Forest Inn in Waverley

We used to dine there a lot but haven’t been in the last year due to poor service. However our visit on new year eve was really nice as received excellent service from the manager Andy and the food was great as well and couldn’t fault anything as nothing was too much trouble and will definitely be baiting again.

This was the most awful experience ever!im not usually picky with places to eat but this has to be the worst I’ve ever experienced!I have been here plenty of times but the last 2 have been dreadful!The staff members are oblivious to your requests and rude.I ordered a children’s steak and asked for it well done and it came out rare!and this time I ordered a roast dinner and I’m a vegetarian and it came with meat!when I specifically asked for none.The roast dinner looked like it had been sitting for hours the food looked like mush and the Yorkshire pudding looked as flat as a pancake.Aswell as that the also forgot the roast potato’s!When I asked for a new plate the staff member who I requested this to was a very rude and oblivious person!I ended up having to send the plate back 3 times because they couldn’t seem to get it right!My friends also ordered a steak and ale pie that looked vile they said the mash tasted like pure margarine and the meat in the pie tasted like jelly dog food! My kids had the kids pizza which is strange because the base looked like a tart! It was so thick and floury!Not to mention the pizza was covered in thick piece of tomato that wasn’t even blended!This is one of the most unprofessional and disgusting pubs I have been to! I will not be returning.

Went to the ball and wicket with my partner and her mum. The whole experience was perfect from start to finish the decor was lovely and everything was spotless. We didn't wait long for our food and could not fault anything with the food. Andy the manager went way and beyond making sure everything was perfect so will definitely be back again soon. The irish crew

Went for Xmas lunch with my son, pre ordered food as on time schedule. Food came out in good time and was of a good standard. Staff were very friendly and extremely helpful, would go again

Excellent hosting by Andy during two recent visits. Food was of a good standard and service from nice friendly staff always welcome.

Went there around 12.30pm Order a pint of doombar cloudy with a sour test lady behind bar stated in conversation to another staff member it's been playing up all week. Atmosphere nil awful music Sunday should be busy six people. Avoid I won't be going back quite shocking

Absolutely fantastic meal! The staff were very welcoming, friendly and accommodating. The food was enjoyed by all, and they have a great range of vegetarian options. Everyone throughly enjoyed their meal and the littlest guest was given a colouring/activity sheet on arrival. We can’t wait to come back, especially in the summer as the garden looks beautiful!

Really great food, lovely welcoming service and a great atmosphere, especially great service from Rhianna! Xxxxxxxx

Very nice place, amazing food, we had: fish and chip, sausage and mash & crispy chicken burger with fries. Hannah was our waiter and served us exceedingly well

I loved the food and the service was top tear. Our waitress hannah was kind, helpful and friendly. This made the meal much more enjoyable.

Great food and great service, Rhianna was a brilliant host! Would definitely recommend for decent pub food and a friendly atmosphere

Very good atmosphere. 4 of us enjoyed food although my Lasagna didn't look good it tasted very nice

1st time since new management Really nice Sunday roast Good value Good service Good atmosphere See you again.

Roast dinner was lovely - portion huge, flavoursome, Had a choice of 1 meat 2 meat or all three - we had all 3. Price 15.95 and worth every penny.

Took my wife and mum out for Sunday roast and booked here due to locations and recent reviews. Food was excellent, fresh, hot, tasty and good sized portions. We were told what came with the meal and what meats you could choose from- Beef, Pork and Chicken. You could have any combination of meat! We all had dessert which was nice too. The restaurant was busy with all tables full and new people being seated once others had left. It had a nice atmosphere and was warm and cozy. It was excellent value. None of the following are complaints, just observations: Apple sauce was brought to the table but it would have been nice if other condiments were offered- mustard or horseradish for example as 2 of us had beef. We did have to wait a while for our bill when we weee finished and had to chase it up. It’s clear the staff were working very hard and they were a bit stretched. It dawned on me when I asked for the bill that at no time was I made aware of the prices for the food. There was no menu and no prices against the dessert options on the board. I wondered if I had missed this and it was posted up in the bar somewhere, but couldn’t see it. When the bill came I was just advised of the total. But whatever the individual costs of the dishes were, it was excellent value at around an average of £24 per head for a main, dessert and alcoholic beverage each.

Food amazing, staff super friendly, quaint and relaxed atmosphere.

