A PUB near Christchurch has been recognised as having one of the best al fresco patio seating areas in the country. 

The Cat and Fiddle in Lyndhurst Road, Hinton Admiral is the fourth best pub for al fresco dining, or “simply sipping a cocktail in the long-awaited sun”, the app Eat Drink Meet has found. 

Eat Drink Meet is an app that helps its users find nearby pubs, restaurants and bars through filters such as ‘dog friendly’ or ‘pub quizzes’. 

On the result for The Cat and Fiddle, Eat Drink Meet said: “Dating back to the 11th century, The Cat and Fiddle in Christchurch boasts a large al fresco patio area with country views.  

“Historically a meeting point for highwaymen, the pub now caters to people and pets alike, offering a varied seasonal menu and thirst-quenching drinks.  

“While you eat, you can marvel at the intricate detailing of its historic thatched roof and take in the views across the fields to the edge of the New Forest.” 

Making up the top three are pubs in Worcester, Reading and Norwich.