On the edge of the New Forest just off the M27 sits The Empress of Blandings. The pub is just a short wander away from forest walks, & a 10 minute drive from Lyndhurst (a favourite village of tourists).
In June of 2021 we originally reviewed The Empress of Blandings, & at the time it was owned by Hall & Woodhouse. It was notably one of George’s favourite pubs, mainly thanks to the iconic Hall & Woodhouse menu which when combined with The Empress of Blanding’s very classy aesthetic created a surprisingly affordable posh meal out.
However, times change, & whilst the pub is still owned by Hall & Woodhouse, it’s not being run from them. That means the pub’s menu has since changed, focusing more on American dishes such as burgers & loaded fries. The other notable change being that there’s now a big TV in the bar area.
So is this a positive change?
1) How was the booze selection? 🥃
George says: “No Peroni.”
Neil says: “I like non-alcoholic beer now.”
Chef says: “[Responding to Neil] Shutup you wetty. ”
2) How good were the chips? 🍟
George says: “Whilst the chips are still great, The Empress of Blandings previously had some of the best chips in The New Forest.”
3) Cleanliness of the glasses 🍷
Neil says: “Flight 370 disappeared the same year my glass was made. We’ve had 4 prime ministers, too.”
4) How good are the toilets? 💩
George says: “Not winning any awards, but very nice & would poo in a nonemergency.”
5) How were the staff?👩🍳
Chef says: “Friendly. They knew lots of about the pub’s history.”
6) How was the venue? 🏚
Neil previously said: “Beach vibes. It’s funny, we’re nowhere near a beach, but nice summery vibes.”
But now says: “The leaning mirror made me nervous [referring to a mirror that appears to be leaning & almost falling over above the fire place]. But I really like it.”
George says: “The addition of a TV & rugby decorations does not do the venue any favours. I don’t think it fits the vibe, which is overall very classy & cosy.”
Chef says: “I don’t like the colour, but I love the interior and the location .”
7) Overall score 🍻
Chef said in 2021: “Should’ve visited more in my lifetime. A very good pie… And mash.”
& Chef kept true to his word, & has been coming to the venue regularly in recent months, now referring to the pub as “Solid”.
George says: “It’s still a great New Forest pub, but the new additions only bring down the overall vibe. It’s gone from feeling very premium, to a wannabe sports pub. I love a burger, & really appreciate their new menu as it’s my type of vibe, but considering the average age of regulars to this pub was previously 80 years old I’m unsure how well they’ll accept that as a dinner. This is the type of pub that would probably do really well in Totton, but probably not in Copythorne where the average age is over 60.”
Neil says: “Would pub again. A hidden gem. Also, I’m allergic to nuts, and the dietary information was shit.”
The C*nts Pub Guide 🍻 