This article is reproduced from the "Traditional Pubs " section of the "Food & Drink" website and magazine (click on link below)

Some 200 years old and happily situated in the quiet hamlet of Bramshaw, The Bell Inn is quite a find. Once you have discovered this gem, you will find yourself returning time and time again, not least because this is quite a multifaceted venue. Retaining its original features, but also redesigned with comfort and style in mind, The Bell is ideal whether you want to get away for the weekend on a romantic break, escape for a few rounds of golf (the owners of the Bell Inn also operate two excellent golf courses next door), get married, enjoy a meal in the fine dining restaurant or simply amble in for a traditional British pub lunch.

Food is available all day every day in the bar and, like the inn's fine dining restaurant Briscoe's, everything is freshly prepared using quality ingredients. Fantastic home-prepared sandwiches like crayfish and rocket (£5.50) sit alongside nibbles such as marinated olives (£2.75) and home-made breads with oils and butter (£1.95). If you fancy something heartier, why not tuck into sausage and mash with slow roasted onion tart and a rich merlot sauce (£8.95) or the Hennessy cognac and whole grain mustard roasted ham with free-range eggs and hand cut chips (£7.50).

It seems that the secret to The Bell Inn's success is not much of a secret at all - it is obvious to all - sheer quality.

This article about Briscoe's is reproduced from the "Fine Dining" section of the "Food & Drink" website and magazine (click on link below)

Refurbished and refined, Briscoe's fine dining restaurant at The Bell Inn is a shining example of what eating out is all about. Meticulous attention to detail and careful, considered service have ensured that Briscoe's enjoys a loyal following of regulars as well as impressing the critics. It continues to demonstrate its excellence having maintained AA Red Rosette status for the past 14 years. Post-refurbishment you will find that nothing has been spoilt, but rather the individual charm of this New Forest hideaway has been enhanced, with period features preserved and complemented by contemporary, stylish and comfortable design elements.

Expect to find a plethora of seafood, poultry, meat and game on the menu, each dish having been prepared and cooked at the expert hands of head chef, Anthony Sturge. Drawing from the very best produce that each season offers, the menu is continually developed and at £28 per person for three courses, Briscoe's is reasonably priced. Sample the likes of pan seared pigeon breast, garlic crouton and red wine jus, followed by pan seared pink sea bream with fondant potato and a tomato and fish sauce. To complete a fabulous meal, I challenge you to resist the tempting selection of desserts: caramelised baby apples, saffron poached pear glazed with a white wine sabayon; profiteroles in a pool of toffee caramel sauce or perhaps the rich and delicious chocolate mocha tart. For those without a sweet tooth, the selection of British and Irish cheeses is a must.

With its smart dress policy and non-smoking throughout, the atmosphere here is formal and relaxed without stuffiness or pretension, guaranteeing your evening of business or pleasure will be a great success.