Our Story
More than just a pub
The Borough Arms has been a fixture of Lymington life for well over a century. We're proud of where we've come from — and even prouder of the place we've become.
Est. 1887
A proper local since 1887
The Borough Arms first opened its doors in 1887, when Lymington was a thriving market town and the High Street hummed with traders, sailors, and travellers passing through to the Isle of Wight ferry. The pub quickly became the natural gathering place — somewhere to shake hands on a deal, raise a glass after a long day, or simply sit and watch the world go by.
Over the decades, the pub has weathered two world wars, seen landlords come and go, and watched Lymington grow from a modest harbour town into one of the most visited destinations on the south coast. Through it all, the Borough Arms has remained a constant — the kind of place that feels the same whether you've been coming for forty years or you've just wandered in off the street.
The original oak beams, the worn flagstone floor, and the fireplace that's been lit every winter since anyone can remember — these things aren't decoration. They're the pub itself. We've looked after them carefully, and we intend to keep doing so.
Proper hospitality
We believe a good pub should make everyone feel at home — whether you're a regular who's been coming for years or a visitor discovering Lymington for the first time.
Honest food & drink
No shortcuts. Our kitchen cooks from scratch with seasonal ingredients, and our bar is stocked with real ales, local producers, and drinks worth drinking.
Part of the community
We sponsor the local quiz league, host fundraisers, and keep the fire going on cold evenings. The Borough Arms belongs to Lymington as much as it belongs to us.
"The kind of pub that reminds you why pubs matter."
The Team
The people behind the bar
The Borough Arms is run by a small, dedicated team who genuinely love what they do. You'll find the same familiar faces behind the bar most days — and they'll remember how you take your coffee.
James & Sarah Whitmore
Landlord & Landlady
James and Sarah took over the Borough Arms in 2014 after years in the hospitality trade. They've poured their hearts into the place — restoring the original features, building the food offer from scratch, and making it the kind of pub they always wanted to drink in.
Tom Harding
Head Chef
Tom trained in London before coming home to Hampshire. He's been running our kitchen since 2017, and his philosophy is simple: good ingredients, cooked well, served without fuss. The Sunday roast is his proudest achievement.
Ellie Marsh
Bar Manager
Ellie has been at the Borough Arms longer than anyone — she started as a Saturday girl at sixteen and never really left. She knows every regular by name and can recommend the right ale for any occasion.
Come and see for yourself
The best way to understand what makes the Borough Arms special is to pull up a stool and stay a while. We'll put the kettle on — or pour you something stronger.