The Ship In Distress

Local fish and seafood dominates the imaginative menu at this 300-year-old smugglers' pub close to Mudeford Quay and Stanpits Nature Reserve. Naturally, both cosy bars and the restaurant are awash with nautical memorabilia to keep its smuggling history alive. Bag a seat by the woodburner, sup a pint of local Ringwood ale and tuck into traditional fish and chips or cottage pie, or head next door for scallops in garlic and herb butter, or sea bass with samphire and saffron cream sauce, followed by sticky toffee pudding. In summer make the most of the Shellfish Bar on the sun-trap terrace.