Restaurants, Reviews | Posted on May 21st, 2025 | return to news
Forde Inn
Whitsbury Road, Fordingbridge SP6 1NQ
By Rebecca Smith. Meal provided courtesy of Forde Inn. Images © Viewpoint Magazine
During a visit from my dad in early May, we spent the morning exploring the New Forest and then went to the Forde Inn in Fordingbridge for lunch. Formerly a farm shop just off the road, the inn revealed itself to be deceptively spacious as we stepped inside and were warmly greeted by a friendly member of staff.
As the sun was shining, we chose to sit outside at one of the wooden tables nestled among the greenery, each shaded by an umbrella. While there’s full table service indoors, outdoor diners place their orders at the bar. It’s worth noting that the pub is dog-friendly too — ideal for those exploring the area with their four-legged companions.
Once seated, it was decision time! The menu offers a range of traditional pub fare, and one of the latest additions to the ever-expanding selection is Thai food as the venue is soon to welcome a dedicated Thai speciality chef.
My dad chose a time-honoured classic: sausage and mash with onion gravy and peas. Rich, satisfying and generous in portion, it was exactly the sort of comforting dish you’d hope for in a country pub.
I couldn’t resist the Pad Thai, and it didn’t disappoint — flavoursome, vibrant, and beautifully presented. We were also tempted by the charcuterie boards being served around us — definitely something to try next time.
For drinks, the Forde Inn had a fantastic selection of alcoholic and soft drinks at the bar. I opted for a refreshing orange juice and lemonade to suit the warm weather, while my dad enjoyed a cold cider.
After lunch, we took a stroll around and discovered even more in the other buildings. One houses a private function room with its own bar and a snooker table — perfect for parties. Across the way, a children’s play area offers younger visitors the chance to burn off some energy, with plans already in place to expand it further.
After chatting with the owner Simon Ball, it became clear that this is a pub with the local community at its heart. Named after the original name of the town — before the bridge was built — the Forde Inn is a thoughtful nod to the area’s heritage.
Whether you’re after a peaceful corner to enjoy a quiet meal — the indoor dining area includes a designated ‘quiet zone’ — or something livelier like the regular quiz nights and live music events, this pub caters for all tastes.
This is definitely a place I would like to come back to, and the team have all sorts of plans to cater for all seasons. As we left, my dad remarked: “You don’t just come here for lunch — it’s an experience.”
I couldn’t have put it better myself.
To make a reservation or see the menu, visit fordeinn.co.uk, email info@fordeinn.co.uk or call 01425 601001.
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