AN HISTORIC 17th Century thatched pub in the New Forest is Pub of the Week.

The Waterloo Arms in Lyndhurst is described as a 'comforting' and 'traditional' pub with open fires, wooden beams and piano.

Built in the 1600s, the building was registered as a public house in 1848.

Steeped in history, the pub was named after the love of the original owner's daughter, who was killed in the Battle of Waterloo.

Landlords Michelle and Michael Rogers have been running the business since 2007.

Michelle said: "You get a sense of history when you walk in, particularly in the bar area at the front of the pub. We have dark wooden beams, cosy fire places and lots of knick-knacks that we have accumulated over the years."

The Waterloo Arms is popular with tourists, but it also has many returning regular customers.

Nestled in the New Forest National Park, Waterloo Arms is a great pit stop for people looking for a walk and a pub lunch.

Michelle said: "There is a circular walk around Lyndhurst, which we are on, and you can pick up a map from the tourist information in the high street.

"But in both directions from the pub, in a two-minute walk you can be in an open forest."

Good food is a priority at this country pub, which offers home-cooked food. The menu at Waterloo Arms features traditional pub classics as well as a variety of options for vegans and vegetarians.

Michelle said: "We have got a very good reputation for food, and we serve typical English food.

"We have a smaller appetite for all of our main courses, for people who don't want to eat as much. Or if people have a big appetite, they will be able to enjoy the full three courses."

The Waterloo Arms is known as a 'cider pub' serving a wide selection of ciders, local beers, and cask ales.

For people looking to stay sober, the venue offers a 'great selection' of 0 per cent alcohol alternatives, including Guinness, Thatchers, Heineken and gin.

Michelle added: "We have a beautiful, very large beer garden and a marquee so people can sit outside whatever the weather.

"We are also very dog friendly."