We just stopped for a quick bite. There were nw owners, who was really kind and lovely! The sandwiches were really good and the chips as well! An extra plus for the gluten-free options and for the free menstrual products. Wish the new owners really Good Luck!!

Very accommodating for a large group of younguns, friendly, and absolutely amazing food in big portions, would definitely reccomend above other local pubs

Lovely pub on the way to Lyndhurst. Fantastic good. Barmaid very helpful and nice. Couldn't have done more to make our visit great .

On Thursday 29th my friend and I thought we would treat are selfs to dinner, as not been to this pub in a very long time we thought we would give it a go , bad move we stood at the bar for ages before someone came out to serve us brought two drinks then we asked could we have a table for two only to be told no sorry chef left, we can do sandwiches. I know these things happen but why leave chalkboards on road side still saying food served every day , as we drank I drinks we noticed quite a few people going but not staying, know wonder this pub is always closing.

Needs support, new friendly owners. Really nice old pub, just had a pint.

The meals were all very nice. My roast came out cold. The first time I've ever had a problem. I told the waiter and he took it back and changed for a new one with no hassle. Very apologetic. We all enjoyed our food and were completely stuffed after! Our server Malachy was very helpful and polite.

Very nice meal with the family. Excellent service. Made to feel very welcome even though we didn't book a table. Malachy was outstanding 👏🏽

good food, very warm and cozy setting, great service by Malachy. Very welcomed stop after 2.5 hours at go ape in Aliceholts.

First time here for Sunday roast , definitely recommend coming , tasty. And excellent value. Best to book a table. £14.99 i had roast pork , my husband had turkey same price . Definitely will return . Looked after by Lucy . See you soon .

Just opened under new management. (3weeks). Chef had a day off, and there was just I new trainee, so very limited menu. A couple of glitches, but the food we had was very good. The service was fantastic. Very friendly and welcoming. We spent ages chatting and didn't feel rushed. I am sure that in a few weeks, the small problems we encountered will be sorted. Not that it stopped us enjoying our visit.

A fabulous friendly local pub! The landlord and landlady Johnny and Julie are lovely and always make sure they have a chat with you and make you feel welcomed

Delightful location and amazing food. Staff all polite and made our visit memorable. Good choice for adults and kids alike.

Great to see the pub open again. Roast was fantastic and chocolate fudge and ice cream

Usually no food! And when there is - it's no very noteworthy

Beautiful place to visit and lovely staff

Great service, Malachy looked after us, was brilliant, very accommodating, couldn’t recommend enough….. great food, love the marmite Mayo with my Burger awesome touch!

This spot just outside Farnham is perfect for a post dog walk drink ! They have very friendly staff and good walks nearby. We only had time for a quick drink but we will be back soon to try their food as we saw some other customers and theirs looked fab. Would love to try their outside secret garden area too if we come on a sunny day. Staff praise: I believe her name was Rhianna - super smiley and chatty

Went in for lunch with my daughter and I cannot fault it. The service from the ladies was incredible, even when it got busy! I had the steak sandwich which was amazing. We were sat by the window and had full view of their incredible beer garden. We will certainly be visiting again.

Amazing restaurant ,food is always good and tasty ,shame that i don’t live locally I will be probably visiting every day

Lovely welcome, service and food super. 4th time been here and 5th in the near future,beutiful garden an amazong experience overall

Sorry but it was dire No beer on tap only larger and cider advertising Euros on Tv very poor for a Saturday, you would at least think if your advertising the football they would be able to cope. The menu was a joke ! No burger buns as advertised,no gammon,no fish and chips,I felt sorry for the girl behind the bar,it wasn’t her fault.why advertise if you cannot supply 👎👎👎 Standards very poor ,completely the opposite at the Happy cheese.if they want to survive they will have to do a lot better ,my criticism is only constructive 👎👎go to the cheese,

Arrived on a Saturday lunchtime. No ales available, 4 of the 5 non burger main meals not available. Starters were ok, but the mains were supposed to be burgers in a brioche bun, but came in cheap white buns, supposed to be with chips but were fries, came with a teaspoon of coleslaw. The chicken in the burger was overcooked and drier than the desert. Overpriced, poor quality, don't bother.

