East End Arms - Lymington

The fact that I chose the East End Arms as our base for Hampshire travels for two nights in September was in no small part due to my love for Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler. While I was never expecting to get an opportunity to mingle with John Illsley himself, I have to admit that my pilgrimage of sorts quickly turned to disappointment due to the current state of one of Hampshire's most renowned inns. The place seems laid back, which is all well and good but it might seem that by now it has become a tad too laid back for its own good. Cobwebs and dead insects every which way you turn, noisy windows, towels that are teetering far too close to disintegration, decidedly tired furnishings, frankly disinterested staff, rather poor breakfast and no chef so no opportunity for in house lunch or dinner. While we had been duly notified of the latter, none of the former was expected, or particularly enjoyable. To some extent, any one of those might be chalked down to the inimitable countryside charm but in this instance, they combine to ensure an end result that was decidedly less than charming.

The room was a bit too warm. But the staff and service were wonderful. Rooms: It's a bit too warm. But had everything you'd need for a lovely, relaxing night Food drinks: We stayed on a Tuesday, so the restaurant was closed. But breakfast was amazing Rooms: 5 Service: 5 Location: 5 Hotel highlights: Luxury, Great view, Romantic, Great value

I was staying in the New Forest, as a Dire Straits fan (John Isley from Dire Straits owns the pub), I thought I would visit. It would have been nice to seen more Dire Straits memorabilia in the pub, though appreciate, it’s not set up, as that type of pub! It’s a very quaint pub, which thrives on it’s food. I didn’t eat there, though I looked at the menu, I felt the prices were high for pub food, but the pub serves, ales and regular lager. I was there during lunchtime and it got fairly busy, if you just want drink, I found it could be a chore trying to get served at the bar, whilst people ordered food at the bar, other than that an ok visit.

Despite the chef having left, we were provided with some excellent sandwiches, all served with a smile. Service: 5 Location: 4 Hotel highlights: Quiet

This pub you need to know about, otherwise, you wouldn't know it was there. This pub is owned by the Dire Straits bass player, John Illsley. Unfortunately, there is no hot food at present at this pub, as the pub does not have a current chef. So check first if you are planning to eat there. Also, the car park is tiny so parking on the front road is necessary, if you can find a spot. Be advised that the road is quite narrow. Location: 4