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Hours
Sun
11:00 - 23:00
Mon
11:00 - 23:00
Tue
11:00 - 23:00
Wed
11:00 - 23:00
Thu
11:00 - 23:00
Fri
11:00 - 23:00
Sat
11:00 - 22:30
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Is this restaurant good for bar scene?
Details
About
AKA The Mailmans Arms recently under new Management from November 2022. Refurbished inside and out.
PRICE RANGE
£5.00 – £11.00
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service
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4.0
360 reviews
Excellent
169
Very good
93
Average
47
Poor
26
Terrible
25
emsiejj
Christchurch148 contributions
Dec 2020 • couples
We went for a Sunday carvery and were lucky enough to be seated in one of their bespoke ‘pods’ in the rear of the restaurant. It was like a cosy wooden piece of calm, with soft blankets, warm heaters and friendly service.
They have a rigorous covid policy, which made me feel safe and reassured.
We both had the carvery and it was lovely. I had pork belly and roast beef and the meat was tender and very tasty. It came with a selection of vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower cheese, carrots, and honey roasted parsnips. The roast potatoes were lovely and crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle and the meal was lovely and hot.
They have a good menu for the rest of the week including home roasted ham for their ham egg and chips. The bar is well stocked and we had warm and gorgeous mulled wine with our meal.
It’s open up until Christmas and throughout. It was so good we have booked to go back on Christmas Eve!
Thank you for a relaxing and lovely afternoon and we can’t wait to come back again.
Written 20 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salisbury67
Belfast71 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
As the title says, The Mailmans Arms. Lyndhurst was EXCELLENT.
From the quality of the food and ales, to the friendliness of the staff, this hostelry was an absolute joy to visit.
Me and my 2 girls ate out here twice during our recent holiday to the New Forest. Both times, I had their delicious Ploughman's, my eldest daughter had the pizza and my youngest girl, the fish fingers - all polished off, without a crumb on the plate.
As it was a glorious summer's evening - still around 28C after 7.30pm, we opted to eat in their lovely beer garden, both times. We cannot recommend The Mailman's enough, please try it , you won't regret it.
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike Landen
Bristol5 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
We arrived without a booking and waited by the entrance as instructed. Almost immediately a waitress arrived and we were asked to wait but she quickly asked us to enter and offered us a choice of a couple of tables. What impressed us was the care that was taken with Covid precautions. Customers were asked to wear masks (most appeared to do this) and there was table service only, whether just having a drink or having food with a choice of inside or outside. They also operate a simple one-way system and we applaud the management for behaving so responsibly in the interest of the safety of the staff and the customers. Needless to say we did feel very safe.
The food was fairly standard 'pub grub' and the meals were nicely presented with ample portions. The vegetables that came with the meat pie were very fresh and beautifully cooked. Recommend the Mailman's Arms very highly.
Written 13 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linhay63
Oxford300 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Arrived on a fairly quiet lunch time mid week, greeting at the door was a little confusing… had trouble hearing a very quietly spoken young lady ( also wearing a mask, makes it harder ) was shown to our table and a drink order taken but not offered menus? When our drinks came we requested menus, they arrived reasonably quickly, and then we waited and waited . Eventually our order was taken. The food was of a good standard when it arrived and we enjoyed our visit. The pub was clean and bright and had a nice atmosphere. We would return because the food was good but the service needs attention, nothing too serious just needs to be a little more organised.
Written 29 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
merlin
Mudeford106 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
Popped in for light lunch. We ordered the camberbet and chicken wings at £7.40 each. The camberbet was cold and solid still in the middle when it came to the table so I called the waitress over she took it of the plate and took back to the kitchen. Meantime my husbands chicken wings sat in front of us. Well it was such a small portion, overcooked so not much meat on them and bland and far from good value. We felt too awkward to complain again so just grinned and bared it. The camberbet came back out hot and gooey as should be and it was a good tasty plate of food.
Written 8 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr b Allen
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • couples
Me and my wife had loverly weekend stay in Lyndhurst , Saturday night we booked a table in the mailman’s arms …. As soon as we arrived we were greeted by a lovely smiling and polite waitress how showed us to are table … the land lady and landlord were also very attentive and couldn’t do enough to make are evening so enjoyable….. the food was amazing and very reasonably priced …once we had finished are meals we normally like to get back to our hotel room but on this occasion we sat and drank with the locals as we felt so welcomed by everyone, tony , Lou and all the staff at the mailman’s have got the balance just right and it was so refreshing to find a pub that hasn’t lost its charm and friendliness like so many pubs seem to have …I don’t normally comment on trip advisor but felt compelled to do so on this accession , credit were credits due …. Great pub which I highly recommend and will return one day soon
Written 24 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IanSimpson
Christchurch277 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Called in as we fancied a pub snack, rather than a full meal.
Staff all masked up and inside had a rigorous one-way system.
Took our table and drinks came reasonably slowly. Waited too long for food order.
My wife ordered a chicken panini and chip which was nice (pretty big too) and I had nachos. Unfortunately this was a let down. Big serving (it was a sharing plate after all) but the cheese had been over-baked into one hard, congealed, unmanageable blob. Quite simply impossible to get at!
The dips were gorgeous though.
I mentioned this to the waitress who responded that "they all come like that" - that may be so, it may even have been intended or the wrong cheese used, but I would suggest that this dish is looked at again. I think a shredded cheese, just melted is what's required here.
