GETAWAYS
always working efficiently to ensure that every family , couple or solo visitor that ’ s staying at the hotel is being looked after brilliantly – it ’ s a subjective and highly professional approach that makes sure everyone can exist in happy union and that encourages a palpable joyful atmosphere throughout the entire grounds .
This laid-back ambience crossed with efficient expertise is mirrored by the crisp white tablecloths and faultless service of the hotel ’ s The Terrace restaurant , which has the look and feel of an archetypal British dining room but hums delightfully with easy-going chatter between guests . Driven by provenance and a forest-to-fork ethos , showcasing the very best of British dining infused with local , handpicked produce , the menu is inspired as much by the seasons as it is the hotel ’ s glorious kitchen garden . Tucked away behind the greenhouses , it ’ s a creative chef ’ s dream where Jerusalem artichokes reach for the sky , and radishes , beetroots , carrots and lettuce form neat rows , all punctuated by edible flowers through companion planting ; used as readily as possible , sustainable , seasonal dining is rightly the order of the day at The Terrace , but alongside plenty of local favourites like ChalkStream ®️ trout from nearby rivers , Lyons Hill Farm beef and succulent South Coast cod .
A true home-from-home hotel , we opted for the second on-site dining option , Monty ’ s Inn , on more than one occasion . A pub in essence , with a great selection of draught beers and ales , and a wine list that would make even the most discerning oenophile happy , Monty ’ s is a village pub anchored by hearty heritage cooking . Muddy kids , muddy wellies and muddy paws are all welcome to warm up beside the fire , taking
seats at either more formal set tables or a selection of bar-side tables flanked by cosy bucket chairs , which are ripe for sinking into and refuelling on pub classics such as battered haddock , roast pork belly and – a huge hit with our entire family – the ‘ Full Monty ’ cheeseburger , which came stacked with beef tomatoes , gherkins , melted cheese , heaps of onion rings and seasoned fries . Those wanting a smaller , but equally satisfying bite to eat should look no further than Monty ’ s Old Winchester rarebit , which was salty , tangy and packed with flavour .
Residing around a central courtyard garden , which has been exceptionally designed to surround guests with calming green hues disrupted by pops of complementary colour , outside-inside living is a theme that pervades The Montagu Arms , its harmonious layout connecting the natural surroundings of its New Forest location with timeless interior design inspired by the flora and fauna of the surrounding national park . While the main house bedrooms blend traditional country comfort and timeless sophistication with features including fourposter beds , wood panelling and lead-lined windows , out in the grounds you ’ ll find bright and airy suites that step straight out into the gardens , with free-standing baths , walk-in rainfall showers and interiors inspired by the great outdoors , bathed in stylish shades of sage , pastel pink , blue and mustard . Each a little different , it ’ s the small touches that really add a personalised feel – fluffy bathrobes and trays piled high with local teas , coffee , cakes and treats make
unwinding just that little bit easier , but I ’ ll be honest , it ’ s really not hard to sink into the comfort that this hotel clearly works tirelessly to get absolutely right .
If you can tear yourself away , Beulieu is a brilliant family day out just minutes from the hotel ( beaulieu . co . uk ) with the intriguing National Motor Museum , Palace House ( the Montagu family home ), the World of Top Gear interactive exhibition , and a thrilling monorail to explore , or , for those needing a little more zen , the state-of-the-art Thai SenSpa is located just six miles across the beautiful New Forest at The Montagu Arms ’ sister hotel , Careys Manor , offering a hydrotherapy pool , herbal sauna , crystal steam room , ice room , relaxation rooms and a full range of treatments including facials , massage , body scrubs and body wraps .
With spaces designed for peace , socialising and family fun , all underpinned by a true break from the frenetic pace of everyday life thanks to the unparalleled beauty of its location and the little extras that are thrown in at every turn , The Montagu Arms offers so much more than a relaxing place to unwind . It ’ s a sanctuary of calm where every effort is made to ensure that guests are taken care of through outstanding levels of hospitality and service – we can ’ t wait to return .
The Montagu Arms Beaulieu Hampshire SO42 7ZL
01590 624467 reservations @ montaguarmshotel . co . uk
montaguarmshotel . co . uk montaguarms www . insidekent . co . uk • 141