Anthea Gerrie Discovers Fine French Food Can Be Successfully Scaled Up At The Ropemaker In Emsworth

Michael Edwards explores Balmer Lawn Hotel in a forest that is no longer new

Michael Edwards, with four-legged friends and family, goes walkies on the South Downs, from a luxurious barn-style cottage.

It’s fortunate the Duke of Wellington was a very busy man. With over 50 conflicts to his name, identifying each of the 31 rooms at the Wellington Arms after one of his battles was less of a challenge than it might have been had he been less successful.

King John rode out of Odiham Castle to sign the Magna Carta but I suspect had the Red Lion been around back then, he might have a dallied a few more days or just stayed there and called the whole thing off.

Considering the Bell Inn in the tiny New Forest village of Brook has been owned by the same family for over 200 years, longevity seems to be part of its DNA. Perhaps that’s why Barry has lit the log fire in the bar every morning at 11.30 for 37 years and counting.