THE CHEQUERS INN
The Chequers Inn is a regular haunt for many a famous yachtsman from this country, and worldwide.
Situated on the edge of Lymington's historic salt marshes, this picturesque 16th Century pub and restaurant offers a year round warm welcome: woodburing stove in the winter and walled garden in summer.
The blackboard a la carte menu changes with the seasons and there is always a range of interesting bar snacks along with barbeques on the front patio at weekends during the summer (weather permitting!).
Real ales are a speciality along with a well chosen wine list.
Documented deeds for the Chequers Inn site go back to 1695, concerning a transaction between Eleanor Pierce and John Gyer for a 999-year lease.
The chequered sign, originally hanging from the roofs eaves represents probably the oldest in the world; a chequer sign was discovered during the excavations of the ruins at Pompeii. In early times it denoted houses where money transactions were carried out - and the local sign is likely to derive from the fact that the Salt Exchequer Offices for the local salterns had their headquarters at Lower Woodside Green.
Take the A337 from Lymington sign posted to New Milton. After half a mile turn left at the roundabout next to the White Hart pub into Ridgeway Lane. Take the 2nd right (on the bend) to continue down Ridgeway Lane. The Chequers Inn can be found three quarters of a mile on your right.