A New Forest pub has been shortlisted as a finalist for having the best pub garden at the 2024 Great British Pub Awards.

The White Buck Inn on Bisterne Close, Burley, has been selected as a finalist for its vibrant pub garden set in the heart of the New Forest.

Owned and managed by Fuller’s Pubs and Hotel for the last 15 years, general manager Tom Tomlinson said that he and his pub team wanted to embark on a new challenge this year.

Tom, 33, added: “I have managed this pub for more than two years and this year, the team and I wanted to win the pub an award.

“The garden is really a huge draw for us during the summer – we put on dozens of shows and events.

The outside of the White Buck Inn (Image: NQ) “Our garden has a number of different areas so visitors can get a different feel and experience based on where they sit in the garden.

“Visitors can enjoy our fine dining terrace, sit in the platform area in the AstroTurf or enjoy a drink at the outside bar.

“We put on regular shows such as Shakespeare in the Garden, Opera in the Garden. We even had a bird of prey event for children with falcons and eagles.

“Our next event will be an Italian themed night on August 22, where visitors can enjoy live music and pizza straight from our pizza oven.”

The White Buck Inn also has 20 rooms for guests to stay which manager Tom added where always fully booked during the summer months.

The pub gardenThe pub garden (Image: NQ) The general manager continued: “We are also totally dog friendly – we have a dog shower and a barrel full of dog treats and blankets.

“The White Buck is also a great place for families – We have games such as swing ball and even have a cupboard extra sun cream and sunglasses for little ones.”

The pub is against five other gardens which Tom said were all very impressive and different from one another.

This year's Great British Pub Awards will be taking place on September 17 at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester and Tom and his team will be attending.