The New Forest pub serving authentic Indian food

Since taking over the Sir John Barleycorn pub in Cadnam in May, landlord Hue Hars has made a host of changes, introducing a fusion menu combining British pub classics and Indian, Chinese and Nepalese favourites.

His Indian chefs from Darjeeling and Delhi serve up the likes of butter chicken, malai king prawns and aloo gobi to customers who come from far and wide to sample the fare.

As well as jazzing up the pub's menu, Hue has introduced live music sessions featuring local artists like party band The Few and Ria Osborne, who sings everything from Motown classics to her own versions of current chart-toppers.

A 10ft hand-built barbecue pit is being built in the garden as the revamp continues. 

He said: "The menu is not what you would necessarily expect in a 12th-century tavern in the New Forest, but it’s proving very popular.

"When we first launched the menu, we were selling much more British food,  but I'd say about 80 per cent of the food we sell now is Indian.

"Business is up by about 40 per cent and we're getting busier all the time. 

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"The barbecue pit is a monster. You'll be able to choose your meat and fish from the ice and it will be cooked in front of you. We'll have live music and DJ sets and hopefully a festival vibe in the garden every Saturday over the summer.

"You've got to think outside the box. The industry is struggling, things are very tricky in hospitality, so you can't keep doing the same things, you've got to do things a bit differently." 

Sunday roasts are also proving popular at the pub, enjoyed by locals and visitors to the Forest, as well as being the perfect pitstop for travelling friends, just off junction 1 of the M27.

Hue has previously run various Southampton restaurants, including The Oxford Brasserie, The Olive Tree and Carnicero Steakhouse.