Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Helen-McGinn-X-1.jpg" alt="Helen McGinn wine critic Hampshire journalist favourite places" class="wp-image-33082" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Helen-McGinn-X-1.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Helen-McGinn-X-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Helen-McGinn-X-1-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Helen-McGinn-X-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Helen-McGinn-X-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Helen-McGinn-X-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>Helen McGinn is a successful author and wine critic, regularly appearing on TV shows including <em>Saturday Kitchen</em> and <em>This Morning</em>. </p>



<p>A real New Forest local, she grew up in Beaulieu and even married a fellow pupil from the village school, who she first met when they locked eyes in the playground (although it wasn&#8217;t quite love at first sight). “His first words to me were ‘stop following me!’,” she laughs. </p>



<p>After living in London, Helen and her husband moved back to the New Forest over fifteen years ago. So, who better then to tell us about great places to eat, visit and err, try and buy a little tipple or two in this neck of the woods? Take it away, Helen!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-national-motor-museum-beaulieu-new-forest"><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/beaulieu-new-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The National Motor Museum</a>, Beaulieu, New Forest</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Chitty-Chitty-car-at-Beaulieu.jpg" alt="Beaulieu Hampshire New Forest Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" class="wp-image-26268" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Chitty-Chitty-car-at-Beaulieu.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Chitty-Chitty-car-at-Beaulieu-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Chitty-Chitty-car-at-Beaulieu-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Chitty-Chitty-car-at-Beaulieu-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Beaulieu is a very special place for me. As a kid, I lived in a house within the grounds, just behind the old Abbey. My father worked there for years so I grew up thinking it was entirely normal to have a monorail running through the garden. Palace House is gorgeous and I love walking through the gardens in Spring when the daffodils are out. We got married in the Abbey, where years before I’d played the Angel Gabriel to my husband’s Joseph. I was still following him at that point.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hartnett-holder-amp-co-at-lime-wood-lyndhurst"><a href="https://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hartnett Holder &amp; Co at Lime Wood</a>, Lyndhurst</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="875" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/02/lime-wood-dining-room.jpg" alt="Hartnett Holder &amp; Co Lime Wood My Hampshire Places Helen McGinn" class="wp-image-29997" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/02/lime-wood-dining-room.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/02/lime-wood-dining-room-800x467.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/02/lime-wood-dining-room-1000x583.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/02/lime-wood-dining-room-768x448.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/02/lime-wood-dining-room-900x525.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For a special occasion, Hartnett Holder &amp; Co at Lime Wood is hard to beat. The food is incredible, especially the pasta dishes. I could eat the entire menu. I’d rate the wine list as the best in Hampshire.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-east-end-arms-lymington"><a href="https://eastendarms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East End Arms,</a> Lymington</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1074" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/East-End-Arms-3.jpg" alt="East End Arms Hampshire New Forest Helen McGinn " class="wp-image-33080" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/East-End-Arms-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/East-End-Arms-3-800x573.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/East-End-Arms-3-1000x716.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/East-End-Arms-3-768x550.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Staying with good drinks, I have to give a special shout out to the East End Arms who I helped put together a wine list for a few years ago. Give me a glass of their perfectly chilled Picpoul and a bag of salty crisps and I’m in heaven.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-grange-vineyard-near-alresford"><a href="https://www.thegrangewine.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Grange Vineyard</a>, near Alresford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-grange-vineyard-Hampshire.jpg" alt="The Grange Vineyard Hampshire best wines Helen McGinn" class="wp-image-31236" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-grange-vineyard-Hampshire.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-grange-vineyard-Hampshire-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-grange-vineyard-Hampshire-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-grange-vineyard-Hampshire-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-grange-vineyard-Hampshire-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-grange-vineyard-Hampshire-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-grange-vineyard-Hampshire-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>It’s hard to pick a favourite as there are so many excellent Hampshire vineyards to choose from but when it comes to our local producers I do have a soft spot for a sparkling wine called White from Black made by <a href="https://www.thegrangewine.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Grange</a> near Alresford. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="857" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Black-Chalk-Dancer-in-Pink-Rose-857x1000.jpg" alt="Black Chalk Dancer in Pink rose" class="wp-image-33086" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Black-Chalk-Dancer-in-Pink-Rose-857x1000.jpg 857w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Black-Chalk-Dancer-in-Pink-Rose-686x800.jpg 686w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Black-Chalk-Dancer-in-Pink-Rose-768x896.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Black-Chalk-Dancer-in-Pink-Rose-1317x1536.jpg 1317w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Black-Chalk-Dancer-in-Pink-Rose.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 857px) 100vw, 857px" /></figure>



