well-cooked hot dishes'. (EJT Palmer, I and BD)