Trip to the forest this morning fancied a roast with the family. Got there literally 11,55 and thought we'll wait only 5 minutes. Doors still locked at 12.15 with staff just staring at us wiping empty clean tables. I really support local businesses in the brutal hospitality industry as I also work in it. However a pub that doesn't open it's doors and turning down punters is not good. In total 6 people walked away including us. Could of been over £100 in the til. Obviously owner doesn't want the money so we went to the bold forester near Marchwood and had quality food and service.

Great pub with a fantastic landlady and staff, really enjoy visiting whenever I can

Amazing food, Amazing staff and the owner Maria obviously professional, will be going back soon.

Lovely pub with good honest food. Maria made us feel very welcome. This is a lovely doggie friendly pub with open fires in the winter and a good range of ales and wine. I would seriously recommend stopping in if you are visiting the New Forest or passing through. I believe they also offer overnight stays in the carpark in return if you use the pub. The Lasagne is definitely worth a 😉

Our great little pub , the beer is good , all the staff are lovely. all the food is home cooked and delicious. Had many a roast dinner with friends and family. It’s dog friendly which means a lot to us, there’s a lovely large grassed play area that the grandkids love in the garden.

Twice we have been to The Forest Inn. James especially was very attentive on both occasions. Our family from Australia really enjoyed it too

Popped in for Sunday lunch and it was epic, not shy with portion size and a great selection of meats and veg. Proper roasties too. Lovely staff and friendly chilled atmosphere. Highly recommend.

What a great pub great food great service , we will be back thank you

Had the fishy Friday deal but very disappointed. A small piece of Pollock which was mainly batter and poor quality frozen chips which were bland and dry. The waiting staff lacked training and any understanding of food. I will not be returning. Once was enough 👎

Sadly have been before for weekday meals which was lovely and service But went for our first Sunday lunch and what a let down First they knew I was gluten and dairy free and the waitress said to me the chef will be cross and upset to make changes The Sunday roast was served with cabbage and frozen peas very basic Ordered dessert and drinks dessert arrived but 15 mins still waiting for drinks Had to go to the bar to chase up drinks Shut a shame for such a lovely place

A good family pub Dog friendly. Would recommend a visit

We visited for Sunday dinner at about 2.30pm (unbooked), 4 adults & a young child. We were greeted and seated. The serving staff were young people, they were professional in their duties but also friendly & chatty. The pub provided a high chair for the little'un, (aged 2 & a bit) & were attentive to her needs, chatter & also responded to her little voice asking for desert of 'chocolate ice-cream please!' These young staff were fantastic & attentive to all our requirements! The roast was delicious. I chose lamb shank, others decided on one meat or a combination of 3 different meats - chicken, turkey. Gammon or Beef. All were cooked to perfection, (we extended our praise to the chef!) The meals all came out together and we were served with extra gravy & plentiful condiments. The environment was comfortable & welcoming. It was also inclusive to families, children & well behaved dogs. I will offer "Highly recommended"! We live locally so we will definately be making a return visit very soon.

Very helpful staff and good food

Went to this pub today and all I can say is great things about it the young lady who served us was so polite friendly and helpful and made us very welcome the food was amazing and cooked to a high standard the pub was warm and welcoming would highly recommend this pub and will definitely be back thank you so much

Delicious pub food and great service. Our daughter loved the play area

Just called in on chance, friendly service, great food at a good price, can't fault it, well done guys.

From the website, this looked like the perfect place for a nice meal after visiting the New Forest wide life park. On entering the pub, it was warm ( nice log fire) and inviting. The young man showed us to a table and took our drinks order. We then ordered food. With 3 adults and 3 children, we chose the lamb shanks for the adults. Lasagne for 2 oldest children and fish bite for the youngest. Drinks were good. FOOD, very poor. :( The lamb shanks were tough as old shoe leather. It's probably microwaved . The Lasagne was tasteless and definitely microwaved as the plate was hotter than the sun ( not ideal to put in front of a 5 year old :( The fish bite would just about feed a small fish. ( all batter, no fish). As we had a long drive home with tired kids we stuck it out and ate what we could . Such a shame 🫠

Was travelling through at lunchtime and stopped for lunch. Menu good, lot of choice. If passing this way again will definitely stop. Excellent service from all staff.

Our first time here and I must say we was extremely impressed. The atmosphere is very comfortable, the service first class and the Sunday roast was very tasty. We will definitely be going back and my wife and I have both said that it's worth travelling to for a Saturday evening meal. Great experience and thank you to all the staff for our wonderful family meal.

