Drifters in New Forest

I was really disappointed. After first order we have been ignored by staff for lease 50 minutes so we had to go order on bar. Staff were really unprofessional. Food arrived after more then 1 hour and it was really bad. Restaurant was empty and outside were two tables with guests. I dont know what takes so long. Always when we wanted to go here we have been unlucky as restaurant was fully booked and today we finally could go there and I have to say I don't recommend this place.

A lovely watering hole in the New Forest. Good food & welcome.

Literally a few minutes ago we have gone back to the Drift to try lunch. We reviewed a few years ago after a dreadful Christmas day dinner there. So scarred were we, we have never been back. Until now. Out for a forest walk and thought we would try for a lunch time snack. Few people in there but no staff. We waited to be seated, then went to the bar, then back to the door. No staff. Checked with a couple sat at a table who said 'you'll have a long wait. We still saw no staff. They said, they have a Management Issue. That is what we said a few years ago on our disastrous Christmas. No change then Drift! Get a grip. Best forest location & no customers! Shocking.

I'm not the sort of person to usually post a complaint - but feel compelled to write this to warn off others...Don't believe what you read on the website. Forget the carefully styled photos or the impression that the expensive prices and the way the menu is written might give.The food is low quality - definitely not made with 'the best seasonal ingredients from local farmers and producers' as their website suggests. It felt like basic stuff from the cash and carry that gets served in canteens. Definitely NOT worth the gastropub prices being charged. Even the cokes we ordered didn't actually taste like real coca-cola.The warm and cosy atmosphere the website boasts of was also severely lacking. There was no ambient mood lighting. The tables lacked any of the styling shown in the marketing photos. There were no roaring fires - and to be honest, the restaurant was a bit on the chilly side.The reality of The Drift - in its current form - is far far away from the expectations it tries to set.

No real ales on at the time and expensive. Children's play area at the back is good though.

Disorganised. Staff is trying their best but it’s just not working. What’s promised while ordering is not delivered and had to keep asking and reminding. Place was almost empty when we came but we were seated next to another already occupied table although we made a booking in advance. Some dishes are spot on while others just horrible ( don’t get the prawns- the worst!) if you staying in the hotel it’s the closest dining place but better drive 10 min to the nearest town for a meal.

A secluded hotel and restaurant in a stunning location. Delicious food. Friendly staff. Free parking with a train station next door. Couldn't ask for anything else 👌🌟😁

Cannot fault the front-of-house staff. We were a large party of more than 21 people of all ages. Very well attended to by several waiting staff. A very positive experience.

Nice pub in the middle of the Forrest. However there are some items that need working on. The service from our waiter was quite poor. We asked for what ales they had and he only offered one beer. At a later point when we spoke to the bar they had a lot more on offer. Pub is fairly behind the curve with an allergy menu. When speaking on the phone to ask what was egg free we were told we could have anything. This was less than helpful as when we did arrive we didn't get an allergy menu ( don't think they have them)and only one option was given in addition to Sunday roast minus the yorkshire. Also menu states that kids get vegetables on arrival to snack on until dinner arrives. We didn't get any. They finally turned up with the main.So that was the bad side .... However this pub does have a lot to offer. The location is fantastic and it's nice clean well decorated inside. All of the above was an annoyance to us however when we finally asked to speak to the manager she couldn't be more helpful. She really helped sort everything out, we got a good selection of egg free food in the end. And the roast dinners were fantastic.Overall summary: great pub and would visit again for food but they need to ensure all members of staff are at the same high quality level.

Great location in a stunning part of England... The New Forest. Food was pretty good. Haddock fish and chips was a pretty small portion for the price bit maybe that's because I'm used to Cod portions at my local chippie! Drinks were cold. Chicken burger highly recommended. Reason for the 4 and not the 5... Service was a slight shambles. 3 staff doing the clearing, ordering, pouring, you name it. I know times are tough but I just feel the system could have been better organised even with the chronic staff shortage.