Pub of the Week: The Carpenter's Arms

The Carpenter's Arms is a family-friendly pub in Bransgore, serving great value and homecooked food, and claiming to be ‘one of the best places to lunch in the New Forest’.

The pub was named following its construction by carpenter George Harris in 1853, and is now run by the Houghton family, who have helped to grow popularity around its hearty meals (and pies).

Lynn Houghton, who helps oversee the everyday operation of the pub, said: “People call us the pie pub.

“We do proper homemade pies.”

Although owned by Fullers, The Carpenter's Arms has its own unique food menu on top of its popular pies, as well as an ever-changing specials board.

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Lynn said: “The food is good value and home cooked.

“We’re consistent in that we keep the same chefs too.”

The Carpenter's Arms is particularly loved by its regulars, who enjoy visiting for a pint and a chat with the Houghtons after work.

Lynn said: “We get our regular drinkers.

“One said to us they’ve never known a family be able to work together like this before.”

Lynn’s daughter, Katie, who also works at the pub, added: “We have a good afternoon drinking trade of people coming in after work. Our lunch times are always really busy.

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“We have a lot of local groups come in. The Rotary clubs use us - both the Bransgore and Highcliffe clubs. We have a bike group come in too with their old bikes and park outside.

“We’ve got lots of regulars, but we do a lot of holiday trade too.

“Both of the nearby campsites recommend us.”

The newest addition to The Carpenter's Arms is its spacious and peaceful pub garden.

It was introduced throughout Lockdown, at a point where people were only allowed to socialise outdoors and has become the perfect place to enjoy food and drinks under the sun.

You can find The Carpenter's Arms at 103 Burley Road, Bransgore, BH23 8BA.