Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fashion-on-the-high-seas-as-southampton-welcomes-cunard-s-transatlantic-fashion-week">Fashion on the high seas as Southampton welcomes Cunard’s Transatlantic Fashion Week</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/17/2025/11/Cunard-Transatlantic-Fashion-Week-Credit-Christopher-Ison.jpg" alt="Cunard-Transatlantic-Fashion-Week-Southampton-Hampshire-news Credit-Christopher-Ison" class="wp-image-38908" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Cunard-Transatlantic-Fashion-Week-Credit-Christopher-Ison.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Cunard-Transatlantic-Fashion-Week-Credit-Christopher-Ison-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Cunard-Transatlantic-Fashion-Week-Credit-Christopher-Ison-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Cunard-Transatlantic-Fashion-Week-Credit-Christopher-Ison-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Supermodel Coco Rocha on the deck of Cunard&#8217;s Queen Mary 2 in a dramatic red gown by Christian Siriano. <em>Christopher Ison. </em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Southampton was abuzz this week as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cunardline">Cunard’</a>s flagship, the <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cruise-ships/queen-mary-2">Queen Mary 2</a>, sailed into port on 7 November after hosting the return of <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cruise-types/event-cruises/transatlantic-fashion-week">Transatlantic Fashion Week</a>. Departing New York on 31 October, the voyage brought together some of the biggest names in style, including designer Christian Siriano, fashion legend Bob Mackie and supermodel Coco Rocha. From runway shows at sea to exclusive Q&amp;As and archive showcases, it was luxury, couture and ocean travel at their finest – a fitting moment for the city that’s long been at the heart of Britain’s maritime story.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ao-restaurant-returns-to-southampton">AO Restaurant returns to Southampton </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1206" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/AO-pretty-one-1.jpg" alt="Fine dining dish from Restaurant AO Southampton Hampshire reopening news Muddy Stilettos" class="wp-image-33182" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/AO-pretty-one-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/AO-pretty-one-1-800x643.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/AO-pretty-one-1-1000x804.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/02/AO-pretty-one-1-768x617.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: AO Restaurant</figcaption></figure>



<p>Foodies, rejoice! Staying in Southampton and the welcome news <a href="https://restaurantao.co.uk/">that Daniel Rogan’s AO Restaurant</a> will make its much-anticipated return on Friday 21 November, taking up stylish digs on Oxford Street. After months of behind-the-scenes testing (and plenty of tasting), the Muddy Award-winning team is back with a completely new menu of seven or ten courses (£95/£125) or a lighter three-course lunch (£55). </p>



<p>With the same impeccable fine-dining flair that made AO a local favourite, we can’t wait to see what delicious things Daniel and the team have been cooking up. Bookings are now open – but be quick, this one won’t stay under the radar for long.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pride-in-petersfield-17-000-poppies-wow-the-town">Pride in Petersfield: 17,000 poppies wow the town</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/17/2025/11/St-Peters-Church-Rememberance-Poppies.jpg" alt="Petersfield Church poppies display tribute news Hampshire Petersfield " class="wp-image-38905" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/St-Peters-Church-Rememberance-Poppies.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/St-Peters-Church-Rememberance-Poppies-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/St-Peters-Church-Rememberance-Poppies-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/St-Peters-Church-Rememberance-Poppies-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Poppy display at St. Peter&#8217;s Church, Petersfield. <em>Heidi Ruge.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Petersfield has pulled off a truly heartfelt community feat with its <a href="https://stpeterspetersfield.org.uk/">Poppy Project at St Peter’s Church</a>. Unveiled on 1 November, the town centre buzzed as visitors admired 17,000 knitted and crocheted poppies, far exceeding the organisers’ original goal of 6,000. </p>



<p>Inside the church, volunteers from Wylds Farm and the Crafty Codgers of Liss created a flowing curtain of poppies at the altar, forming a stunning backdrop for the town’s Remembrance service. What started as a simple idea quickly became a moving tribute, entirely thanks to the generosity, skill and dedication of locals – one volunteer even knitted 700 poppies on her own. A striking reminder of community spirit and kindness in action.</p>



