Since taking over the Sir John Barleycorn pub in Cadnam in May, landlord Hue Hars has made a host of changes, introducing a fusion menu combining British pub classics and Indian, Chinese and Nepalese favourites.

His Indian chefs from Darjeeling and Delhi serve up the likes of butter chicken, malai king prawns and aloo gobi to customers who come from far and wide to sample the fare.

READ MORE: The cosy New Forest pub with donkeys grazing outside

As well as jazzing up the pub's menu, Hue has introduced live music sessions featuring local artists like party band The Few and Ria Osborne, who sings everything from Motown classics to her own versions of current chart-toppers.

A 10ft hand-built barbecue pit is being built in the garden as the revamp continues. 

He told the Daily Echo: "The menu is not what you would necessarily expect in a 12th-century tavern in the New Forest, but it’s proving very popular.

"When we first launched the menu, we were selling much more British food,  but I'd say about 80 per cent of the food we sell now is Indian.

"Business is up by about 40 per cent and we're getting busier all the time. 

"The barbecue pit is a monster. You'll be able to choose your meat and fish from the ice and it will be cooked in front of you. We'll have live music and DJ sets and hopefully a festival vibe in the garden every Saturday over the summer.

"You've got to think outside the box. The industry is struggling, things are very tricky in hospitality, so you can't keep doing the same things, you've got to do things a bit differently." 

Sunday roasts are also proving popular at the pub, enjoyed by locals and visitors to the Forest, as well as being the perfect pitstop for travelling friends, just off junction 1 of the M27.

Hue has previously run various Southampton restaurants, including The Oxford Brasserie, The Olive Tree and Carnicero Steakhouse.

READ NEXT: Inside the pub with one of the best views in Southampton

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article on the Daily Echo. Your support means we can bring you the latest breaking news, exclusive Saints features and coverage - and much more.

Digital subscribers get unrestricted access to all of our stories, our dedicated app including e-version of the newspaper, and an advertising-light website.

If you want all the latest articles delivered straight to your inbox you can join the thousands of subscribers who are signed up to our newsletters.

They include our popular daily morning news briefing, breaking news, crime and court, and Southampton FC bulletins - plus business, heritage and our what's on newsletters.

Keep up to date with events in and around Southampton by signing up to our What's On newsletter.