ON a wet and wild weekend, there can be no better place for lunch than by a roaring log fire.

Unfortunately, all the seats by the fireplace were already occupied when we strolled into The Old Beams Inn, and the table next to the radiator didn’t have quite the same warmth emanating from it.

But the cosy country pub feel is there in abundance, from the dark wood decor and exposed beams to the huge range of traditional comfort food on the menu.

There was a wide range to suit all tastes, including vegetarian dishes such as pasta and risotto, a selection of burgers, steaks and chicken dishes, as well as pies and sausage and mash.

Children’s choices include scampi, sausages, fish and chips or pasta.

I opted for the New Forest sausages with creamy mash and red onion gravy – always a favourite of mine – while my husband chose a chargrilled burger and fries, and added bacon and cheese for an additional £2.

Our daughters both settled on the tagliatelle with tomato sauce.

The food arrived promptly and was piping hot. My sausages were extremely tasty, while the mash was creamy and buttery – the perfect winter warmer. It was also served with a selection of vegetables – carrots, peas and cabbage – for added value. The dish could have done with a little more of the tangy, thick gravy to soak up the potato, but otherwise it was delicious.

My husband’s burger was a generous size, accompanied with thick, crispy chips, and had that meaty flavour that only home-made burgers have.

Both the girls wolfed down their pasta – a nice change from penne or spaghetti – and the obviously home-made tomato sauce was a real hit.

We didn’t have time for desserts on this occasion, but were seriously tempted to blow off the children’s friend’s birthday party and tuck into a white chocolate panna cotta, knickerbocker glory or warm chocolate brownie – all in keeping with the traditional, winter warmer theme.

For a proper pub lunch with a cosy atmosphere, you can’t go far wrong with The Old Beams.

This is an independent review by a reporter without the co-operation of the establishment.

My The Old Beams bill:

New Forest sausages with creamy mash £10.95

Chargrilled burger and fries with added cheese and bacon  £12.50

Children’s tagliatelle with tomato sauce x2 £11.90

Flounder  £13.25

Mess  £5.50

Drinks (pint of lager, beer and two Fruit Shoots) £9.50

TOTAL:   £63.60

The Ratings Board

Location ***

Atmosphere ****

Value for money ****

Quality of food ****

Service ***

Comfort ***

Family friendly ****

Menu choice ****

Overall rating ****

Recommend to a friend? Yes!