A quick last second decision to stop in for lunch. Warm, friendly welcome, great selection of ales, lagers, ciders, wines and spirits,but a limited 'everyday' lunch menu. Food cooked well enough, and presented tidily, but nothing to write home about. Good for a beer and a bite, but don't expect haut cuisine.

My daughter and I had lunch here today. As soon we walked in the door we were welcomed by Owen, who was very polite and helpful and took us to our table straight away. Our waitress, Beth was also very helpful & polite. The restaurant was quite busy and had a nice atmosphere. The food was good and the prices reasonable. I have lived in the area for many years and I have to say that I am really impressed with what the current owners are now offering customers... needless to say, I shall visit again in the very near future.

Great Sunday lunch and great, caring service. Dog friendly too

We've been here a few times and always have great service and food. But I wanted to give a special mention to Connor, who is always so welcoming. There was a rather difficult customer in today and he dealt with them so professionally. Well done, you were very patient!!

We had a fantastic Xday family meal. From the moment we arrived everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The food was really good and the service was exceptional. Well done to everyone at the Ball & Wicket you are doing a fine job.

My son and I visited the Ball & Wicket today the 25th December for our Christmas lunch. The whole experience was first class, from the greeting as we entered to leaving at the end. The young lady who attended us was just so good, first class, every thing was no trouble, the timing superb. The Christmas lunch top notch, I must say I was pleasenty surprised at how the whole day was so good. A young man also attended us, first class as well.

The Ball and Wicket is easy to find and the car park is huge. The staff are very welcoming and there is a lovely atmosphere. The food cooked by chef Crina was delicious and the servers, Hannah and Connor, did a fantastic job waiting on our table of 12 in a friendly and efficient way. We all had a great time and I would recommend this pub for a relaxed celebration.

We had our Church Staff Christmas lunch yesterday. The food was excellent. I had the Prawns and Beef Cheek and would highly recommend both dishes. The staff looked after us and ensured everything went well. Congratulations to Chef Crina and her staff in the kitchen. I look forward to visiting the Ball & Wicket again in the future. Caz Cullum

Went with different generations! Great grandad Nanny Son and Uncle 3 x grandkids! Welcomed straight away and shown to our seats Ordered drinks firstly Arrived without a wait Food ordered and again not a long wait Food was lovely Service, well what can I say! Nice to have such a warm friendly and professional service. The waitresses were brill, one in particular (sorry didn’t get a name) took particular care with the kids, talking with them to order their food and complimented them on their manners. Can’t fault anything about this place and the service we received. Please keep up the good work as it’s so nice to receive and it’s so missing in a lot of establishments Happy Christmas to all the staff.

Connor and Hannah made all of us very welcome. The service was excellent. Congratulations to the chef - Crina who provided a lovely lunch for our vey discerning party of 15.

Thirteen of us had a Christmas celebration at the Ball & Wicket. The food, prepared by Chef Crina, was plentiful and delicious. I had a vegetarian option that was freshly cooked with a creative mix of vegetables, cheese and cranberry. The service, provided by Connor and Hannah, was first rate. All in all, a very pleasant lunch out. We'll definitely be returning.

16 of us just soent a fabulous evening at the Ball and Wicket. The food was amazing. The beef just melted in your mouth. Everything was so tasty! And the service was excellent. So helpful and on the ball. Very friendly and organised. Highly recommend. Will be back.

Having driven past this place for a few years now, today was the day we decided to stop for lunch. Great Gastro Pub. Atmosphere is great, staff are friendly, food was tasty and well cooked. Would definitely come here again.

Delicious food and brilliant variety of it! Festive menu has lots of choices!Cooked brilliantly,highly recommended and affordable !!

A Lovely roast dinner and amazing service ..very friendly

We have just had our neighbourhood lunch 37 people it was fantastic had a great time food was excellent and service was phenomenal could not complain about anything

What a fantastic pub and what fantastic food. The staff couldn't have been more friendly if they tried. So welcoming from the moment we arrived and so attentive after we sat down. Bubbly, hardworking, polite. We were there to celebrate my dad's 80th Birthday and they were so accommodating. They happily took the cake and kept it to one side and didn't kind of we brought balloons and bunting. They were constantly checking if we needed anything and put waitress Lucy, was fantastic. So good at her job and so sweet. The food is fantastic. Great variety, generous portions and tasty. Highly recommend.

