A Guide to our New Forest Hotel's Local Produce

Locally Sourced and Naturally Inspired: A Taste of Local Produce at The Montagu Arms

At The Montagu Arms Hotel, nestled in the New Forest National Park, “local” is at the heart of everything we do. From the food on our plates and the drinks in our glasses to the flowers that decorate the hotel, we proudly champion local suppliers and producers who share our passion for quality, sustainability, and community.

Fresh Flavours on our House Menu

Dining at Hampshire Hotel the Montagu Arms, it is all about thoughtful, seasonal cooking using the best of what Hampshire, Dorset and Devon has to offer. Executive Head Chef Alistair Craig works closely with trusted local suppliers to bring fresh, ethically sourced ingredients straight to your plate.

• Claytons Eggs provide our free-range eggs, laid just a few miles from the hotel.
• Premier Fish delivers locally caught fish and seafood, including the Chalk Stream trout, freshwater trout from farmers on the world-famous Test and Itchen rivers.
• Brighton and Newhaven Seafood, with their catch straight from the waters off Portsmouth making it some of the freshest fish around. Including delicate seabass to flavourful mackerel.
• Hoxton Bakehouse, Hampshire’s leading sourdough bakery who craft their bread using just flour, salt, and water, with no artificial additives, staying true to traditional methods and pure, honest ingredients.
• Rosary Ash Goat’s Cheese, a creamy, tangy cheese handmade in the heart of the Wiltshire-Hampshire border.
• Baboo Gelato, a small-batch artisan ice cream made using organic milk and seasonal ingredients. Produced just along the south coast.

 

Hampshire’s Harvest

Our vegetables come from Country Fare, a local supplier known for high-quality seasonal produce. From vibrant summer greens to earthy winter roots, the ingredients we use reflect the rich agricultural landscape of Hampshire.

 

Supporting Local Butchers

Meat lovers will appreciate the quality of Hampshire beef, supplied by Owtons Butchers, featured in our delicious Sunday roasts at our New Forest Restaurant. We’re also excited to introduce Creedy Carver Duck, a new addition to our house menu. Sourced from Creedy Carver Farm in Devon, this exceptional duck is known for its rich flavour and succulent texture.

 

Introducing Montagu Lager & Beaulieu Bitter

We’re excited to share two new additions at the bar: Montagu Lager and Beaulieu Bitter, both brewed in collaboration with local favourite Piddle Brewery.

• Montagu Lager is clean, crisp, and refreshing — a perfect all-rounder.
• Beaulieu Bitter offers a deeper, more traditional flavour with rich malts and a satisfying finish.

Each is available in bottled form, ideal for enjoying on-site, or taking home as a memento of your visit.

Handcrafted Hampshire Spirits

At our Library Bar and Monty’s Inn, we’ve curated a selection of premium local gins from talented regional distilleries. Enjoy a G&T with:
• Wyrd Gin, Ringwood Hampshire
• Mermaid Gin, Isle of Wight Distillery
• HMS Spirits, Fawley Hampshire
• Twisted Nose, Winchester Distillery
• Gorilla Gin, Basingstoke Hampshire
• 820 Spirits, Lymington Hampshire
Each gin tells a unique story of local botanicals and careful craftsmanship — perfect for a relaxing evening drink.

 

Local Blooms with a Lasting Touch

Even the flowers throughout the hotel reflect our love for all things local. We work with Corbins Florist, a trusted local florist, to bring seasonal arrangements into our spaces — from welcoming bouquets in the lobby to elegant touches in our dining rooms. In spring, you'll often spot bulbs like tulips and daffodils, many of which are later planted in our gardens, adding lasting beauty to the grounds year after year.

 

Why Local Matters

Sourcing locally allows us to reduce our environmental impact while supporting small businesses and regional producers. It also ensures that everything we serve — from a light lunch to a celebratory dinner — is packed with freshness, quality, and a true taste of Hampshire.

When you dine or drink at The Montagu Arms, you’re not just enjoying great food — you’re helping preserve the traditions, landscapes, and livelihoods that make this region so special.