This classic cosy country pub in the heart of the New Forest boasts a giant beer garden, rustic barn, five bedrooms and regular visits from horses, cows, donkeys and pigs. 

The Trusty Servant Inn is set amidst beautiful scenery in Minstead, just a few hundreds yards from the church where Sherlocks Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is buried, with his pipe and glasses laid at his graveside. 

The pub dates back to the 1800s and has links to Winchester College, which once owned the land it is built on. The Trusty Servant is an emblematic figure in a painting at the celebrated school and the name of its alumni magazine. The pub proudly displays a picture of its exterior, dated 1903.

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Jack Hussey, general manager of two and a half years, said: "Every day is different and hospitality is an industry that you just cannot predict but whatever challenge comes our way we find a way to keep on going!

"We love meeting different people of all backgrounds, lively atmospheres, entertaining our locals and getting and all round sense of pride and achievement upon delivering the trusty experience to all our customers. We especially love big celebrations here! 

"Running a pub does require a lot of work but, if you're ready to graft, in the long run it's worth it."

(Image: The Trusty Servant) Homemade locally sourced food is served all day every day from breakfast time. Pub classic favourites include ham, egg and chips, and the pub's famous steak and ale pie. 

Current seasonal creations from the chef include venison haunch, pigeon breast and homity pie along with burger, pizzas and light bites. There's a range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free dishes and the Sunday roasts, normally featuring topside of beef, pork loin and turkey, go down a storm. 

The pub boasts a particularly good selection of wines including the Featherdrop New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and the Bodega La Flor Malbec.

(Image: The Trusty Servant) The Trusty Servant's huge beer garden boasts beautiful flowers blooming in the spring and summer, plus a rustic barn available for hire for all sorts of celebrations year round.

Charity quiz nights, live music and special food weeks run regularly with a recent charity horse racing night raising over £500.