<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/17/2025/11/Standing-with-Giants-Royal-Armouries-Fort-Nelson.jpg" alt="Standing-with-Giants-Royal-Armouries-Fort-Nelson Portsmouth Hampshire news" class="wp-image-38907" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Standing-with-Giants-Royal-Armouries-Fort-Nelson.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Standing-with-Giants-Royal-Armouries-Fort-Nelson-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Standing-with-Giants-Royal-Armouries-Fort-Nelson-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Standing-with-Giants-Royal-Armouries-Fort-Nelson-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <span style=", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size: 15px">‘For Your Tomorrow &#8211; The People’s Tribute’ display created by Standing with Giants, at Fort Nelson.</span><em> Facebook</em> @<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoyalArmouriesFortNelson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RoyalArmouriesFortNelson</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>The eye-catching tribute follows on from the news that the moving <a href="https://www.standingwithgiants.co.uk/">Standing with Giants</a> installation has arrived in Hampshire at <a href="https://royalarmouries.org/">Fort Nelson</a> in Portsmouth. Honouring British servicemen who died on D-Day, the 1,475 life-sized silhouettes have drawn huge interest, raising welcome funds for charity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotel-chocolat-opens-a-tasty-new-velvetiser-cafe-in-ringwood">Hotel Chocolat opens a tasty new Velvetiser Café in Ringwood</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FurlongCentre"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1536" height="1920" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Hotel-Chocolat-The-Furlong.jpg" alt="Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Cafe opened at The Furlong Ringwood news Hampshire" class="wp-image-38903" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Hotel-Chocolat-The-Furlong.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Hotel-Chocolat-The-Furlong-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Hotel-Chocolat-The-Furlong-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Hotel-Chocolat-The-Furlong-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Hotel-Chocolat-The-Furlong-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The new Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Café at The Furlong, Ringwood.<em> Facebook </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FurlongCentre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@FurlongCentre</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Choccie shakes all round as <a href="https://thefurlong.co.uk/stores/hotel-chocolat-opening-ringwood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hotel Chocolat’s</a> indulgent new concept store and <a href="https://thefurlong.co.uk/stores/hotel-chocolat-opening-ringwood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Velvetiser Café has officially opened at The Furlong, Ringwood.</a> The boutique is a haven for chocolate lovers, serving up Velvetised™ drinking chocolate  – hot, iced, or as a decadent Choc Shake – with 18 flavours and dairy or plant-based options to choose from. Alongside the café, shoppers can browse Hotel Chocolat’s luxury collections and find their perfect “Love Match”, whether that’s praline, patisserie-inspired or boozy chocolate bliss. A delicious new reason to linger a little longer after a Christmas shopping spree.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-double-celebrations-for-hampshire-and-isle-of-wight-pubs-in-national-foodie-rankings">Double celebrations for Hampshire and Isle of Wight pubs in national foodie rankings</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1799" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Titchbourne-Arms-Fireplace.jpg" alt="The Tichbourne Arms Hampshire news Good Food Guide 2025" class="wp-image-38906" style="aspect-ratio:0.8;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Titchbourne-Arms-Fireplace.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Titchbourne-Arms-Fireplace-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Titchbourne-Arms-Fireplace-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Titchbourne-Arms-Fireplace-768x959.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Titchbourne-Arms-Fireplace-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The Titchbourne Arms. <em>Facebook</em> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tichbornearms" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@tichbornearms</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Raise a glass (and a fork) for our local pubs. <a href="https://www.tichbornearms.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tichborne Arms</a>, near Alresford, has been named one of <a href="https://www.thegoodfoodguide.co.uk/best-of/100-best-pubs-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Good Food Guide’s Top 100 Pubs of 2025</a>, flying the flag as Hampshire’s only entry. Run by husband-and-wife team Joel and Susie Czopor, the cosy country pub is a local favourite with its warm welcome and seriously good food from head chef Tom Parker.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, across the water, <a href="https://www.redlion-freshwater.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Red Lion at Freshwater</a> continues to roar, earning Two AA Rosettes this year – the first and only Isle of Wight pub to do so – as well as a spot in both the Michelin Guide and The Good Food Guide. Under chef Sean Jeffers, the pub has perfected the art of traditional meets refined, with dishes like twice-baked Parmesan soufflé and suet steak-and-ale pie winning rave reviews.</p>