Stopped last weekend for a roast best I've had in a long time I had lamb shank was beautiful, I meant to put 5 stars 🌟 now amended , thank you

We have been to this restaurant many times with friends, family and for staff meetings. For just drinks and dinner too, no matter what the occasion the service from the whole team is absolutely outstanding. They are always happy to help and are willing to assist with any of your needs. Super clean with a relaxing atmosphere the perfect place to come and chill or entertain. We will be coming back for many years I’m sure. Arriving here today I was greeted with my favourite wine on my favourite table ready and waiting amazing. Thank you Morgan and Conner.

Very nice pub. Friendly staff high recommended to everyone!!!

Visited today in a big family group of six adults & 2 children . Very impressed with our lovely waiter Connor who couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly . Food was good atmosphere good defo recommend . Many thanks to all the staff but especially Connor .

We came Monday ,it looked busy for a Monday lunch !Really enjoyed visiting here! Food was fantastic, service was fab and it was just a lovely atmosphere. Definitely recommend this place to everyone. Compliments to the chefs food was amazing

Excellent service, excellent food, lovely atmosphere. Loved it so much we’ll be coming back next week.

We had a great lunch. Connor gave very friendly and helpful service. I took my mother with a small appetite and Chef Katie plated two half portions for us, without being asked, rather than us making a mess at the table. Thank you to both...

Had a good few beers with friends.Great service and friendly atmosphere particularly from Pippa. Great place to have a drink.

Had a few drinks after work on a Friday. Enjoyed the pub and the beer. Lovely atmosphere. Staff were great, especially Pippa and Amy.

Lovely spot of lunch for a family members birthday. We were served by Connor who was very friendly and attentive, with great customer service. The food was brilliant with compliments to the chef.

We came for a Sunday roast and everyone was very accommodating for us and our dogs. Treats and water provided for the pups. Connor gave amazing service and the food was lovely. Very reasonably priced.

This is the second time we have been to Ball and Wicket, as expected the service, was with a smile, and the lad who served us genuinely seemed to enjoy his job. Good food at a reasonable price. I would have no hesitations in recommending...

Much improved today. Didn't try the ham egg and chips again, went for the bangers and mash. Certainly no complaints on the quantity and service was faster as well.

Came with friends. His folks were locals here back in the fifties. House they built was just down the path from the pub. Great place. Under new ownership.

Amazing sunday roast ,will definitely coming back ,food was so good definitely worth a visit , service good too

Came here for some food with the family after visiting bird world..We was welcomed by lovely lady who took us to a table ( turns out it was the manager ) the food was delicious and plenty of drinks to choose from, very clean inside...

We made an impromptu visit here, after the weather put the kibosh on going to the seaside! But very glad we did. Really nice atmosphere, with excellent food, all knitted together by great service. My son and I both had Korean barbecue chicken to start,...

Lovely pub, friendly staff and good food. Even private water bowl for the dogs

Perfect setting for a family lunch and catch up. Great service from the team. Well presented and delicious food. Thank you Glad we booked as it was busy for a Tuesday.

Came for lunch with my family it was a lovely experience the pub is beautiful and has a lovely atmosphere. We were welcomed straight away by Hannah who also helped us as we had a pushchair so it was nice. Amy our waitress was always...

This is now cashless and would rather pour the drinks down the drain than take cash. Its a green king pub and apparantley all cashless. Shame as the food is great but I refuse to go to a cashless establishment. When speaking to member of...

We came to meet friends for Sunday lunch. Friendly and helpful staff. A menu for everyone. Well maintained decor but with a relaxed vibe. Friends had their dog with them and he was looked after too.

Pulled up at random whilst working in the area, was greeted by a lovely friendly smile , ordered Ham Eggs and Chips...not only was it superb, I'd say possibly the best ham. id ever eaten... Fully recommend this place. Staff superb and food to match ..Next time my work takes me to that area I'll definitely stop again .

I’m adding this positive review to follow on from my last one. Although this review says we visited in September 23, we have been back many times since my last review and I wanted to put the record straight. Lovely Roast dinners since that blip...

Great menu friendly staff driven past many a times wanting to go in so took the plunge on our way to Southampton

VERY nice & friendly owners, was cycling around the country & glad i stopped here...lovely place & great staff, highly recomend! :)