The Forage

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#3 of 41 Restaurants in Lyndhurst££ - £££, Cafe, British, Vegetarian friendly

+44 23 8017 5710+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

8:00 - 22:00

Mon

8:15 - 21:45

Tue

8:00 - 22:00

Wed

8:00 - 22:00

Thu

8:00 - 22:00

Fri

8:00 - 22:00

Sat

8:00 - 22:00

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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

4.5

1,869 reviews

#3 of 41 Restaurants in Lyndhurst

Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, Cafe, British, Contemporary, Diner, Healthy

“Stopped for a late breakfast it was delicious, fresh local produce, service e...”

“The service was excellent, and although I thought my eggs royale was on the e...”

“... inconsistent visits to local family; the Forage delivers a pleasing level...”

“I had the veggie breakfast and can comfortably say that it t was one of the b...”

Location and contact

39 High Street, Lyndhurst, New Forest National Park Hampshire SO43 7BE England

+44 23 8017 5710

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Does this restaurant have a TV?

Yes

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Details

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PRICE RANGE

£5.00 – £9.00

CUISINES

Cafe, British, Contemporary, Diner, Healthy

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks

FEATURES

Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Dog Friendly

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4.5

1,869 reviews

Excellent

1,472

Very good

227

Average

Poor

Terrible

Sharon S

Bude622 contributions

One word.......EXCELLENT!

Jul 2021 • none

We were staying in Lyndhurst for a week last week and walked past here quite a few times. It always looks busy, buzzy and interesting so we called in one mid afternoon and we were not disappointed. Covid safe and very clean. Great, attentive, friendly staff and a good choice on the menu. We both had a pot of fresh tea each (great value at £2 for 3/4 cups) and the same pasta dish (chicken Alfredo) and it was absolutely delicious. Cooked to perfection in their 'open' kitchen. We would've have loved to have eaten their again during our week but we ran out of time (something we regret!). Guaranteed next time we are in or around Lyndhurst we will be back in here like a shot!

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.

Rob A

Woodham Ferrers104 contributions

Great service. Good food

Aug 2021 • family

Visited for an evening meal. Starters were tasty and freshly prepared The squid was really well cooked. And the garlic bread was massive. Mains were good. Pasta bolognese was tasty and the pizzas were nice after being cooked in a proper pizza oven May of been a little heavy on the toppings but they still tasted good , you can add extras to the pizzas though these are all priced at £1.50 which seems a little steep for items like olives and chilli flakes. Skipped dessert after the large pizzas. Though the cakes looked really good though again there was no option for any ice cream or Sorbet which I would of expected. Service was great throughout the meal. Are the staff were really good. Overall a really enjoyable meal and recommend if in the area.

Written 26 August 2021

Belinda H

10 contributions

The Forage wedding reception

Dec 2021 • family

We chose this beautiful restaurant to host our wedding reception 4/12/21. 50+ guests for sit down lunch and a further 40 guests for the evening with canapés, and hot & cold buffet. The food was outstanding. Everyone very very happy. Zach and Hussein (The owners) went above and beyond to make the day everything we wanted it to be. The lunch was served so efficiently so everyone got to eat together. The service by the staff second to none. The evening was a buffet of various hot and cold food including vegan and gluten free options. This venue had a music licence so we had a disco too and the sound was amazing. We chose this venue as we’ve eaten there every Friday since they opened in may ! They’re menu is varied with something for everyone. From a light bite to something more substantial. Wheelchair friendly and child/dog friendly too. Thank you The Forage for making our day so special Mr and Mrs Haywood

Written 6 December 2021

annie186361

Oxford28 contributions

Rude unhelpful staff

Jan 2020 • couples

Called in for lunch after reading good reviews . Husband chose soup ( good ) and I chose veg fritters (£7.95) I am wheat intolerant so asked for some butter for my ( own) bread but told I couldn't eat it in there . When 5 tiny fritters and a few spinach leaves appeared I asked for some gluten free bread to pad it out with . No sign of bread before I had finished the measly morsels . I was told I should have ordered it with the main meal ..... it would have been nice to have been offered it when I ordered I replied .... then told I should have looked at the menu and it was not their job to make suggestions . Really ?! Wouldn't go there again ... overpriced and arrogant miserable staff

