The pub is situated a few miles north-west of Fordingbridge in Rockbourne, just along the lane from the Roman Villa remains. The village itself is unbelievably pretty. It reminded me of the villages known at the Wallops in North Hampshire, where almost all the buildings are thatched, though Rockbourne is not as well known and that probably contributes to its beauty.
The pub itself, the Rose and Thistle has been a local watering hole since the early 1600's and you can certainly tell that on entering the establishment.
The tables and chairs are dark oak and gnarled and worn and sitting down one can almost feel the presence of the thousands of diners who have sat there before you and enjoyed their dinner.
It is not a large establishment, I would guess it covers around 36 inside the house, though there are tables outside as well, and that probably contributes to the ambience, and the excellent quality of the cooking too.
We both plumped for Gressingham duck served with a pear and apple sauce. The portions were ample and the meat was cooked to perfection, simply delicious. The duck was accompanied by a plate of mixed in season fresh vegetables, no frozen peas here, and quite superb dauphinoise potatoes.
To follow I chose the fruit crumble that was served piping hot and it was full of flavour, while my partner Annie plumped for the chocolate nemesis with fresh cream that she reported as being quite excellent.
Overall, we could not have been more impressed with the Rose and Thistle. The service was efficient, welcoming, cheerful and relaxed. This is a truly delightful establishment, so much so we promptly booked (as is always advisable at the weekends) a table for four for a quick return visit.
The prices may have been a pound or two per course more than one might pay elsewhere, but there are plenty of restaurants around who would have happily charged twice the price we paid for the quality of the fare.
The Rose and Thistle is a great credit to the owners and staff alike and a delightful place to relax, and eat. Highly recommended.
Ambiance: 9
Value: 9
Food: 10
Service: 9
Total: 37/40
David Carter's charming new book, "Drift and Badger and the Search for Uncle Mo" is out now. It is a story for older children and adults. Drift, a red deer fawn, is born unseasonably late and will always struggle against his bigger, brasher brethren. His mother travelled deep into the forest to give birth, as the herds moved on far to the north. A tragic accident leaves Drift to fend for himself; to wander the forest, frightened and alone. One moonlit night he stumbles into the crazy badger, Daisy, who begins teaching him the ways of the forest. They set out on the long and eventful journey to locate the herds and find Drift's missing uncle Mo, but will they find him and can they survive the hazards and dangers of the wild forest? Follow the exciting adventures of Drift and Badger and lose yourself in another world. Read more, see more, find out more, about Drift and Badger right now at http://www.driftandbadger.com
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