The New Forest Fleur De Lys

Above: Fleur De Lys

On a glorious evening that must have indicated the first true hope of summer, I ventured into the heart of the New Forest to Pilley and to what is thought to be the oldest pub in the forest, The Fleur De Lys.

The present landlord, Haddie Bradley, has kept the pub as original as possible but has cleverly managed to add a contemporary traditional feel to the interior of the beautiful thatched building, which is unexpectedly light and airy inside.

Whatever the occasion
As we took our seats at our wooden oak table I could not help but notice how busy and buzzing it was for a Tuesday evening, with a wide array of diners and guests: a lady celebrating her 85th birthday, a group of ladies in their 40s having a girlie get together and couples sharing candlelit tables.
A real niché for the Fleur is that they still oak smoke their salmon and ham the traditional way ­- up the fireplace chimney! For this reason I chose the home-smoked salmon tartare for starters and my guest the sea bass, served with a tomato and chilli concasse with a pesto sauce. The salmon was truly delicious and in terms of presentation, a work of art. The sea bass was generously portioned and complimented well by the pesto.
For the main course I chose the marinated saddle of New Forest venison served with artichokes, roast potatoes on a bed of spinach finished with a Madeira wine sauce. I was advised by Jon that the venison is cooked a bit on the pink side and, having tasted it, I could not imagine having it any other way. It was delicate, full of flavour and simple stunning.
Being a lamb lover, my guest chose the cutlet of spring lamb served with a pressed and crusted confit of lamb shanks; was served with a carrot and cumin puree and garlic stuffed potatoes with a rosemary jus.
 
And to drink?
To compliment our meals we engaged in a bottle of Louis Mousset Cotes Du Rhone les Trois couronnes red wine, which was smooth and mid bodied.
The atmosphere was relaxed yet professional with attention to detail where necessary. I have to compliment the staff for being attentive, but not being ‘in your face’ every five minutes. Considering how busy they were I never found myself looking around trying to grab someone’s attention.

Spoilt for choice
The dessert list included too many treats to mention. I opted for the hot chocolate and griottine fondant served with a cherry sorbet and an almond chantilly cream - an absolute treat and, much to my guest’s disgust I chose not to share.
My guest chose the homely warm apple, stuffed with rice tian and served with a spicy raisin sauce, which resulted in a very contented smile.
All in all a wonderful dining experience of quality without the pretence.
Home cooked food presented in the style that you would expect in some of the top hotels, service that was honest and courteous coupled with the perfect setting of tradition within the natural beauty of the New Forest. I for one will certainly be making a return visit.


The verdict
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Decoration: 4
Food: 4
Value for money: 4

Book your table
Fleur de Lys
Pilley
Nr Lymington
Tel 01590-672158
email: Info@fleurdelys-inn.co.uk