Review of Monty's Inn at The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu

My recent visit with my husband and my dog, Murphy, was a delightful day out that exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome, and Murphy was treated like royalty, and for anyone who has a dog, we know how important it is for our furry family member to be included.

The warmth of the staff was immediately apparent as they greeted us. We were met with warm smiles and a big hello, which is so often lacking in a lot of pubs where you go in and sit yourself.

Monty's Inn at The Montagu Arms (Image: The Montagu Arms)

This felt like a step up from an ordinary Saturday lunch, we knew we were in for a treat!

For us, it’s so important that we are able to take our dog to places (who has a dog and then just leaves them at home!). Murphy was not just allowed to join us but was actively catered to, with special attention given to ensure he had a pleasant time.

Monty’s Inn is known for being dog-friendly, but I was amazed by the extra effort they put into making Murphy feel at home.

As we settled into our table, he was given a fresh bowl of water and lovely blanket to lay on, along with a couple of treats to enjoy. 

The menus were a surprise to us as they felt like a mixture of fine dining and good hearty pub grub. For my main I opted for the pan-fried sea bass fillets with sauté new potatoes, samphire and white wine cream sauce, while my husband chose the onion and carrot bhaji burger with coconut raita, spicy chutney, lettuce, fries.

Being lovers of cheese, we shared the breaded goats cheese with dressed rocket and chilli jam for our starter. I can honestly say that I’m so glad that we shared it, as I certainly wouldn’t have been able to enjoy my main.

The cheese was to die for! Who doesn’t love breaded cheese?!

Of course, Murphy wasn’t left out as the pub has its own doggy menu, there was something for every dog’s tastebuds – and ours loves chicken.  

The meal was a thoughtful touch—prepared with as much care as the food for human diners. Murphy eagerly devoured every bite of his meal, and it was clear that he was as happy as we were.

For me, the dining experience was equally excellent. I couldn’t fault the delicious seabass and my husband was pleasantly surprised with the bhaji burger – something he has never had before.

I am someone who loves a dessert and there was plenty to chose from but my eyes were drawn to the blood orange and lemon sorbets. I have never come across a blood orange sorbet before, but if you love Starburst then you will definitely love this!

This was all served alongside a lovely bottle of wine, but it helps to know what you like as there are plenty on the menu to chose from! 

The service was impeccable, with the staff making sure all of us had everything we needed without being intrusive.

It’s rare to find a place that treats dogs with as much care as human guests, and Monty’s Inn does so effortlessly.

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a superb meal in the heart of the New Forest, while your dog is pampered just as much as you are, Monty’s Inn is a must-visit.

Murphy certainly felt like a king for the day, and I couldn’t have asked for a better dining experience. We will definitely be returning!