Written 6 January 2020

vivienne w

It is disappointing to receive this review, despite your threat to do so, since your husband kindly apologised to our Front of House Manager for your poor conduct. It is also noted, on leaving your husband thanked the Forage team for the food and service. To offer clarity, your server took your order and at this time no reference was made to an allergy. Only once you had started to consume your food did you request to supply your own Gluten Free bread, no reference to butter was made. Your server explained The Forage offered Gluten Free bread and a subsequent side order was placed. The gluten free bread was brought to your table, however since you only ordered the bread after you had started to consume your food, the bread was subsequently refused as you had eaten your light bite. Concerned at your poor conduct, your server referred the incident to the Front of House Manager, at this time you explained again the bread should have been offered with the dish despite the light bite of 'Coriander & Lime Fritters (5)', finely shredded root vegetables with fresh coriander and lime served with Real Jam & Chutney Co and baby leaf salad, not advertised with a bread accompaniment. Our Front of House Manager politely explained this to you confirming a side order of bread is offered and your server took this order once you had requested this. You raised your finger to the face of our Manager stating 'you will do well to remember the customer is always right'. Further personal abusive references was made against the Front of House Manager whilst you continued to aggressively raise a finger to her face. Understandably our manager was left shaken which I assume is the reason your husband subsequently apologised to her for your poor conduct. To avoid doubt, abusive and aggressive behaviour towards any Forage team member will not be tolerated. Notwithstanding this, the team work hard to deliver a friendly, efficient service whilst offering homemade, locally sourced, food which is confirmed in the many reviews received. I ask the readers draw their own conclusion.

Written 7 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Keith W

1 contribution

Nice place. Expensive. Variable food.

Mar 2020 • none

Positives. Nicely furnished, clean and tidy surroundings, attentive, friendly and well presented staff, some very interesting products to buy, comfy sofas in the front window and a beautiful locally produced red wine. Red English wine is a bit of a rarity but this rates up there with a good French variety. Not sure of the cepage but it is worth drinking. My wife enjoyed her avocado and egg on toast. My chips were very nice, as was the pot of relish that came with it. More on the burger below. Negatvies. Pricey, especially the wine. 2 x 175ml glasses of wine, burger and chips, avocado on toast with an egg and an almond biscuit cost us a whopping £36.75. My burger was big but not very tasty. It was raw in the middle. I like rare beef but not raw and definately not in a burger. I was so hungry that I ate it anyway without complaint. It came in a brioche bun with a lettuce leaf and a few slices of tomato. Little else. I expected better for the price.

Written 15 March 2020

368viviennew

I am delighted you enjoyed the ambience, service and locally sourced produce during your recent visit to The Forage. Our locally sourced red wine is from one of our many New Forest and Solent suppliers. The produce is not mass produced and this is reflected in our purchasing and subsequent retail price since the produce is traceable with a reduced footprint and of an exceptional quality. The Forage team are please the avocado on bakehouse 24 artisan sourdough toasted bread topped with a free range egg from Fluffets Farm was enjoyed by your wife since we also sale both the sourdough bread and free range eggs in our deli. The family run business supports and promotes local suppliers and therefore we continue to monitor our prices with like minded establishments. It is disappointing the Hampshire minced steak burger in a Brioche bun on a bed of crips baby gem lettuce, sliced tomato and sweet pickle onion served with hand cut chips and Forage relish was not to your liking. We would have welcomed the opportunity to address your concerns since you confirm you did not bring this to the attention of a member of The Forage team and consumed your meal. We do not serve minced beef raw or rare and would have welcomed the opportunity to address your concerns at the time of your visit. I have bought your complaint to the attention of our Head Chef who will offer further training to all team members to maintain the continuity in the high standards set. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Written 3 April 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gary

