It's an unpretentious country inn on the edge of the New Forest owned by former Dire Straits bassist John Illsley.

But the East End Arms near Lymington is a million miles removed from the fast-paced 'Money for Nothing' rock star lifestyle of John's former life.

When he bought the pub in the mid 1990's the locals wrote to him saying 'Hands off our bar!" and they wouldn't even let him repair a hole in the ceiling.

Step inside today and, on your right, the Forest bar retains its simple rustic charm with bare floor boards , coal fire, chattering locals and real ales from the cask.

On your left the carpeted, cosy dining room features cottage furniture and a roaring log fire.

The reminders of our owner's past are there with fascinating photographs of music stars, but you will also see works of art he has created too since he fell in love with the Forest and made it his home.

Upstairs there are five quaint bedrooms, each individually and tastefully designed with Mulberry fabrics by John's wife Steph and his art hangs on the walls!

The pub has a fine reputation for it's restaurant which serves locally-sourced food and a menu that includes sausages and burgers as well as Rainbow Trout and venison!