For the last evening drive of 2025 we thought we would throw it open to our members to come up with a nice pub venue that does good food and has ample and safe parking for our MX-5’s
We have visited many hostelries in past years for our September evening drives and it would be great if you have somewhere in mind or would like to visit for the 24th September.
NB: This event has moved right one week, as Serena and I are on our “Holibobs” the week before in our beloved Mk1
Vicki & Roy Newman came up with The Bear at Burton, near Christchurch and the ball is rolling on this one now
Having had a quick look earlier, I think if we meet at Rownhams and drive west along the M27 to the A326 to Totton, we can then dive into the New Forest and get to The Bear that way. But open to alternative routes🙂
Hi Mal, when I have been in the past, I use the A326 then turn right at Beaulieu Heath roundabout to Beaulieu. Follow road past Hatchetts pond to Brockenhurst. Through village cross the Ford and left. Follow road to Burley where you can bear left and follow road to Bransgore. And then onto Burton. Coming back can be a reverse route or pick up the main road back to Christchurch roundabout and then back via Lyndhurst. Sorry don’t know the road numbers as at work.
I thought it would be nice to have a change of your scenery, I was thinking maybe somewhere much further east? will investigate further if you guys are prepared to motor out of your home patch you may enjoy the change?
Cheers Steve
The Hunters Inn at Swanmore, venue is up and running for just over a year, now belongs to the Botleigh Grange & Spa Hotel, we recently had lunch there all good, they also have car & bike meets there each month.
What about the Bluebell Dockenfield, if you fancy a decent longer drive, could meet there and the drive could be the return?I know the pub good food /car park /interesting drive, well as interesting as you want to make it?
How about a drive to Lasham Gliding Centre, they have an almost new cafe that serves dinner from 17.00 to 21.00 choices as shown on the day, they also do breakfast 10.00 to 11.00, all other times cafe type items. Could even be lucky to see gliders taking off and landing as the grass runway is just in front of the cafe.
Chequers Lower Pennington, fab food and plenty of room for us , but not much parking.
Hare and Hounds Sway, plenty of parking and room for us.
Cliff House. Barton on Sea, fab food, location and parking.
Many thanks for all your great suggestions, which are much appreciated.
We have decided to go for The Bear at Christchurch, as suggested by Roy & Vicky Newman.
The drive route from Rownhams M27 Westbound has been produced and Roy is currently checking it for accuracy. After which, it will be posted on the forum
Clare at The Bear, is sending me a menu that I will post on the forum, upon receipt, so we can submit meal choicies in the usual way prior to the event
Please reply to this post, so I can capture numbers, as we are limited to 20 people maximum, so attendance will be on a “first come, first served basis”
keep me informed please. Demi