Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-hampshire-restaurants-named-among-the-uk-s-best-locals">Two Hampshire restaurants named among the UK’s best locals</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1272" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/06/Pulpo-Negro.jpg" alt="Pulpo Negro Alresford Basque Cheesecake" class="wp-image-40371" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/06/Pulpo-Negro.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/06/Pulpo-Negro-800x678.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/06/Pulpo-Negro-1000x848.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/06/Pulpo-Negro-768x651.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Pulpo Negro</figcaption></figure>



<p>Foodies, take note. Hampshire has scored two places in <a href="https://www.luckylychee.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants 2026</a>. Winchester favourite <a href="https://www.luckylychee.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lucky Lychee</a> at The Green Man pub landed an impressive 11th spot for its Malaysian-inspired cooking, while Alresford’s Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant <a href="https://www.pulponegro.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pulpo Negro</a> also made the prestigious list.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-farm-shop-opens-near-alresford">New farm shop opens near Alresford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1169" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/The-Wood-Shed-Farm-Shop.jpg" alt="The Wood Shed Farm Shop Bramdean Alresford Hampshire" class="wp-image-40698" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/The-Wood-Shed-Farm-Shop.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/The-Wood-Shed-Farm-Shop-800x623.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/The-Wood-Shed-Farm-Shop-1000x779.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/The-Wood-Shed-Farm-Shop-768x599.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The Wood Shed</figcaption></figure>



<p>File this under &#8220;worth the detour&#8221;. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587480630663" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wood Shed</a> has just opened at Wood Farm near Bramdean and Alresford – and it’s the kind of farm shop we can’t resist. Think artisan deli goodies, a traditional butchery, excellent coffee, homemade treats and shelves brimming with Hampshire produce – including honey from the beekeepers next door. Come for the sausage rolls, leave with an armful of local goodies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-runaway-capybara-samba-still-at-large-as-marwell-welcomes-new-arrival">Runaway capybara Samba still at large as Marwell welcomes new arrival</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/17/2026/07/Marwell-Wildlife-Capybara-Tango-Credit-Marwell-Wildlife-staff-Charlotte-Bennett-1000x667-1.jpg" alt="Marwell Zoo Capybara -Tango-Credit-Marwell-Wildlife-staff-Charlotte-Bennett" class="wp-image-40697" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Marwell-Wildlife-Capybara-Tango-Credit-Marwell-Wildlife-staff-Charlotte-Bennett-1000x667-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Marwell-Wildlife-Capybara-Tango-Credit-Marwell-Wildlife-staff-Charlotte-Bennett-1000x667-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Marwell-Wildlife-Capybara-Tango-Credit-Marwell-Wildlife-staff-Charlotte-Bennett-1000x667-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Tango the capybara. <em>Marwell Wildlife staff, Charlotte Bennett</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>News update from Marwell and it seems Hampshire’s most famous fugitive is still giving keepers the runaround. As the search for runaway capybara Samba continues – with thermal drones and a dedicated hotline still in action – <a href="https://www.marwell.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marwell Zoo</a> has welcomed a new male capybara, Ripple, to keep sister Tango company. The zoo insists it hasn’t given up hope of a reunion, with keepers optimistic that Samba is enjoying a very long adventure along the River Itchen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-lifestyle-boutique-opens-in-lymington">New lifestyle boutique opens in Lymington</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/17/2026/07/Cosy-corners-Lymington.jpg" alt="Cosy Corners Boutique Lymington" class="wp-image-40702" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Cosy-corners-Lymington.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Cosy-corners-Lymington-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Cosy-corners-Lymington-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Cosy-corners-Lymington-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Images: Cosy Corners, Lymington</figcaption></figure>



<p>Lymington’s shopping scene has a stylish new addition. <a href="https://www.cosycorners.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosy Corners</a> has opened opposite The Larder, bringing a beautifully curated mix of homeware, gifts and incredibly realistic faux flowers to the High Street. Expect a cosy, independent shopping experience, thoughtful finds and plenty of temptation – this is one of those boutiques where popping in for a browse almost certainly ends with a bag in hand.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pasta-evangelists-officially-opened-in-winchester">Pasta Evangelists officially opened in Winchester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Pasta-Evangelists_Winchester-1.jpg" alt="Pasta Evangelists Winchester Hampshire" class="wp-image-40700" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Pasta-Evangelists_Winchester-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Pasta-Evangelists_Winchester-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Pasta-Evangelists_Winchester-1-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Pasta-Evangelists_Winchester-1-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Pasta Evangelists Winchester</figcaption></figure>



<p>The wait is over – <a href="https://plan.pastaevangelists.com/restaurant/winchester" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pasta Evangelists has opened on Winchester High Street</a>, bringing handmade pasta, Italian cocktails and its biggest restaurant yet to Hampshire. Alongside signature dishes and Amalfi-inspired summer specials, the new 131-cover spot will host five weekly pasta-making classes from August, complete with bottomless Prosecco. Consider your next date night, family dinner or carb-fuelled catch-up sorted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-this-the-isle-of-wight-s-best-seaside-town">Is this the Isle of Wight’s best seaside town?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="995" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Steephill-Cove-Ventnor.jpg" alt="Steephill Cove Ventnor Isle of Wight" class="wp-image-40695" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Steephill-Cove-Ventnor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Steephill-Cove-Ventnor-800x531.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Steephill-Cove-Ventnor-1000x663.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Steephill-Cove-Ventnor-768x509.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><em>The Times</em> has named Ventnor one of the <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/uk-travel/15-of-britains-best-seaside-towns-f5mcldqwh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK’s best seaside towns for 2026</a>, praising its Victorian seaside heritage, dramatic chalk cliffs, sandy beach and access to some of the Island’s best coastal walks. The feature also gives a nod to <a href="https://www.botanic.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ventnor Botanic Garden</a> and <a href="https://royalhoteliow.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Royal Hotel</a>. Which got us thinking: day trip or holiday – where’s your favourite place to visit on the Island? Check out our <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/insider-guide/insider-isle-of-wight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isle of Wight Insider Guide</a> and get planning your next adventure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ka-boom-cowes-week-fireworks-return-for-200th-anniversary-year">Ka-boom! Cowes Week fireworks return for 200th anniversary year</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1009" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Cowes-Week-fireworks.jpg" alt="Cowes Week Fireworks" class="wp-image-40701" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Cowes-Week-fireworks.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Cowes-Week-fireworks-800x538.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Cowes-Week-fireworks-1000x673.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/07/Cowes-Week-fireworks-768x517.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Cowes Week</figcaption></figure>



<p>One of the Isle of Wight’s biggest summer traditions is back! Celebrating 200 years, <a href="https://www.cowesweek.co.uk/web/code/php/main_c.php?section=home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cowes Week</a> (31 July to 8 August) will once again end with its much-loved <a href="https://www.cowesweek.co.uk/web/code/php/main_c.php?map=cw-res&amp;ui=cw-res&amp;style=std&amp;override=&amp;section=shoreside&amp;page=fireworks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fireworks spectacular</a> on Friday 7 August, prompting special traffic measures across Cowes and East Cowes for one of the Island’s most dazzling nights of the year.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missed-these">Missed these?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/hampshire-restaurant-news/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Superflash! Hot Hampshire restaurant openings this summer</a></li>



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/hampshire-news-may-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Superflash! Hampshire&#8217;s hottest news and openings</a></li>
</ul>


Newsflash! Foodie farm shop, fireworks and Marwell capybara latest

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