ON the edge of the New Forest lies a pub that has been serving up the best that Hampshire has to offer since 1886.

The Forest Home, Hardley, is regarded highly by its customers who appreciate the quality of the food and drink – but above all the friendly atmosphere.

Manager Aileen Brogan took over the pub in Long Lane four years ago and decided to completely refurbish it with a new menu and new décor.

Aileen, who lives in nearby Holbury, said she really enjoys working in her role as landlady and particularly the social side of it. She said the pub is family friendly and a great place for food.

She said: “We really pride ourselves on customer service, it is very important to us.

“We value all our customers and we appreciate all customer reviews whether positive or negative.

“Over the years we’ve hosted quite a few charity events and have raised money for Oakhaven Hospice as well as other charities. We recently had a gin and cider festival on August bank holiday.

"We had six local bands play over the weekend on the roof of the pub.”

Serving a range of ales, lagers and ciders, the pub is also widely known for its Sunday roasts.

A testament to their quality is that The Forest Home is fully booked for Christmas Day.

Head chef Billy Thompson prides himself on his excellent pies among the variety of fresh home cooked food, all made from locally sourced ingredients.

Indeed many of the pub’s our vegetable and salad ingredients are grown on its own allotment behind the building.

Customer favourites include staple dishes such as pie of the day and homemade curry which are available to order from the menu at affordable prices. There is also the option of ordering either a small or large sized portion, depending on the customer’s appetite on the day.

The Forest Home also boosts a picturesque outdoor seating area with an newly refurbished extensive children’s play area and seasonal bouncy castle.

A glowing wood burning stove and comfortable sofa seating area welcomes customers on the colder, wintery days.