East End Arms - Lymington

MarkD6529

Very disappointing. Food at dinner was extremely average and overpriced (£92 for two courses and two beers). Service was a bit slow, although we noticed that as soon as the owner and his party were seated, they were served before any of the other customers, who had arrived first. We had booked a room a few weeks in advance and indicated that we would prefer a room with a walk in shower rather than a bath. This was ignored but we didn't make a fuss as the room was nice. I'm also coeliac and need to follow a gluten free diet. This is not a lifestyle choice or a food fad. I had indicated this in advance hoping that they could offer gluten free bread at breakfast, especially in their blurb it said gluten free diets could be accommodated. I was told at breakfast that none was available. The breakfast itself was virtually inedible. It consisted of bacon which was so overcooked it was impossible to cut with a knife, burnt scrambled egg and a thimble full of lukewarm, tasteless baked beans. There was one member of staff on duty doing her best to serve everyone. I would've expected a lot better for £135 a night. How the East End Arms got its ranking among the top 50 places to stay, is difficult to say.

nic_pea24

We were staying nearby for a few days and popped into the East End Arms without booking. The weather was glorious so we grabbed a table in the garden and the tables quickly filled up so we were lucky. The lady took our order at the table. We shared a starter of crispy chilli beef on noodles then we both had the burger; both dishes were excellent and the home-made relish for the burger was fab. We would recommend eating here or just stopping for a drink.

Suzanne H.

We were visiting this area from the south east and having spent the afternoon on the beach deciding to walk over a mile to go to the East End. We were in desperate need of something to eat, anything would have done, and arriving 15 minutes before the kitchen close we thought we could at least order some chip. But no! We were greeted by a very unfriendly bartender that only offered us her pearls of wisdom, by saying get a cab to Limington or walk an hour to the nearest pub.
I’m glad we are more friendly where we live. Obviously living in the new forest doesn’t give you good customer service, or you take so much money you can turn away trade. We won’t be back!

Linda G.

The best fish n chips I have ever had! Delicious. Lovely environment. Delicious food. Excellent staff. Professional, but friendly. I'll be back there again.

Nigel S. (. A. T.

Stopped by here for lunch today and wow what a find!!

The restaurant is beautifully laid out with a lovely homely feel although there is a small garden area and covered outdoor area too.

The vibe is classy yet casual but there is nothing casual about the food they serve. I could have happily worked my way through the entire menu but a shared starter of double cheese soufflé was the order of the day followed by duck confit for me and a lovely cod fillet with samphire and sweet potato fondant for my better half.

The food was sensational , beautiful cooked, bursting with flavour and decent portion size. Pricing was also spot on for the obvious quality of ingredients and overall experience.

I will let the photos below do the story telling but the tastes and flavours were as good as the pictures show and I think without a shadow of a doubt we will be back again to sample some more of their fayre.

It would be rude not to indulge in dessert too when in a quality establishment in my mind and a shared lemon syllabub (where do you see that on a menu nowadays) was decided upon and was again sensational !!!

Nothing not to like here and £93 including drinks for two we thought was very reasonable for what was an excellent culinary experience.

Go there you won’t be disappointed !!!

deb R.

The pub was really nice very comfortable, breakfast was just what you need in the morning, good choice, the menu for dinner could have been more choice, But overall the food was nice, staff were
Very helpful very professional service, lovely
Location just what you need for a break.

Delia V.

Beautiful surroundings, amazing food and service

Our family had the absolute pleasure of dining at the pub where Chef Lucian works on Christmas Eve, and it was an experience we’ll treasure forever. The pub itself is absolutely beautiful—cozy and warm, with a charming fireplace that created the perfect festive atmosphere for the evening.

Each dish we tried was a masterpiece, beautifully crafted and bursting with flavor. I opted for the skate wing, which was cooked to perfection—delicate, tender, and paired with flavors that complemented it beautifully. My father had the turkey, which was moist, flavorful, and served with all the traditional trimmings, elevated to fine dining status. My mum enjoyed the braised beef, which was melt-in-the-mouth tender with a rich, savory sauce that was pure indulgence. My husband couldn’t stop raving about his chicken with saffron risotto, a dish that perfectly balanced hearty comfort and sophisticated elegance.

Not only was the food incredible, but the service and atmosphere were equally outstanding. Lucian’s wife, Annie, who manages the pub, impressed us with her impeccable organizational skills and genuine politeness. She ensured everything ran seamlessly, creating a welcoming and relaxed environment for everyone. It was inspiring to see such a hardworking and talented duo at the helm.

This was truly one of the best Christmas Eve dinners we’ve ever had. Between the incredible food, the inviting atmosphere of the pub, and the warmth and professionalism of the team, it was an unforgettable experience. We’re already looking forward to returning for more of Chef Lucian’s culinary brilliance and Annie’s exceptional hospitality. Thank you both for making our evening so special! ❤️

522rachelc

Lunch with an old friend. I’ve been here many times but this was one of the best. We only had starters (2) and shared a pud but it was perfect. Amazing scallops, divine cheese soufflé. It was fairly empty but that didn’t matter. It’s fascinating to see the black and white photos of so many stars from the 60s and 70s. The playlist is awesome too. The lovely Tiger was the icing on the cake. First class