14 contributions

Rude staff

Aug 2021 • couples

Can't vouch for the food, never got that far. Having looked at the large menu outside we couldn't see a price for what we wanted, we asked the guy who approached us for a price of an item and was told in a really rude and aggressive tone that "All the prices are on the menu" we explained that we couldn't see it and he didn't need to be so rude at which point he pushed past and started perusing the menu, by this the we'd walked off to the sound of him shouting something after us, probably wanted to point out our that we were stupid and there it is. If they read these reviews and the guy concerned remembers the event a word of advice, if a customer asks a question just answer it, don't be rude and expect us to spend money in your business, maybe the item was on the menu but it's not much hassle for you to just answer the question is it ??

Written 29 August 2021

Mal W

Bournemouth4 contributions

Great restaurant, recommended!

Jul 2021 • couples

First time to The Forage, recently refurbished by the new owners. Very nice decor, and several tables available in the outside area at the back. Great menu, lots of choice from light bites to more substantial meals, and pizzas of course! We enjoyed our Spanish omelette and chicken Caesar salad, which were very reasonably priced. I would recommend a visit if you're anywhere near Lyndhurst. 5*****!

Written 29 July 2021

u c

3 contributions

Awful Experience

Jul 2021 • none

The Manager at the restaurant (who refused to give his name…I wonder why?) clearly fell short of customer service, etiquette, and manners. He requires some guidance in management skills. We were a group of 12 including young kids, and had booked a table the day before with no issues other than advised to turn up on time. During our time there, we were informed that the manager does not feel comfortable with kids and the lounge area is for waiting customers and the furniture is new!!!! Due to my mum who requires a walking stick turned up at the restaurant 2 minutes late, but a member of the party went ahead to secure the table. As we settled done, the waitress came over and was rushing us to take our order as apparently we only had 1 hour to order and eat!!!! We placed the order and within a few minutes, the manager arrived at the table with his book. He pointed out the fact that we were late by 8 minutes in sitting and ordering our food, which is biting into the time that we have the booking for. We informed him that we have ordered and waiting for the food to arrive. With young kids, we felt the pressure to quickly eat while being watched by hovering staff to rush us out the restaurant. Kids kept asking and checking how long we had left to eat, (very unprofessional service). When we finished, it wasn’t long before everything was swept away from the table, no point in looking at desserts as we felt we were a burden. When we paid and approached the manager to raise our concerns on the service and if he had mentioned the night before on the hour seating, with kids we would have stated this would have not been feasible, He displayed his book again and said he was very busy - only a party of 4 was in the restaurant and while we were seated only a another couple left. The staff did not pressure anyone else in the restaurant, but seemed to focus on us leaving as soon as. Because we were questioning his service and manners in talking to customers in his tone….. we were told “GET OUT, GO, GET OUT”… we as a paying customer with kids felt very embarrassed. To add salt to the wound, the manager was back out there within seconds, and his book touting for customers. Very, very, unsatisfied customer. If you are looking to enjoy and have a relaxed meal, think twice before going, or check how long you have, the party size.

Written 29 July 2021

Anna

16 contributions

Unwelcoming

Oct 2021 • couples

Despite the restaurant looking cosy and friendly the service did not reciprocate. We went in (wearing jeans and a jumper not a shirt and dress like the other customers because we had just come from a walk) and immediately felt un-welcomed and out of place. We asked for a table and the owner replied “you’re brave” insinuating we were out of place to ask for a table. Once we sat down a waitress came over who was very blunt and stern. She frowned when my partner requested his order with a dietary preference. Another waitress came over (Charlotte) who was lovely and the only person that made us feel welcomed. Once the food arrived one meal was good but the other (vegetable pizza) was doughy and the veggies were raw. We asked for it to be cooked for longer and we saw the chef speak aggressively to the waitress clearly thinking it was adequate to serve. I would not recommend going here if you are not willing to pay for rude service or food, that is unless you’re lucky enough to have Charlotte. people should not be served differently to other based on how they dress and their age.

