IT WAS once an 80-acre farm where Annabelle Street used to sell bread she baked herself.

In the days when Ringwood was still a small town in the distance, Hightown Elm Farm was part of a rural idyll that included a blacksmith’s shop and a pond frequented by ducks and geese.

During the Second World War several cows were killed when a German bomb landed in a nearby field.

One of the farm buildings was home to members of the Women’s Land Army, which took the place of male farm workers called up by the armed forces.

Today the farm is the Elm Tree pub, a popular watering hole renowned for its friendly atmosphere and mouth-watering food.

Ringwood has spread east in the past few decades and what was once an isolated building is now surrounded by houses. But the pub has retained its rural roots and boasts a loyal band of customers who love its rustic charm, low beams and semi-rural surroundings.

The Elm Tree has a large garden and is especially popular in the summer, attracting a large number of locals and visitors alike.

Patrons say the pub has something for everyone. Tuesday night is pie night, which is followed on successive evenings by curry night, grill night and Cod Friday. The weekends are renowned for lunchtime pizzas on Saturdays and succulent roasts on Sundays.

Owned by John Anderson and Scott Suckling, the Elm Tree also raises money for several charities, including the Sunny Days Children’s Fund.

The general manager is Phil Robertson, who previously worked with Mr Anderson at several pubs in south-east London. After visiting him last summer Mr Robertson was invited to run the Elm Tree and took up the reins a few weeks later.

He said: “I didn’t know this area at all and hadn’t seen myself working anywhere other than London, but I really enjoyed my visit.”

The pub had a major facelift about a year ago and other improvements are planned, including a carvery and a possibly a burger bar in the summer, but Mr Robertson is determined to preserve its old world charm.

“It’s a friendly, country pub that’s still got plenty of character, including the beams,” he said.

The bar is decorated with old photographs of Forest scenes, including businessmen picnicking in the Forest in 1912, a carnival parade in Ringwood in 1924 and Swan Green, Lyndhurst, in 1955.

Live music is staged once a month and more events are planned in the summer.