Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-country-club-but-make-it-cool-mad-swans-lands-in-the-south-downs">Country Club (but make it cool): Mad Swans lands in the South Downs</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1536" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Mad-Swans-Alton-montage.jpg" alt="Mad Swans in the South Downs Alton Hampshire country club" class="wp-image-40158" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Mad-Swans-Alton-montage.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Mad-Swans-Alton-montage-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Mad-Swans-Alton-montage-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Mad-Swans-Alton-montage-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Mad Swans in the South Downs</figcaption></figure>



<p>Hot off the press: this former East Hampshire golf club is about to unveil a serious glow-up. Opening 1 June near Alton, <a href="https://www.madswans.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mad Swans</a> in the South Downs looks set to be a wildly cool countryside hangout bringing chic lodge rooms and eco cabin stays along with padel, pickleball, cocktails and design-led social spaces to this scenic country setting.</p>



<p>Created by the team behind Leatherhead’s Beaverbrook hotel and Bel &amp; Dragon inns, Mad Swans is not your average country club. Expect a reimagined 12-hole course, a buzzy driving range, woodland tipi weddings, pizzas, cocktails and cabins with projector screens. The vibe? Playful, stylish and very much aimed at everyone – whether you’re here for birdies or burrata.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jason-statham-s-25m-new-forest-mega-mansion-is-officially-happening">Jason Statham’s £25m New Forest mega-mansion is officially happening</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1111" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Jason-Statham-Mutiny.jpg" alt="Jason Statham in Mutiny. Dan Smith/Lionsgate. " class="wp-image-40180" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Jason-Statham-Mutiny.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Jason-Statham-Mutiny-800x593.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Jason-Statham-Mutiny-1000x741.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Jason-Statham-Mutiny-768x569.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Jason Statham as Cole Reed in new movie <em>Mutiny</em>. <em>Dan Smith</em>/Lionsgate</figcaption></figure>



<p><em>Fast &amp; Furious</em> star Jason Statham and fiancée Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are swapping Hollywood for Hampshire with a jaw-dropping new seafront mansion in the New Forest. The ultra-private 20-acre estate near Lymington will reportedly feature a private beach, huge gym, treehouse and sweeping Solent views. And it seems Statham is already settling into local life, having reportedly been spotted dog-walking on the beach with fellow Hollywood hardman Vinnie Jones.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delicious-decoy-luxe-new-village-pub-for-hurstbourne-tarrant">Delicious Decoy: luxe new village pub for Hurstbourne Tarrant</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1536" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Great-Decoy-Pub-launch-Hurstbourne-Tarrant.jpg" alt="The Great Decoy new country pub opened Hurstbourne Tarrant Hampshire news" class="wp-image-40165" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Great-Decoy-Pub-launch-Hurstbourne-Tarrant.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Great-Decoy-Pub-launch-Hurstbourne-Tarrant-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Great-Decoy-Pub-launch-Hurstbourne-Tarrant-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Great-Decoy-Pub-launch-Hurstbourne-Tarrant-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Chickpea Group launches The Great Decoy, Hurstbourne Tarrant.</figcaption></figure>



<p>File under: weekend-away lust list. The Chickpea Group (the brains behind some of the South West’s coolest countryside pubs) is opening its first Hampshire site this 30 May – and it’s giving full countryside chic.</p>



<p>Opening in Hurstbourne Tarrant, near Andover and previously The George &amp; Dragon, <a href="https://www.thegreatdecoy.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Great Decoy</a> is in the final stages of becoming a beautifully restored pub-with-rooms complete with log burners, shaggy rugs and what we expect will be some seriously good food. Expect Chickpea’s famous pies, epic Sunday roasts, wood-fired pizzas and even breakfast negronis for the brave (we dare). With eight dreamy bedrooms and a pretty courtyard garden, we predict it’ll become a destination fast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vikings-are-coming-paultons-park-unveils-huge-new-12m-world">Vikings Are Coming! Paultons Park Unveils Huge New £12m World</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1086" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Paultons-Park-Valgard.jpg" alt="Paultons Park Valgard Viking rides news Hampshire Peppa Pig World New Forest" class="wp-image-40159" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Paultons-Park-Valgard.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Paultons-Park-Valgard-800x579.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Paultons-Park-Valgard-1000x724.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Paultons-Park-Valgard-768x556.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Valgard: Realm of the Vikings at Paultons Park</figcaption></figure>



