Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-look-lymington-s-stanwell-house-hotel">First look &#8211; Lymington&#8217;s Stanwell House hotel</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1100" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Stanwell_House_Hotel-bar-resto.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29379" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Stanwell_House_Hotel-bar-resto.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Stanwell_House_Hotel-bar-resto-800x587.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Stanwell_House_Hotel-bar-resto-1000x733.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Stanwell_House_Hotel-bar-resto-768x563.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Stanwell_House_Hotel-bar-resto-716x525.jpg 716w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Oysters-Stanwell-House-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29378" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Oysters-Stanwell-House-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Oysters-Stanwell-House-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Oysters-Stanwell-House-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Oysters-Stanwell-House-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Oysters-Stanwell-House.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Can’t wait for this! After a multi-million-pound refurb, Lymington’s <a href="https://www.stanwellhouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanwell House hotel</a>&nbsp;reopens this Fri 16 December. Think 27 beautiful ensuite bedrooms, Samphire seafood restaurant, The Salt Bar for gastro pub food and the Orangery for cocktails, afternoon tea, Champagne and oysters. Sublime.</p>



<p>Of course, Stanwell House isn&#8217;t the only new opening in Lymington. Popular plant-based eatery <a href="https://www.thetinkersgranddaughter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tinker&#8217;s Granddaughter</a> upgraded from vintage-style food truck to a fully-fledged café and restaurant and has already found a following on the High Street. </p>



<p>Like a good read? There&#8217;s a cosy new independent bookstore in town too &#8211; <a href="https://www.imaginariumbooks.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Imaginarium</a>, in Angel Courtyard.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tasty-thai-comes-to-winchester">Tasty Thai comes to Winchester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Superflashy-Giggling-Squid-Winchester.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29366" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Superflashy-Giggling-Squid-Winchester.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Superflashy-Giggling-Squid-Winchester-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Superflashy-Giggling-Squid-Winchester-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Superflashy-Giggling-Squid-Winchester-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Superflashy-Giggling-Squid-Winchester-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Sawadee kah! A shiny new <a href="https://www.gigglingsquid.com/restaurant/winchester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giggling Squid Thai restaurant</a> has iust moved in opposite the Cathedral in Winchester &#8211; the independent chain&#8217;s first in Hampshire. Spread over two floors, it&#8217;s in a prime position previously occupied by a Slug and Lettuce. Expect curries, stir-fries, Thai tapas, loads of&nbsp;vegan dishes and a dedicated&nbsp;kids’ menu&nbsp;for &#8216;Squidlets&#8217;.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lounging-around-in-petersfield">Lounging around in Petersfield</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Loungers-cocktails.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29375" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Loungers-cocktails.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Loungers-cocktails-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Loungers-cocktails-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Loungers-cocktails-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Loungers-cocktails-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Cocktail hour? It soon will be for lucky locals in Petersfield with the opening of a new Loungers bar in the town. Head to the <a href="https://thelounges.co.uk/clavio/#menu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clavio Lounge</a> from this Saturday 17 December for brunch, burgers, tapas and a sizeable cocktail and mocktail selection (above). Bottoms up! </p>



<p>Also new, <a href="https://www.auctionhouse-petersfield.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Auction House</a> restaurant has moved in close to the train station, taking over from The Charles Street Tap. The indie owners have made it their own with graffiti-style art and smoking tables and a mixed menu of tapas-style sharing plates ranging from steak to pizza and enchiladas. </p>



<p>Due a wardrobe update? On the other side of town, Petersfield has two just got new moochable independent boutiques, too. Handily located across the crossing from each other, <a href="https://mimosashoes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mimosa</a> has upgraded to a spacious new shop on Dragon Street and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/getclobr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ClobR</a> is new on the High Street.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-cosy-in-hartley-wintney">Getting cosy in Hartley Wintney</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Mutton-at-Hazley-Heath-christmas-dog.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29380" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Mutton-at-Hazley-Heath-christmas-dog.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Mutton-at-Hazley-Heath-christmas-dog-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Mutton-at-Hazley-Heath-christmas-dog-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Mutton-at-Hazley-Heath-christmas-dog-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Mutton-at-Hazley-Heath-christmas-dog-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Aaah, a cute pooch and a cosy log fire. No wonder lucky locals in locals in Hartley Wintney and surrounds have been holing up in droves at <a href="https://themuttonathazeleyheath.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mutton at Hazeley Heath</a>. A 19th-century house and former post office on the fringe of the Nature Reserve, the gorgeous gastropub was completely refurbed and reopened in October. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-tipples-for-andover">Top tipples for Andover</h2>



