“Genuine village pub that works well both for locals and overnight guests alike owned by the bassist from Dire Straits. Simple fresh rooms are well designed and comfortable. Hearty British fare is served in the restaurant and local ales are on tap. The New Forest is on the doorstep. ”

Hotel review

Usefully situated in the quiet New Forest village of East End, close to Lymington and the Solent, the East End Arms still attracts plenty of locals to its unchanged public bar, while also successfully catering for both diners and overnight guests staying in the five pretty bedrooms upstairs. Newly created by Steph Ilsley, wife of co-owner John Ilsley (bass guitarist with Dire Straights), they are kitted out with charming fabrics, Oka furniture and John’s paintings on the walls, with attractive bathrooms. In the informal dining room, Moray Cameron’s food is just right and young Sarah-Jane, the manageress, is friends with all.

Fiona Duncan
Fiona Duncan Review published: 02/26/2024

Recommended for

  • Country Escape

    • Has all the quaintness necessary for a quintessentially British rural experience, plus great walking and a cosy bar.
  • Foodies

    • Wonderful seasonal and locally sourced cuisine, the menu changes twice daily depending on what produce comes in.
  • Other Activities

    • New Forest Activities provides a host of outdoor pursuits suitable for team building and families.
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the Beaulieu estate and view the stately home, the Abbey and the National Motor Museum.
  • Great walks

    • Grab a packed lunch, get your wellies on and head straight out into the New Forest.
  • Cycling

    • Winding rural roads with little traffic are ideal for cycling.
  • Full of character

  • Restaurant

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Less £

  • Quiet

  • Free wifi

  • Charming

  • Traditional

  • Child friendly

  • Inn

Facilities

  • Rooms

    5 rooms in this hotel
  • Parking

    Free parking on site
  • Restaurant

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • No pets

  • Outdoor dining

  • Fireplace

  • Bar

  • Free wifi

  • Wifi

  • Child friendly

  • Garden

Activities

  • Other Activities

    • New Forest Activities provides a host of outdoor pursuits suitable for team building and families.
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the Beaulieu estate and view the stately home, the Abbey and the National Motor Museum.
  • Great walks

    • Grab a packed lunch, get your wellies on and head straight out into the New Forest.
  • Cycling

    • Winding rural roads with little traffic are ideal for cycling.

Map & Location

Other reviews

East End Arms

"Owned by John Illsey, formerly of the band Dire Straits, this country inn retains much of its traditional English charm. The bar and restaurant are popular with locals and guests alike."

Originally published by The Telegraph

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