<p>Forget gentle kiddie rides – the New Forest&#8217;s Paultons Park is going full thrill-seeker. Opening this 16 May, the theme park&#8217;s biggest-ever investment: <a href="https://paultonspark.co.uk/themed-worlds/valgard-realm-of-the-vikings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Valgard: Realm of the Vikings</a>. The epic new £12 million Viking-themed land will feature the park’s first-ever inverting rollercoaster, Drakon, plus Vild Swing, a dizzying new ride sending brave guests soaring 39ft into the air. Fan-favourite Cobra is also getting a Norse makeover as Raven. Alongside the adrenaline hits, expect a themed feasting hall, Viking playground and immersive storytelling throughout. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brunch-lovers-rejoice-josie-s-new-cafe-opens-in-wickham">Brunch lovers, rejoice: Josie’s new café opens in Wickham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Josies-Wickham-open.jpg" alt="Josie's Cafe Wickham Hampshire open news" class="wp-image-40162" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Josies-Wickham-open.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Josies-Wickham-open-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Josies-Wickham-open-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Josies-Wickham-open-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



<p>Good news for Hampshire brunch devotees. Top local indie café chain <a href="https://josies.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Josie’s</a> has officially opened its eagerly-awaited seventh site in Wickham. Taking over the restored Old Tea House, the new spot has all the pancake-and-flat-white goodness the brand is famous for, plus a first for Josie’s: a dedicated takeaway hatch for coffees, sandwiches and grab-and-go treats. Expect the usual all-day brunch magic, cosy interiors and worth-the-wait queues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiktok-trendy-korean-corndogs-have-arrived-in-southampton">TikTok-trendy Korean corndogs have arrived in Southampton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1195" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Bunsik-Korean-Street-Food-Westquay-Southampton.jpg" alt="Bunsik-Korean-Street-Food-Westquay-Southampton" class="wp-image-40161" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Bunsik-Korean-Street-Food-Westquay-Southampton.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Bunsik-Korean-Street-Food-Westquay-Southampton-800x637.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Bunsik-Korean-Street-Food-Westquay-Southampton-1000x797.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Bunsik-Korean-Street-Food-Westquay-Southampton-768x612.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Bunsik Korean street food</figcaption></figure>



<p>If your social feed is full of molten cheese pulls and crispy Korean corndogs, listen up: street food brand <a href="https://www.bunsik.co.uk/locations/southampton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bunsik</a> has officially landed at Westquay. The cult-favourite Korean fast-food spot – already huge in London and Bristol – has opened its first Hampshire site, bringing its wildly popular corndogs, Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki and kimbap to Southampton.</p>



<p>Founded by Korean hospitality group Maguro, Bunsik has become a Gen Z favourite thanks to its bold flavours and TikTok-famous menu. Expect queues, cheese pulls and plenty of spicy gochujang goodness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winchester-s-long-awaited-bar-and-food-hall-poised-to-open">Winchester’s long-awaited bar and food hall poised to open</h2>



<p>Speaking of street food, after months of hype and hard-hat updates, <a href="https://helch.uk/pages/winchester" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helch Market</a> is finally ready to fling open its doors in Winchester on 22 May. Taking over the former Vodka nightclub, the huge new food hall promises tasty bites, cocktails, late-night parties and serious urban-cool energy, with seven indie traders, 18 draft taps and events running until 3am. Expect wagyu burgers, Korean flavours, matcha, murals and a full glow-up for one of the city’s most notorious buildings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monet-van-gogh-amp-turner-street-art-on-the-isle-of-wight-as-newport-turns-open-air-art-gallery">Monet, Van Gogh &amp; Turner &#8216;street art&#8217; on the Isle of Wight as Newport turns open-air art gallery</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/17/2026/05/Art-on-your-Doorstep-National-Gallery.jpg" alt="Art on your Doorstep National Gallery Newport Isle of Wight" class="wp-image-40160" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Art-on-your-Doorstep-National-Gallery.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Art-on-your-Doorstep-National-Gallery-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Art-on-your-Doorstep-National-Gallery-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Art-on-your-Doorstep-National-Gallery-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: © The National Gallery, London</figcaption></figure>



<p>On the Island? Your next big hitter culture fix might not require a ferry after all. Newport has just been transformed into a giant outdoor gallery thanks to Art On Your Doorstep, a National Gallery touring exhibition <a href="https://www.iow.gov.uk/article/3685/National-Gallery-s-Art-On-Your-Doorstep-trail-launches-in-Newport" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bringing life-size masterpieces to the Isle of Wight</a>.</p>



<p>Eighteen iconic works – including Van Gogh’s <em>Sunflowers</em>, Monet’s <em>The Water-Lily Pond</em> and Turner’s <em>The Fighting Temeraire</em> – are now dotted across the town on a free one-mile trail running until 30 October. Think world-famous art in alleyways, squares and by the harbourside. Cultural Sunday stroll, sorted.</p>



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