Flanked by two golf courses, this 18th-century coaching inn, in a quiet New Forest hamlet, is ‘a great option for a relaxed weekend away’. Updated in modern country style, the red-brick building has been in the Eyre family since 1782. ‘Simple, pleasant bedrooms’, distinct in character, may have a lounge area, beams or a sloping ceiling. The cosy bar serves hearty British favourites (and a splendid range of gins), while ‘more gourmet dishes’ are found in the farmhouse-style dining room, perhaps chargrilled Swallowfield farm bacon chops, pineapple chutney, crushed peas, creamy mash, grilled tomatoes. A ‘good choice’ at breakfast includes eggs all ways, kippers. Dogs receive a plethora of treats.