The New Forest Inn at Emery Down is the first and flagship venue from family run Country Inns, which now runs eight pubs in and around the New Forest. 

It boasts direct access to the forest, real fires, a spectacular garden, various indoor spaces including the 'tack room' function room and conservatory, cask ales, homemade food and a warm welcome. 

(Image: Dave Dodge Photography for The New Forest Inn) READ MORE: The New Forest's highest pub boasts incredible walks

Marketing director Debbie Lewis, who runs Country Inns with husband Duane, told the Daily Echo: "We took over The New Forest Inn 16 years ago,  our first pub venture. Duane and I bought the lease with a plan to stay for just two years—but Duane had other ideas!

"It’s been an incredible journey with this pub. We lived above it for ten years and made some wonderful friends. Eventually, we bought the freehold and gave the rooms a complete refurbishment—they now look absolutely stunning.

"We also transformed the garden, which was once just one long slope, into flat, separate seating areas, so your pint will stay where it’s meant to be and not end up in your lap!"

(Image: Dave Dodge Photography for The New Forest Inn) The recently landscaped rear garden now features six separate seating areas, including a spacious undercover area, all surrounded by plants and mature trees with vibrant hanging baskets at the front and seasonal flowers blooming in the back.

The front of the pub has bench seating, perfect for enjoying the daily sighting of ponies, donkeys, cows, and other wildlife passing by.

The back gate leads directly to scenic pathways, giving easy access to explore the forest, including a 3.5 mile circular walk and the perfect way to work up an appetite for six homemade signature pies.

(Image: The New Forest Inn) The pub, run by Debbie and Duane's 'right hand woman' Jenny Howard, is thought to date back to 1759 when it was simply a caravan serving beer.

Debbie added: "We’re incredibly lucky to have a fantastic team at The New Forest Inn, all of whom are passionate about the pub and our customers.

"Many of our staff here have been with us for many years so all the locals know the staff, the regulars who may come every few months and the holiday returners are all greeted like old friends."

(Image: The New Forest Inn)