<p>Espresso martini, anyone? Don&#8217;t mind if we do. Another hot cocktail bar opening coming very soon in the Test Valley. Basingstoke&#8217;s popular <a href="https://www.duckandtipple.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duck and Tipple</a> is about to open a second branch on London Street. Say hello to classic cocktails and bottomless brunches pretty much any day of the week. Hurrah!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hampshire-hotels-named-best-in-britain">Hampshire hotels named best in Britain </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Lime-Wood-Exterior-Amy-Murrell-2016-59-copy-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29382" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Lime-Wood-Exterior-Amy-Murrell-2016-59-copy-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Lime-Wood-Exterior-Amy-Murrell-2016-59-copy-1-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Lime-Wood-Exterior-Amy-Murrell-2016-59-copy-1-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Lime-Wood-Exterior-Amy-Murrell-2016-59-copy-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Lime-Wood-Exterior-Amy-Murrell-2016-59-copy-1-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Drumroll please. The <a href="https://www.top50boutiquehotels.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 50 Boutique Hotels</a> have been revealed &#8211; and this year’s number one spot went to Hampshire&#8217;s own <a href="https://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lime Wood Hotel</a>, with the Michelin Green-starred <a href="https://www.heckfieldplace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heckfield Place</a> coming in at number three! </p>



<p>Jumping up 18 places from last year, the critics describe the New Forest&#8217;s Lime Wood as &#8220;truly a hotel to behold&#8221; and Heckfield Place as &#8220;the epitome of Georgian elegance&#8221; and &#8220;effortlessly warm and welcoming.&#8221; Well of course, we couldn&#8217;t agree more. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-howard-goes-to-elf-school">Howard goes to Elf school </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1118" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Reindeer-Sky-Park-Farm.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29384" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Reindeer-Sky-Park-Farm.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Reindeer-Sky-Park-Farm-800x596.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Reindeer-Sky-Park-Farm-1000x745.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Reindeer-Sky-Park-Farm-768x572.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Reindeer-Sky-Park-Farm-704x525.jpg 704w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It wouldn&#8217;t be a Superflashy without a celebrity sighting. Spotted at the brilliant <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/sky-park-farm-petersfield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Park Farm</a> near Petersfield, Take That&#8217;s Howard Donald enrolled at <a href="https://www.skyparkfarm.com/index.php/event/elf-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elf School</a> and was seen having a lovely time at the Christmas craft table. Also worth noting, festive megastar Rudolph is currently in residence here too, holidaying with Blitzen before their big night on Christmas Eve. Go say hi while you can.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-visitor-hits-the-headlines-in-southampton">Arctic visitor hits the headlines in Southampton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="675" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Thor-the-walrus-on-Calshot-beach-1000x675.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29385" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Thor-the-walrus-on-Calshot-beach-1000x675.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Thor-the-walrus-on-Calshot-beach-800x540.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Thor-the-walrus-on-Calshot-beach-768x519.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Thor-the-walrus-on-Calshot-beach-777x525.jpg 777w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Thor-the-walrus-on-Calshot-beach.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Pic: Steve Blanchard/BDMLR</figcaption></figure>



<p>More wonderful wintery animal anecdotes? Oh, go on then. It&#8217;s been pretty cold of late &#8211; but absolutely no-one expected to see a gigantic walrus land in Hampshire. Nicknamed &#8216;Thor&#8217;, he/she (we don&#8217;t know) was seen resting and having a dip at Calshot beach. Experts at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BDMLR/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR)</a> have tracked the rather gorgeous mammal via France and the Netherlands and quickly swung into action, warning people not to get to close. Bon voyage, Thor.</p>



<p><em>Got a hot new opening or celebrity sighting in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to tell us about? Email heidi.ruge@muddystilettos.co.uk</em></p>


Superflash! Hot new Hampshire openings and local gossip

You may also like