A RESTAURANT and hotel nestled deep in the New Forest launched its Spring menu with a special launch event earlier this year. 

The Bell Inn is in Brook, near Lyndhurst, and invited special guests to sample the menu. 

We were lucky enough to be invited and made the short trip into the New Forest. 

There were welcome drinks on arrival before we sat down. 

A new spring menu is wide-ranging, and has everything from fillet steaks, burgers and duck breast, to Caesar salads, trout fillet and cider battered Haddock. 

The dessert menu includes apple and raspberry crumble, chocolate fondant, stick toffee pudding and classic panna cotta. 

It is a cosy and attractive venue with delicious food and a good drinks menu. 

And if you want to sample the wine list, there are plenty of spacious and luxurious rooms for you to stay in. 

Manager Eva Galantowicz started working for The Bell Inn 10 years ago in 2014 and said it "feels like home" to her.

Eva, 32, told the Journal: "I can see how The Bell Inn has evolved over the years and the potential it has for the future. We have put together a fantastic team and one that I'm proud of.

"We are trying to showcase local produce and good cooking techniques served with great customer service. We've both been trying the menu throughout the redesign process and we're delighted at where it's currently at. It's a great nod to all the different features of the New Forest and we're excited to serve it over the coming months. "

Eva told the Journal how The Bell is a "unique venue".

She said: "It was originally a Coaching Inn, so has lots of history attached to it. We now have a fine dining restaurant, a cosy well-stocked bar where you can enjoy casual dining, various meeting spaces and some fantastic rooms for guests to stay. We're dog friendly and boast 26 unique bedrooms, which all incorporate the Forest in their design. 

"The Bell current attracts all different demographics. We have a lot of local customers who join us for special occasions or weekend treats, but we also welcome golfing guests, family getaways and  host corporate events and weddings! The diverse nature of the facilities gives us a huge opportunity to accommodate all sorts of people and give our guests a great experience while they here. "

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