On the lower edge of the New Forest, the timewarp village of Milford on Sea is a popular place to stay in the New Forest. Whether you want to dine on three courses or drop in for a drink when you’re staying over or visiting for the day, this list of the best pubs in Milford on Sea will point you in the direction of a decent watering hole.
My picks include a Victorian manor with stunning sea views, a town centre wine bar, an old Keyhaven Inn and a pair of pubs on the main high street. Between them there’s something for everyone – and menus to suit vegans, spicy food fans, lovers of local produce and those in search of Sunday lunch.
Whether you know you’ll need to take a break after long walks at the beach or want to dine on hearty pub grub, read on to discover the five best pubs in Milford on Sea, New Forest.
5 of the best Milford on Sea pubs
1. The Smugglers Inn
Best for a beer garden
- Where: 88 High Street, Milford on Sea SO41 0QE
- When: Monday to Saturday 11am to 11pm; Sunday midday to 10.30pm
- Why: Big beer garden with play equipment and a stream, good pub grub and real ales
- Stay over: No
If you want to sample a dish known as Smuggled Chicken, then the Smugglers Inn Milford on Sea menu features just that. Also listed are pub classics like ham and eggs, homemade lasagne or chilli, pie of the day, sausage and mash or a burger. Sunday and vegetarian menus are available in addition to the main offerings.
The central location makes this the ideal pitstop after a walk on the beach or a wander along the high street, and there’s a big beer garden with a play area so the kids can let off steam. This is also one of those places to eat in Milford on Sea where dogs are also welcome.
A rustic interior, cosy fires in winter, a good range of ales and even a stream in the garden make this a pleasant place to be at any time of the year.
2. The Lazy Lion
Best for clean, comfortable rooms
- Where: 32 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD
- When: Daily from 8am to 10pm
- Why: Smart high street venue with rooms serving seasonal fare, vegan dishes and classic pub grub
- Stay over: Yes
The Lazy Lion Milford on Sea menu centres on munching, slurping and Sunday lunch. Seasonal specials as well as the usual pub favourites are featured, and there’s also a dedicated vegan menu.
To avoid confusion, I should probably point out that the Lazy Lion pub in Milford on Sea used to be the Red Lion pub in Milford on Sea, following a minor name change.
As well as dining and drinking, this is a good place to stay in Milford on Sea. There’s a range of clean, bright and comfortable accommodation with good showers. The pub is centrally located on the high street, and only a short stroll from the beach.
3. The Beach House
Best for a sea view
- Where: Park Lane, Milford on Sea SO41 0PT
- When: Daily from 8am to 9pm, closes 8pm Sunday
- Why: Listed Victorian mansion with original features, sea views and laid-back yet refined dining
- Stay over: Yes
The Beach House is another of the hotels in Milford on Sea you can stay over at. This Victorian mansion is Grade II listed, and offers stupendous vistas over the ocean and towards the Isle of Wight. Some accommodation offers a sea view.
Room types vary, and some feature a freestanding copper bathtub. Many feature original wall and ceiling panelling, and each is individually decorated. It makes for a character-packed place that really stands out.
The Beach House offers all-day dining, but only those staying over can order breakfast here. For lunch or dinner, dishes range from pan fried salmon or hake to Dorset lamb and butternut squash ravioli. There’s also classics like steak frites, fish pie or coq au vin.
4. The Cave
Best for a wine bar
- Where: 2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea SO41 0QH
- When: Monday to Saturday midday to 11pm (closed Sunday)
- Why: Wine store, bar and delicious tapas plus a warm welcome and laid-back atmosphere
- Stay over: No
If you’re happy to think outside the box a little, The Cave isn’t really your traditional British boozer. It has a more continental vibe, with a wine shop on the premises and a list of appetising tapas dishes you can order.
You can pop in for a quick drink if you like, or perhaps linger for longer over a sharing platter or selection of smaller dishes. It’s a dog friendly venue, offering great service and a convivial atmosphere.
The authentic Spanish-style tapas are very moreish indeed. So be warned – it’s hard to stop yourself from ordering further yummy dishes to sample! Even if you’re already full 😉
5. The Gun Inn
Best for sustainable, seasonal produce
- Where: Keyhaven Road, Keyhaven, Milford on Sea SO41 0TP
- When: Wednesday to Saturday midday to 10pm, Sunday midday to 7pm (closed Monday and Tuesday)
- Why: Historic, whitewashed Keyhaven pub showcasing local produce with a glorious garden
- Stay over: No
If you want to find traditional pubs near Milford on Sea, the Gun Inn in Keyhaven is the quintessential whitewashed hostelry. The buidling dates back to 1783, though there’s thought to have been a structure here since around 1600.
The Gun Inn near Milford on Sea specialises in serving sustainable, local produce that’s seasonal and often artisan-made. Burgers are served with gunpowder and truffle fries, while poke bowls or salads offer lighter options. There’s also grills, plus at lunch time the option of baguettes or a steak or fish finger sandwich.
For summer, the outdoors beckons. You’ll find a wildflower meadow, a garden bar and a tented area for sheltering from a coastal battering.
Which pubs in Milford on Sea will you dine, drink or stay at?
Whether you’re looking for restaurants in Milford on Sea to dine at or are considering alternative accommodation to cottages in Milford on Sea, the five pubs listed here can supply delicious food and drinks, delightful rooms and delectable tapas dishes between them.
Which will you try first when spending some time in this little coastal village?
You can find more great pubs in the New Forest in Lyndhurst, Burley or nearby Lymington – or discover the area’s best gastropubs with rooms in this guide.
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