New Forest pub has new look after major refurbishment

The Mailmans Arms in Lyndhurst high street has been transformed after work was completed over two stages.

The pub’s trading area was overhauled to create a ‘new and vibrant interior’.

It includes an ‘eclectic mix’ of new fixtures and fittings of which a number have been sourced locally from Lyndhurst high street.

Stage two of the transformation has seen the pub’s five guest rooms fully refurbished.

The second stage of the works also included a full external refurbishment of the site.

The pub is run by award-winning operators Maria and Steve Harris.

Maria and Steve, who opened their first ever pub in February 2021, also operate The Stag in Lyndhurst, located next door to The Mailmans Arms, and The Old Mill in Salisbury.

Maria and Steve said: “We’re delighted to be opening our third pub – The Mailmans Arms in Lyndhurst.

"Located next door to our award-winning pub The Stag, taking on The Mailmans Arms too was a no brainer.

“The Mailmans Arms has a different offer to The Stag.

"It’s more funky, modern and serves small plate food that is Asian inspired. But it still has the great atmosphere, quality and service all our pubs are known for.

“With our guest rooms complete, we cannot wait to welcome tourists to the New Forest this spring and summer.”

As part of the refurbishment the Dog House has been introduced where pub goers can play pool and darts and watch sport on one of the pub’s many TVs.

The pub's main food offering will be a small plates menu comprising street food made mostly with local ingredients.

Dishes include bao buns and a twist on a modern Sunday roast featuring Marmite roasted cabbage.

Rob Ayling, business development manager for Greene King Pub partners, said: “I am over the moon for Maria and Steve whose pub business continues to go from strength to strength.

"Working with them is a real pleasure and I am sure the locals of Lyndhurst, visitors to the area and tourists will all equally enjoy what they have done with The Mailmans Arms.”

In 2023, Maria and Steve’s first pub, The Stag in Lyndhurst, won pub team of the year, Community Pub of the Year and overall pub of the year at Greene King Pub Partners Night of Excellence awards.

Later that year, the couple then won Greene King Pub of the Year with The Stag at the prestigious Great British Pub Awards.