Aside from that, okay, but we did find the atmosphere a little unfriendly and won't be revisiting with so many options nearby.
Written 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traceyd
4 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
We were fortunate to get a table in the garden for the Euro 2020 final and it didn't disappoint. There was a bbq being served and the chef kindly cooked a chicken breast as an alternative for my husband who is gf. Service all round was great especially as a busy evening. Thanks
Written 12 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon S
Bude633 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Warm welcome from the young staff whilst staying in Lyndhurst last week.
It was EURO2020 night and we hadn't booked.
It was still early ish (5.30pm) but we were offered a table outside (front).
Ordered drinks (came out quickly) then food (came out quickly).
Lovely choices on the menu, proper food! Specials offered too.
Really tasty food too and not overpriced drinks like the other pubs in the village.
Pity we only went once, but if we were staying in Lyndhurst again we'd go back.
Written 14 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandm
2 contributions
Oct 2021 • family
I have regularly visited this pub in a variety of manners - drinks, snacks and family meals. The staff are extremely welcoming, dedicated and aware of fantastic customer service ensuring that all needs are catered for. Staffs personalities exude the factor of enjoyment whilst also ensuring professionalism. The food is absolutely delicious, whenever we eat we have a variety of food tolerances - vegan, vegetarian and meat eaters, whereby there are numerous delightful options all home cooked and clearly effort and dedication is shown through the presentation and taste of the food. The layout of the pub is wonderful and makes a really welcoming, happy and enjoyable atmosphere. The garden and pods are thoroughly enjoyable and you feel like you are on holiday- truly fab! The pub and staff instantly make you feel welcomed, happy and the dedication they show ensures a fabulous time! Thank you mailman’s!
Written 23 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James Catlin
Surrey140 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
Came here today (Sunday 20th March) with 3 friends. Greeted by members of staff in a polite and friendly way. The Venue seemed to be family run, (may be wrong) but it was warm and cosey in there.
We ordered a Carvery each, and for a Price of £13.95 it was very well priced and of good taste. The food was hot, and all tasted fresh. It was a great stop for some afternoon Lunch and I would recommend this venue to my friends and family! No doubt next time I am passing by I will pop in for a Drink and some food!
Written 20 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ItchyfeetDorset
Poole840 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
Served by a very friendly, helpful member of staff with a lovely smile, We chose our meals from the 'Specials' board. We found our meals delicious and appetising.
My husband enjoyed a Tandoorie Chicken Curry. I ate the Cajun chicken with pasta which I also enjoyed. The coconut rum with coke was a real treat for me, so I had two. Shame my husband was driving.
Table service only. We observed staff ensuring the tables were thoroughly cleansed after customers left.
We felt very welcome and looked after. We will divert future journeys to eat here again.
Written 8 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee E
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • family
Stayed nearby for a lovely week away, the first since Covid lockdowns, so naturally it couldn't come soon enough. Visited the town and stopped off for a quick drink with my partner and her little boy (2) before setting off back. We were welcomed in this 'family' pub by a woman who seated us and took our drinks order. This was a family welcoming pub, evidenced by the highchairs available, or so we thought. We had only been there a short time, almost finishing our one and only drink when we were rudely interrupted by a 'man' or sorry excuse for one who found it appropriate to tell my partner that her little boy, who was laughing with me, whilst playing with his new car, bought by her for him as a treat, as he was, as he put it 'going right through him'. Initially thinking he was joking, and quickly realising he wasn't given his arrogant demeanour, we naturally defended an innocent 2 year old, and ourselves for enjoying the occassion. Shocked I think by us challenging him, after a few choice swear words from him in front of the 2 year old, which then caused a second family with a younger child to leave who had literally just walked in and without even being seated, he then sat on his own with his drink not even acknowledging the situation. A second man who he was sat with, quickly drank up and left, appearing quite embarrassed. As angry as we were, we were the bigger people and decided to leave as it was clear that the 'man' was a regular customer as he was served his 'usual' drink by the pub staff without asking, who watched the whole incident unfold and said absolutely nothing. They appeared out of their depth and totally ignorant to what had happened, and that his behaviour and language in front of a 2 year old, which had caused the other family to leave, and then ourselves through gritted teeth, but we had to leave.
The staff never apologised, or tried to defuse the situation or challenged his behaviour. Clearly this is an establishment catering for bullies, who have no interest in defending paying families trying to have a quiet drink together.
If you have a child, or children I'd recommend avoiding this place, as a simply child's laughter is not welcome.
Written 21 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenw219
Reading4 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
Called in after a bike ride around the forest, in search of a meal to refuel. After a very friendly welcome our food arrived very quickly and was delicious - my chicken, pork and stuffing pie from the specials board was hearty and tasty. My partner’s burger also got a glowing review. Portions were very generous and table service really fast. Thank you, we will be sure to come again!
Written 30 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosie H
1 contribution
Oct 2020 • family
Worst roast I’ve ever had! Meat was like leather, swede was like baby food, frozen pre-made Yorkshire pud and cold roast potatoes. Add to that the pub felt like I was in a council offices!! The only reason we didn’t complain was because it was my husband’s birthday and I didn’t want to be miserable! My advice... go to the pasty shop up the road!!
Written 18 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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