Lyndhurst Road
Hinton Admiral
Hampshire
BH23 7DS
01425 276050
The Cat and Fiddle is a thatched cottage made of cob and probably dates from the 17th century, although an 11th century monk’s hospice once stood on the site. Cob as a building material is common further west in Dorset and Devon but unusual around here. However the one-and-a-half storeys with low-reaching thatch is completely typical of this part of Hampshire and the New Forest (photo 1).
The pub has now been extended and is part of the national Harvester restaurant chain, though it’s possible to just have a drink.
The nicely carved wooden inn sign shows the well-known nursery rhyme beginning “Hey diddle diddle…” (photo 2). The rhyme dates back to at least the 18th century and is probably how the pub got its name. The idea that ‘Cat & Fiddle’ is a corruption of the Latin for St Catherine the Faithful (Caterine de Fidele) seems a bit contrived. However a hospice of that name is listed here in the Domesday Book, so there may some truth in it.
Since the recent refurbishment and new management The Cat and Fiddle pub in Christchurch has excelled in very good food and friendly and helpful staff with first class service. High standard of cleanliness and furnishings are superb.
A party of fourteen was very well catered for as well as a dinner for two.
Highly recommended.