The Three Tuns, Pub and Restaurant, The New Forest, Bransgore, Christchurch, Dorset
The Three Tuns, pub and restaurant in The New Forest, Bransgore, Christchurch, Dorset is one of my favourite pubs in The New Forest. Sat on the Dorset edge of The New Forest in a small village called Bransgore in Christchurch, this thatched roof pub is beautiful both inside and out!
With spectacular views across the meadows from the pub gardens, and a short walk from Christchurch, Burley and the River Avon, this pub is popular with ramblers, locals, farmers and tourists a like. It has also been known for Liam Neeson OBE to have stopped off here too, and if it’s good enough for Liam!
The Three Tuns is an award winning 17th Century inn with huge acclaim for its excellent AA Rosette awarded menu, Cask Marque Certificated Cask Ales and Egon Ronay recognised food and drink.
Set on the edge of the beautiful surroundings of The New Forest Country Park, the pub has three defined areas of the pub which, in my opinion worked well.
With the Ale Bar entrance to the side of the pub, and the main entrance to the front, both areas create two very different spaces to enjoy a pint or two. The restaurant area is to the left of the main bar area, providing a quieter space to dine and enjoy a quiet meal.
The Three Tuns boasts creative menus, based around the very best fresh, local produce, offering daily specials, ten wines by the glass, five cask marqued awarded ales and a very warm welcome from its owners and all of the Tuns Team.
Its popularity continues to grow with both locals and visitors alike, and very much did so with me too! So-much-so, I visited this pub twice during my two night stay. The first time to try their ales, and the second to try their food and wines. Wow!
In a nutshell, both the food and drink at The Three Tuns is exceptional. With five well kept cask ales on draught from local breweries, including the Ringwood Brewery Boon Doogle, the Fortyniner and The Dorset Brewing Company Yachtsman by Jurassic Brewhouse to name a couple.
The Three Tuns also serves locally sourced produce (literately from down the road in many cases, like their pigs from Avon for example) and a comprehensive wine list, ten of which served by the glass, this pub really does take some beating. A simply must visit if you’re in the area! There’also a decent selection of craft beers, served on keg or in bottles… if that’s your cup of tea?
Their excellent AA Rosette awarded menu, Cask Marque Certificated Cask Ales and Egon Ronay recognised food and drink speaks for itself, and certainly did on both my visits, but this pub and restaurant is much more than that.
The Tuns (as known by the locals), first and foremost, is a community pub. A village inn no less. It just happens to be one of the best, therefore attracts visitors from far and wide.
Getting back to the food, The Three Tuns hits the spot. With quite possibly the best pub menu I have seen, including 1000’s of pubs I have been fortunate enough to visit, this is the one I could eat at forever! The man responsible for this is a gentleman (and Head Chef) called Colin Nash.
Collin Nash is renowned for his relentless pursuit of innovation in his kitchen, with over 30 years of experience. As one of the most exciting chefs in Dorset, Collin has won many awards for The Three Tuns over his 5 years in the kitchen here. Hats off to you Sir!
On my last visit, I ordered the Braised Rabbit and Pigeon in Sage and Apricots served with Parisenne Potatoes, which I coupled with the Rare Vineyards Pinot Noir, Vin de France to provide suitable balance to the richness of the pigeon and rabbit. A perfect pairing for what was, a perfect meal.
I also tried the Slow Roasted Avon Tyrell Pork, which was slowly roasted for ten hours (not while I was waiting may I add), and served on winter greens, with compressed apple, Dauphinoise Potatoes and a Harrow Farm Cider and Mustard Sauce.
Both dishes blew my mind and have no hesitation in recommending both. The pork belly was sourced from the Avon Tyrell, and the Rabbit and Pigeon from The New Forest. Delicious ingredients, fantastically executed and beautifully presented. What more can you ask for from an AA Rosette awarded, Cask Marque Certificated and Egon Ronay recognisedcountry inn?
The ale bar offers a completely different ambience too for quieter drinkers. With gentlemen sat quietly playing backgammon, chess and a number of other traditional bar games, this area had a similar ambience and slower pace to the bar, providing a quieter space to enjoy your beer.
Why not pop in for a bite and a beer. You won’t be disappointed! If you can’t pop in in person, why not head over to their website for more information. You can check out The Three Tuns menus here.
