The Mill at Gordleton

There has been a mill at Gordleton, on the edge of the New Forest, since the Domesday survey: the present building dates from the 17th century and is run as a restaurant-with-rooms by owner Elizabeth Cottingham; Terri Seabright is the manager. 'We try not to be pretentious,' they say. Guests write of a 'warm welcome' and 'uniformly friendly, efficient staff'. The decor is traditional. 'Our room, furnished in artistic fawn and blue, had a large, comfortable bed, and a nice terrace where we sat in the sun; a very modern bathroom with an intricate shower.' Outside are 'beautifully sculpted' gardens by a river with ducks and sometimes a heron. Service in the bustling restaurant, which faces the river, was 'friendly, measured and accurate'. The cooking of chef Karl Wiggins has 'a contemporary twist', perhaps tiger prawns and scampi in garlic and parsley butter; honey-glazed breast of corn-fed duck with rösti potatoes. There is always a vegetarian dish of the day. A busy road is nearby, but 'our mini-suite was well positioned and insulated so there was no trace of noise'. A useful base for visiting Beaulieu, Buckler's Hard, the Isle of Wight, etc. More reports, please.