<p>A huge Superflashy cheers to both – proof that Hampshire and the Island are serving some of the best pints <em>and</em> plates in the country.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunnyfields-farm-ends-pumpkin-season-on-a-high-with-touching-osbourne-family-visit">Sunnyfields Farm ends pumpkin season on a high with touching Osbourne family visit</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1170" height="1091" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Osbournes-at-Sunnyfields-Pumpkin-Patch.jpg" alt="The Osbournes at Sunnyfields Farm Hampshire news Pumpkin tribute Ozzy Osbourne" class="wp-image-38902" style="aspect-ratio:1.072410632447296;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Osbournes-at-Sunnyfields-Pumpkin-Patch.jpg 1170w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Osbournes-at-Sunnyfields-Pumpkin-Patch-800x746.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Osbournes-at-Sunnyfields-Pumpkin-Patch-1000x932.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Osbournes-at-Sunnyfields-Pumpkin-Patch-768x716.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The Osbournes visit Sunnyfields Farm, Totton<em>. Facebook </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SunnyfieldsFarmUK" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@SunnyfieldsFarmUK</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>It’s been another stellar pumpkin season for Hampshire’s farms – and none more so than <a href="https://www.sunnyfields.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sunnyfields Farm</a> in Totton, which wrapped up the year with a heartfelt tribute to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. The farm’s annual pumpkin mural – this time depicting Ozzy in over 10,000 pumpkins – drew huge crowds and even a visit from Sharon, Jack and Kelly Osbourne, who came to see the display honouring their late husband and father. Created by the Nelson family and team in just four hours, the mural marked a spectacular end to the season.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-white-company-lands-in-petersfield-and-it-s-just-in-time-for-christmas">The White Company lands in Petersfield (and it&#8217;s just in time for Christmas)</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/17/2025/11/White-Company-Petersfield-exterior.jpg" alt="The White Company Petersfield Hampshire news opening
" class="wp-image-38904" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/White-Company-Petersfield-exterior.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/White-Company-Petersfield-exterior-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/White-Company-Petersfield-exterior-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/White-Company-Petersfield-exterior-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The new White Company store on Petersfield High Street</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/hampshire-iow/petersfield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Petersfield</a> shoppers have something new to get excited about this November, <a href="https://www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/our-stores/petersfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as The White Company is all set to open its doors</a> on the High Street. Housed in the town’s beautiful high-ceilinged former NatWest bank, the store will offer its signature mix of stylish clothing, homeware and fragrances. The new White Company adds to Petersfield’s growing mix of boutiques including Mint Velvet, Hampshire-based FatFace and local independents like ClobR, Mimosa and One Tree Books, now back in its Lavant Street home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winchester-named-one-of-the-uk-s-healthiest-cities">Winchester named one of the UK’s healthiest cities</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/Winchester-Cathedral-NEW.jpg" alt="Winchester Cathedral Hampshire city" class="wp-image-32197" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Winchester-Cathedral-NEW.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Winchester-Cathedral-NEW-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Winchester-Cathedral-NEW-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Winchester-Cathedral-NEW-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/12/Winchester-Cathedral-NEW-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Winchester Cathedral</figcaption></figure>



<p>It’s official – Winchester has been named one of the healthiest cities in the UK, <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/wellbeing/mental-health/healthiest-cities-outside-london/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to new research from <em>The Telegraph</em></a>. A favourite with London-bound commuters, the cathedral city scored highly for life expectancy, low smoking and alcohol-related illness rates and the lowest level of adult loneliness in the top 10. With its leafy setting on the edge of the South Downs National Park, thriving café culture and walkable city centre, it’s easy to see why.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-did-you-miss">Did you miss?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/this-month/super-november-whats-on-this-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super November! What&#8217;s on this month in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight</a></li>



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/hampshire-news-october-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Superflash! Hot new openings, Spider-Man in Basingstoke and more</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/interview-tv-chef-clodagh-mckenna-cookbook/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hampshire-based TV chef Clodagh McKenna dishes up the kitchen goss</a></li>
</ul>


Superflash! High fashion on the high seas, hot openings and more

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