For Londoners in need of fresh air, roaming ponies and the kind of pub where time conveniently disappears, Young’s Pub Rooms at The Huntsman in Brockenhurst ticks a lot of very appealing boxes.
Plonked right in the middle of this postcard-pretty New Forest village, The Huntsman is brilliantly placed for a low-effort escape. The train station is an easy walk away, the forest starts almost immediately (yes, the ponies really do just wander about), and everything else you need for a weekend away is neatly wrapped up in the surrounding streets.
Behind the pub, the rooms are exactly what you want from a pub stay: cosy, calm and surprisingly peaceful once the evening winds down. Despite the buzz downstairs, nights are quiet, beds are properly comfortable, and the whole setup feels refreshingly unfussy. It’s less “boutique hotel trying too hard” and more “someone’s thought about what actually makes a good night’s sleep after a long walk”.
And then there’s the pub – arguably the real selling point. The Huntsman does classic British pub food well, with seasonal dishes, solid portions and a drinks list that makes it very easy to lose track of time.
A properly indulgent Aberdeen Angus tomahawk, served with golden triple-cooked chips, pickled fennel and watercress salad, and a rich green peppercorn sauce that understands the assignment. Add good cocktails into the mix – best enjoyed outside in the sun and suddenly the idea of going anywhere else for dinner feels wildly unnecessary.
It’s warm, welcoming and full of that easy village atmosphere where locals and weekend escapees happily coexist. Bonus points for being able to roll downstairs for dinner and then back upstairs without braving the outdoors.
Come morning, the full English does not mess about. This is one of those breakfasts where the produce genuinely shines – everything well-sourced, well-cooked and exactly what’s needed before heading back out into the forest (or back to bed, no judgement).
Friendly, laid-back service ties it all together, making the whole stay feel relaxed rather than polished within an inch of its life.
All in all, The Huntsman is a great shout for anyone looking to swap London noise for birdsong, trees and a well-timed pint. No bells, no whistles – just a really solid pub stay in one of the best spots the New Forest has to offer.