NOMANSLAND

On the edge of the New Forest the village of Nomansland has little more than a cricket ground, pub, a fine dining French restaurant next door, a car workshop and a Methodist church, with little more than a handful of houses.
Yet it is one of the most visited areas of the Forest, no doubt due to the tranquillity and special feeling of remoteness it engenders, enhanced by magnificent views across south Wiltshire.  It’s just over ten miles from the city of Salisbury, yet is a world apart from the hussle and bustle of the city.
The pub, the Lamb Inn is known for miles around as a friendly traditional country hostelry  with an excellent pub menu , and in a different way  Les Mirabelles, the French restaurant next door is equally well known. Maybe unusual to find  such establishments in such remote surroundings, relying very much on word of mouth appeal, and an enviable reputation that each has achieved, both in the hospitality business, but completely opposed to each other.
The menu at Les Mirabelles is entirely French, and the restaurant is French owned and French staffed and is attuned to the serious diner.
At this time of year you won’t find the attractions of weekend cricket matches on the village green and if today was anything to go by the village green was decidedly muddy with the odd puddle here and there.

But then, to those who live near or in the Forest that is all part of the special appeal the Forest holds.  And spring is not far off, and changing seasons bring fresh dimensions.