The Turfcutters Arms is a traditional pub situated on East Boldre High Street in the New Forest in Hampshire England. Finding the place can be a little hairy as it is in the real backwaters of the New Forest about 5 miles south of Beaulieu but this pub has the distinction of being individually highlighted on the South Hampshire road atlas so if you get a map it's not so hard. The pub is quite famous locally as it has some of the most outstanding food in this area.¹ Most pubs in the New Forest rely on good food for trade and so this is no mean feat.

The pub is only a short drive from Southampton or Bournemouth so whether one has spent the day sampling the delights of these cities or walking through the beautiful countryside of the New Forest it makes an ideal place to stop off for some lunch. Be aware though that the pub is popular so it is highly recommended to book a table in advance.

Nearby attractions are the so-called deserted village of Bucklers Hard² and the Beaulieu motor museum³. Do not expect to walk to East Boldre, public transport to the place is almost non-existant so either drive or get the train to Brockenhurst (around 10 miles distant) and cycle. It is in a beautiful location and owing to the local land rights you will probably see a few cows and horses wandering around the streets.⁴

The Pub

The name of the pub comes from the ancient right of Turbary in the New Forset which was in essence the right belonging to the chimney and hearth of a property to cut a certain amount of turf for use as fuel in that hearth alone.⁵ The pub still retains a collection of turfing irons, hence its name.

The pub has been described as beautifully chaotic. Do not expect a well turned out, carpeted and beatifully clean place like many chain pubs in the UK today. It is much more in the realms of the traditional spit and sawdust pub and has many little nooks and crannies to sit down in. It also has a rather large beer garden which should be taken advantage of, weather permitting. One can see that the bar staff and landlord have a full satisfying life as there is a large collection of photographs on a board behind the bar of them engaged in general revelry. The selection of ales is rather small but is well looked after and you are guaranteed a fine pint of good real ale if that is your tipple, it also serves the Gales country wine range and has a good selection of single malt whiskies.

The Food

The first thing to say about the food here is that it's probably not for you if you are a vegetarian. There are only two real vegetarian choices on the menu. One is a vegetarian chilli that will blow your socks off and the other is deep fried brie in a filo pastry wrapping - this dish is admittedly, very nice indeed.

If one is carnivorous though then this pub's food is the stuff of dreams. The most popular choice is the Hobbler Hock which is a hock of pork that is enough to feed about 4 people. You get it to yourself. It is excellently cooked with fine gravy and as many vegetables as they can also fit on the plate⁶. Next most popular is a half shoulder of lamb - this is again an enormous portion of meat that only the most ravenous individuals will be capable of finishing. Possibly the nicest meat dish on offer however is the Sodbasher which is a fillet steak, cooked to your specification but topped with paté and served in a filo pastry wrapping. This dish is excellent and is served with a wonderful selection of vegetables.

If one can still eat anything after the gargantuan stuffing of the main course at the Turfcutters then there is the pudding selection for afters. It is highly recommended that one does leave room for pudding as they serve quite simply some of the most wonderful puddings one will ever encounter. They are all homemade and include the obligatory chocolate fudge cake, banoffee pie, treacle pudding and mixed fruit crumble. These may be eaten with cream, ice cream or custard and if this doesn't sound too amazing that is because their delight defies description. Try one, it is a must.

After Your Meal

Bear in mind the behaviour of lions after a kill and consuming almost their own bodyweight in meat. They sleep all day. This may be your fate after a meal at the Turfcutters. It is therefore a good move to go for a good stiff walk or a cycle ride to work your meal off. Bearing in mind that the local countryside is marvellous and unpolluted then this is no real hardship and one will end having had a nice fulfilling day.

The Hobbler

The people that own and run the Turfcutters are butchers by trade and they also run a sister pub to the Turfcutters elsewhere in the New Forest. This pub is called The Hobbler and is situated in Battramsley, Lymington. Being run by the same people this is clearly also worth eating at and this pub will also sometimes sell the hock and lamb joints that are so popular on their menu so that you can take them home and cook them yourself.

Other sites of interest.

• Places to eat in the New Forest.