The Elderflower Restaurant

My wife and I ate at the Elderflower in Lymington and had the 3 course lunch menu. It was a delightful meal at a reasonable price. The freshly baked bread was such a lovely way to start, along with the bouquet garni butter which was very moreish. We had an oyster each, which we didn't regret! We've never had a better Oyster, and the flavour pairing of jalepeno and honey worked so well. We had the starters of duck salad and cuttlefish, which was pleasant. The main course was the highlight, the mixed grill of seafood was awesome, and the smoky charred flavour was addictive! The desserts were brilliant, especially since it was my first soufflé ever! So delicious. Thanks to Keane and the rest of the team at the Elderflower for a lovely lunch.

Almost a five star but not quite. Excellent service - so disappointing they only take cash tips. These days it’s easy to set up tipping apps with qr codes so not really acceptable that you cannot tip the staff unless you’re carrying cash. The food was inventive - missed the mark a couple of times with ginger bread cubes served on a beef carpaccio, a fish course with overpowering white chocolate and orange flavours with gurnard but it’s always interesting to try new things and the stuffed goose leg was exceptional. Nothing sweet on the plate other than carrots! This was a four course lunch and I’d like to come back and try the 7 course in the evening as I think there are some really good ideas being tried here. The Christmas pudding soufflé would have been fine if it had been a little smaller. At the size it was the bottom became a little too much like runny bread and butter pudding but if you love food prepared with care and invention and excellent service alongside, this is a must. We will be back.

I’m always impressed by the quality and creativity of the food here. The chef’s talent shines through in every dish, with flavours and presentation that are consistently imaginative and beautifully balanced. I’m a big fan of tasting menus, and this one easily holds its own against several Michelin star experiences I’ve had. Not knowing what’s coming next, and having each course introduced as it arrives, really adds to the sense of occasion. It’s also great to see a place investing in future talent—the energy and enthusiasm from the team is infectious. Our waiter was genuinely thrilled when we complimented the bread—he couldn't hold back that he’d made it himself that morning. Just a heads-up: tips are cash only, so it's worth bringing some along to avoid getting caught out. I can't wait to be back, if only I could fit in more than once a year.

This is fine dining restaurant, but we felt a little disappointed. The duck salad was tasty but didn't seem to have any meat and was what seemed to be duck skin scratchings. The seafood mixed grill was more stew like and the fish was a bit over cooked. The raspberry soufflé was the star dish and quite brilliant.

Visited The Elderflower to try the 7 course (yes, 7 course) tasting menu, and I must say it was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. Every dish was incredible, but not large enough to make you feel like a stuffed pig by the end. The wine was matched perfectly to each dish and the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Easily one of the best restaurant meals I've ever tasted, just superb.

A wonderful full on experience. I chose the KF Fish wings as my starter. This chef must be mad to come up with the idea of fish wings KFC style. It’s so hard to eat without getting frustrated by a bone here or there; but it is soooo worth it. A totally tasty, barking mad, delicious starter. Being a Friday I followed by posh fish n chips. It’s just what to expect from an excellent restaurant. Spot on. To finish Rasberry soufflé. An amazing and incredible desert. It’s a must visit restaurant.

Returned after having visited many years previously and not disappointed. Food was right up there with the best restaurants we've been to - we took on the 7 course taster with our own choice of wine, every course was packed with exciting flavour that we worked our way through in a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere. Excellent evening and will be back again sooner than last time.

We had the five-course tasting menu over lunch, and from start to finish, it was an excellent experience. The staff were warm, welcoming, and attentive without being intrusive, setting just the right tone for a relaxed meal. The dining room itself felt either brand new or impeccably maintained, adding to the sense of occasion. The food was outstanding. Every dish beautifully presented, seasonal, and most importantly really bloody tasty! The wine list was solid; while I didn’t drink, my wife enjoyed the wine selected for her. It wasn’t a formal pairing, but when we asked for something to match what we were eating, the choice was spot on. One small piece of feedback rather than a complaint. I was surprised that there wasn’t a seafood course, especially given the restaurant’s prime waterfront location. It felt like a bit of a missed opportunity. Also, while the English sparkling by the glass was a great option, I’d have loved to see a Champagne by the glass as well. That said, these are minor points in what was an otherwise fantastic meal. We’ll definitely be back!