Great home cooked food. Brilliant that there is a smaller appetite option on the majority of dishes. The atmosphere was spot on, busy but still quite intimate, contradiction but true. We love desserts proof below Honeycombe Cheesecake and Sherry Trifle.
So we have been twice (and a half) and have had a mixure of 4* and 5* experiences. Obviously overall pretty good, but going to opt for the 4 star overall. It is a very tucked away and cute pub, oozing with character inside and out. Staff are super friendly and accommodating and have sat in the more bar sort of area rather than the restaurant. Sort of lent a more relaxed and ambient atmosphere, especially because we were sporting a newborn. The drink selection is really solid. The Malbec was very agreeable, and Timothy Taylor is always a welcome sight! The menu is equally really solid. Loads of choice with a smattering of specials on the wall with a pizza menu. If I had to describe the food, I would certainly say it was more of a homemade feel. Not ever going to get the pulse racing, but really satisfying. My partner opted for the vegetarian pizza both visits, receiving a different sort of veggie pizza each time (first one was epic, piled up with raw crunchy veg, with the second a more disappointing damp version). I went for the gammon, egg and chips first time and sampled the burger the second time. The gammon and chips was absolutely bang on, super crispy chips and delicious gammon. The burger did sadly disappoint a bit - although the bacon and cheese was good, it was piled with iceberg lettuce and tomato which was a bit 1990s burger topping. I will however say that it is VERY rare you see trifle on a dessert menu, so credit there for sure (and yes it was absolutely lovely!). We are definitely going to return because I'm keen to sample more of the menu and the price of the menu is really reasonable. Secretly looking forward to more home made magic!
Welcoming Staff, Historic Charm, Mixed Food Booked a table in advance as we were staying locally. Had dinner at this quaint 17th-century New Forest hostelry. The thatched roof and period features give it real character. We were made to feel very welcome—by the landlady, I believe—who was friendly, attentive, and quietly accommodating throughout. The pub has a relaxed, easygoing feel. There’s a garden and plenty of outdoor seating, including covered areas for eating outside. We chose to eat indoors. Food was mixed. I had the trout, which was nicely done, and the vegetables were good. My husband had the curry—it wasn’t to his taste, and he was a little disappointed with his meal. Our child had the children’s meal: burger and cheesy chips. They kindly made the substitution, but there didn’t seem to be many chips—he ended up asking for some of mine, and I had to share to make sure he had enough. A few more would’ve made the difference. For dessert, I had the gluten-free sticky toffee pudding with custard. It was a bit dry—not gooey like it should be—but fine. There was a reasonably good choice of gluten-free options on the menu, which was refreshing to see. I didn’t feel excluded, as I often do in other pubs. Toilets were clean and well maintained. Parking is limited—worth noting if arriving by car, especially during busy periods. It started getting quite busy not long after we arrived. While we were there, a customer’s dog nipped another customer. It wasn’t dramatic and didn’t affect the ambience directly, but it did make things feel uncomfortable. I would return—the welcome was sincere, the setting has charm, and it was good to see thoughtful gluten-free options included without fuss. The thatched roof—the building’s crowning glory—was partially covered with a tarp and clearly in need of attention, which was sad to see. But the atmosphere and kindness made a lasting impression.
We had an excellent Sunday lunch at Waterloo Arms. The roast was delicious! The pub is traditional and a lovely setting. Also reasonably priced. Highly recommend.
Nice historic pub with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Good portion sizes and service, with multiple vegetarian options available. Free Car park available in the back. Adequate toilets. Recommend prebooking during busy times as most tables are reserved when we were there.
Had dinner there last night. It was our pets first time in a restaurant. They genuinely treated him like a little prince. The food was very lovely, well portioned and I would absolutely recommend everyone to come here!!
Thank you to Laura for making the experience here truly fantastic with exceptionally good customer care and genuine kind nature to all the guests visiting the Waterloo Arms today. Same very much for the chef and the wonderful high quality food that was perfect in everyway. The atmosphere here is really sets the bar. Highly recommend to anyone in the area looking for a very peaceful relaxing restaurant and pub.
Came across the Waterloo Arms by accident when taking a wrong turnimg Glad I did what lovely place. The staff were very courteous and helpful. We has lunch which arrived quite quickly was tasty and filling. A lovely setting spacious seating inside and out with a garden. We will make a point of dropping in again.
Really gorgeous 16 century pub in Lyndhurst, ably run by Michelle and assisted by her brilliant barman. We ordered scampi & chips, chicken burger and beef burger. For dessert, we ordered ice cream and creme brulee. The staff were welcoming and friendly. Food was great and we would definitely come back and highly recommend. Well deserved 5*.
Very nice garden to have a drink and a meal. Pub is also super cute inside and the staff were very friendly. Food was your standard pub food, nothing more nothing less. Nice selection of local beers. We started and finished our 13km Lyndhurst Parish Walk aka the Pub walk from here. Parking available. Wifi available inside as not much 4G around here.
Waterloo Arms is located at Pikes Hill, Pikeshill, Lyndhurst SO43 7AS, UK
You can contact Waterloo Arms at +44 23 8028 2113
You can find directions to Waterloo Arms by following this map link