★★★★★
“The perfect venue to round off a walk in the forest. The staff were very friendly and helpful.”
Independent family pub · Ashurst
A gem on the edge of the New Forest.
Breakfast from 10am. Proper pub food all day. Bella's Gelato made right here.
Open daily from 10amFood served until 9pm
Welcome to The Happy Cheese
Good food. Friendly faces. No fuss.
Just a stone's throw from Ashurst New Forest station and close to Ashurst Campsite, we're a relaxed family pub with generous food, warm service and space to settle in.
Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, homemade specials or a scoop from Bella's Gelato. Families are welcome, with a children's play area and plenty of free parking.
Plan your visit →
Your New Forest stop-offKind words from our customers
Happy guests. Happy Cheese.
From family lunches and forest walks to friendly service and generous portions, here are a few recent reviews from our guests.
★★★★★
“We’ve always had an enjoyable time. The staff are great, the food is great and the atmosphere is great.”
★★★★★
“Fabulous place. Friendly staff, a great variety of food choices and large portions. Food was delicious—and dog friendly too.”
Come hungry
Food for every kind of day
From a full breakfast to pub favourites, burgers, lighter plates and a proper Sunday roast.
Breakfast
Start the day your way, served seven days a week from 10am until noon.
View breakfast menu →Main menu
Generous pub classics, stacked burgers, meat-free choices, sharers and children's dishes.
View main menu →Sunday roast
All the trimmings, rich gravy and a vegetarian option, served Sundays 12pm–6pm.
View Sunday menu →Desserts & gelato
Classic puddings, sundaes, waffles and handmade Bella's Gelato.
View dessert menu →Children's menu
Family favourites for children aged 12 and under, plus a colourful dessert menu.
View children's menu →Buffet menus
Standard, deluxe and hot buffet choices for parties, meetings and private functions.
View buffet menus →Made here in Ashurst
Bella's Gelato
Our artisan gelato is lovingly created by Lucy on site. Choose a scoop, build a sundae, top a waffle or take your favourite flavour away.
Lovingly created by Lucy.
Visit Bella's site
Open inside The Happy Cheese
Solent Coffee House
Our coffee house is open inside The Happy Cheese every day from 10am, serving cakes and pastries alongside a whole range of coffees, teas and hot chocolates.
On-site coffee roasting will begin in November 2026. Watch this space for more exciting news.
Pre-order coffeeMore reasons to visit
What's on
Every Wednesday · 8pm
Quiz night
Good questions, great company and a little friendly competition.Call to reserve →19 November
Comedy at the Cheese
A brilliant night of live stand-up at your local.Get tickets →2 November–23 December
Christmas 2026
Celebrate with two or three festive courses.Christmas enquiries →
Your gathering, your space
The Green Room
Free room hire
A self-contained private room for up to 60 people—ideal for parties, meetings, weddings, christenings, wakes and family get-togethers.
- Comfortably seats up to 60
- Hot and cold buffet options
- Private, flexible event space
Find us in Ashurst
Come and see us
189 Lyndhurst RoadAshurst, Southampton
SO40 7AR
Close to Ashurst New Forest station and Ashurst Campsite, with a large free car park.
Food times
- Breakfast
- Daily 10am–12pm
- Main menu
- Daily 11am–9pm
- Sunday roast
- Sunday 12pm–6pm
- Bella's Gelato
- Daily 11am–10pm
Please call if you're planning a late visit.
Join the Happy Cheese team
Work With Us.
Tell us a little about yourself and your availability. Please remember that roles at The Happy Cheese require evening and weekend availability.
Enjoy The Happy Cheese at home