<p>The Dancer in Pink still rosé from <a href="https://www.blackchalkwine.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black Chalk</a> in the Test Valley is absolutely gorgeous, too. Oh, and <a href="http://www.charlieherring.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlie Herring Sauvignon Blanc</a> made by Tim Phillips is unbelievably good. It’s made from vines grown in a walled garden just outside Lymington. I drove past it for years and just assumed it was a kitchen garden. I didn’t think anyone would be mad enough to plant vines there but the microclimate means the grapes ripen (in a good year) enough to make properly good wine. Quantities are tiny so if you find a bottle it&#8217;s well worth grabbing it while you can.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-solent-cellar-lymington"><a href="https://www.thesolentcellar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Solent Cellar</a>, Lymington</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="959" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/The-Solent-Cellar-wines-959x1000.jpg" alt="The Solent Cellar wine Merchants Lymington Hampshire New Forest" class="wp-image-33083" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/The-Solent-Cellar-wines-959x1000.jpg 959w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/The-Solent-Cellar-wines-767x800.jpg 767w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/The-Solent-Cellar-wines-768x801.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/The-Solent-Cellar-wines.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 959px) 100vw, 959px" /></figure>



<p>This small wine merchants run by Simon and Heather Smith is fantastic. I love what they’ve done with the shop so much I even used it as one of the settings in my second novel, <em>In Just One Day</em>. I first met them when they had just opened the shop, over ten years ago. Given its location opposite M&amp;S, they really had their work cut out. As an ex-supermarket wine buyer, I knew how tough it would be. But they have a great range of wines and offer incredible customer service and because of that their business has thrived. They work so hard; I love supporting them in any way I can.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hambledon-winchester"><a href="https://thehambledon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hambledon</a>, Winchester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1350" height="1366" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/The-Hambledon-Winchester.jpg" alt="The Hambledon Winchester lifestyle interiors shop Hampshire" class="wp-image-33084" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/The-Hambledon-Winchester.jpg 1350w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/The-Hambledon-Winchester-791x800.jpg 791w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/The-Hambledon-Winchester-988x1000.jpg 988w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/The-Hambledon-Winchester-768x777.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px" /></figure>



<p>I love this lifestyle shop in Winchester, especially the homeware. They stock my favourite wine glasses from The Vintage List. If I ever have an excuse for self-gifting, that’s what I’ll treat myself to.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stanwells-boutique-lymington"><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/stanwells-lymington-and-westbourne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanwells boutique</a>, Lymington</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Stanwells-boutique.jpg" alt="Stanwells Boutique Lymington Hampshire" class="wp-image-33085" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Stanwells-boutique.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Stanwells-boutique-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Stanwells-boutique-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Stanwells-boutique-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Stanwells-boutique-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



<p>When I need something to wear for a particular occasion, Stanwells is my go-to. I’ve shopped there for years and Julia (who runs it) is so brilliant and honest. If I come out of the changing room in something that doesn’t suit me, she’ll tell me! Some of my favourite clothes in my wardrobe are things I bought from her so long ago and they’re still going strong.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-harbour-lights-southampton"><a href="https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/harbour-lights" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Harbour Lights</a>, Southampton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Harbour-Lights-Cinema-Southampton.jpg" alt="Harbour Lights cinema southampton ocean village" class="wp-image-33089" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Harbour-Lights-Cinema-Southampton.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Harbour-Lights-Cinema-Southampton-800x400.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Harbour-Lights-Cinema-Southampton-1000x500.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Harbour-Lights-Cinema-Southampton-768x384.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>When I get the chance, I love to watch a film at this indie cinema chain in Ocean Village. I’ve been going with my friend Pol for years and we always have a glass of wine and share a packet of Revels. There’s usually a falling out over the toffee ones. On the subject of arts and culture, I also went to the <a href="https://northwoodhouse.org/event/the-isle-of-wight-literary-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isle of Wight Literary Festival</a> for the first time last year and absolutely loved it. I’m going next year whether they invite me or not.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bellord-amp-brown-beaulieu"><a href="https://www.bellordandbrown.com/the-beaulieu-store" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bellord &amp; Brown</a>, Beaulieu</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1219" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Bellord-and-Brown-1.jpg" alt="Bellord and Brown deli in Beaulieu New Forest Hampshire" class="wp-image-33088" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Bellord-and-Brown-1.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Bellord-and-Brown-1-800x677.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Bellord-and-Brown-1-1000x847.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/Bellord-and-Brown-1-768x650.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



<p>Bellord &amp; Brown is a relatively new deli and greengrocer on Beaulieu High Street. They do the best breakfast bap served alongside properly good coffee. Their cheese counter has become my downfall. They’ve also turned the disused post office counter in the corner of the shop into a wine shop stocking local wines from <a href="https://raimes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raimes</a>, <a href="https://www.thegrangewine.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Grange</a>, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/exton-park-exton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exton Park</a>, <a href="https://www.wharie.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wharie Experience</a> and <a href="http://www.charlieherring.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlie Herring</a> among others. Shout out to Joe and his delicious homemade soups, too!</p>



<p><em>Helen’s new book The Island of Dreams is published on 13 February. <a href="https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/book/island-of-dreams/">Pre-order at Boldwoodbooks.com</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1wg-PIMrFS/">follow the instructions on this Instagram post for a chance to win a 1-2-1 wine tasting with Helen.</a></em></p>


My Hampshire Places – Helen McGinn

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