Written 30 October 2021

teejaybeeBristolUK

Kingswood381 contributions

A little underwhelmed

Mar 2022 • none

The food isn’t bad, it’s not historic but it’s not awful. From the moment we arrived we felt a bit rushed. Prices for what you get bare high. £28 for an 8oz steak is way off the mark. Ususlaloy in any decent Italian restaurant if you have a pasta dish you get offered some extra Parmesan but here it appeared to be an an extra £1.50🙄 On a Saturday night over 50% of the desserts were not available…… I wouldn’t rush back I’m afraid.

Written 19 March 2022

Christina S

1 contribution

Fantastic Place To Eat

Aug 2021 • none

I visited The Forage on Tuesday 3rd August with my partner, my son and my 2 year old granddaughter for a late lunch. As soon as we arrived, we were warmly greeted and shown to a free table. The waiting staff were very polite and friendly, making us feel incredibly welcome. We ordered our food and requested that my granddaughters food was cooked first in order that it would be cooler for her once our meals were served. This was not an issue and when she received her food, the temperature was perfect, saving us from an inpatient toddler whilst we cooled her food. It is at this point that I should mention that my son is a chef in a Michelin starred restaurant and has high expectations! His feedback was that the food was cooked and seasoned perfectly and had no complaints at all! Well done The Forage! Highly recommended, reasonably priced and lovely atmosphere. 5/5

Written 5 August 2021

Joy W

1 contribution

Not impressed

May 2022 • friends

Overpriced for small portions, tasteless bacon and non friendly staff. To charge £3.50-4 for coffee is outrageous. The small breakfast only comes with 1 toast, about 10 beans & tasteless bacon which left me feeling hungry and I'm very slim. They won't swap anything without charging extra. I wanted to swap a sausage for 1 extra bacon rasher but no, it was even more money for an already overpriced breakfast. Very disappointed as this is the 3rd time as I was giving it the benefit of the doubt - never again. You're only paying for somewhere nice to sit.

Written 30 May 2022

Alan G

1 contribution

Welcoming Staff, efficient friendly Service, lovely Food

Sept 2021 • solo

For a refreshment break in a trail bike excursion in The Forest I found The Forage. I was able to sit outside with bike 'in view,' and made to feel welcome with attentive waiting staff, and soon served with a hot brunch / breakfast meal sandwich plus salad. The tea in clear glass pot was served hot! I enjoyed food, setting and service and would highly recommend.

Written 13 September 2021

Morgan C

1 contribution

Poor service and undercooked food.

Oct 2021 • couples

The owner welcomed us at the door and said “good luck finding a table” in a way that belittled my partner and I. The waitress that served us initially was very stern and unwelcoming! My partner and I are on a plant based diet and felt like embarrassed school children when ordering due to the waitress frowning and being very blunt when we ordered for an alternative cheese. I ordered a veggie pizza, when it came to the table the vegetables were RAW. I proceeded to ask the waitress to take it back and the chef was being hostile towards the young waitress for returning it because I wanted my food cooked. The only upside to going to this restaurant was a lovely waitress called Charlotte! She was very hard working and tried her best to make us feel welcome (thank you Charlotte!) I would not advise going here if you want your food cooked and have dietary requirements.

Written 30 October 2021

Emma L

Letchworth Garden City4 contributions

Such a friendly team and great food!

Jul 2021 • none

We were looking for somewhere to have lunch in Lyndhurst and came across this place. We had a great meal there. The decor is very modern and eye-catching and there is an outdoor area to the rear which is a great spot on a sunny day. The portions were very generous and smoothies and iced coffee were really good. The staff were very helpful in finding a suitable meal for our son, who has multiple food allergies. Highly recommend! Thank you so much!

Written 14 August 2021

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THE FORAGE, Lyndhurst - Updated 2024 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor