Queens Head

A popular country pub in the New Forest village of Burley, the Queens Head has a pleasant mix of warmth and quality that make it worth the trip out of town.

The Venue
The Queens Head is situated in the centre of Burley, a charming village with plenty of tourist attractions, such as horse and cart rides and trinket shops.

It's a spacious pub, and it's divided into various sized areas and rooms giving a sense of privacy if you manage to reserve a table in a smaller room.

The decor is what you might expect from an old country pub with a mix of carpet and slate flooring, wood-panelled walls and an ornately carved log fireplace. There is a large beer garden with plenty of seating, some of which is under cover in the barn.

The People
The team of young staff are bubbly and professional. They are obliging and give plenty of attention to detail. The landlord is often present, chatting to customers and putting an effort into making you feel welcome.

Customers vary in ages, from young couples to pensioners. There are special deals for the over 60s, and there is a children’s menu for families.

The Queens Head doesn’t tend to attract rowdy groups, and most customers visit the pub for a quiet meal. In the summer, tourists flock to the village so it can get very busy.

The Food
As well as the standard menu – which has a good list of British favourites such as hand-cut steaks from £10.45 and scampi at £7.45 – the ‘specials’ blackboard lists an extensive range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, varying from week to week. Some of these are gluten-free as well, but you need to ask to check which ones.

The meals are inventive and creatively presented. Service is usually quick, although you should expect a wait at busier times, especially Sunday lunch times in the summer.

Prices of main meals range from £6.65 to £12.45. Starters are priced from £2.95 and puddings from £3.75. A particularly delicious dessert is their Trio of Puddings (chocolate and orange, lemon, and treacle puddings with ice cream and custard) at £5.25, but worth every penny.

There is a choice of roasts on Sundays, and a Quiz and Curry night on the last Sunday of every month. And from Monday to Friday you can pick up two main meals for £9.95.

The Drink
There is a good selection of draught beers and real ales such as Fosters, Ringwood and Old Speckled Hen, at around £2.60 for a pint. A glass of wine starts from £3, and a bottle of wine is £11.95 to £20.95. A summer drinks menu includes Pimms and lemonade for £3.25.

The Last Word
The Queens Head is full of traditional English character. The staff couldn’t be more helpful and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. If the country setting and delicious food isn’t enough to tempt you back for future visits, then the hospitality is bound to.

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