Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chocolate-spa-days-and-countryside-views-movenpick-is-coming-to-hampshire">Chocolate, spa days and countryside views: Mövenpick is coming to Hampshire</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="607" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Old-Thorns-1000x607.jpg" alt="Old Thorns at Liphook East Hampshire news. Set to become Mövenpick Hampshire – Old Thorns." class="wp-image-39340" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Old-Thorns-1000x607.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Old-Thorns-800x485.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Old-Thorns-768x466.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Old-Thorns.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Old Thorns Hotel at Liphook. <em>Facebook.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>East Hampshire is about to get a seriously indulgent hotel upgrade. <a href="https://movenpick.accor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mövenpick</a> Hampshire – <a href="https://www.oldthorns.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Thorns</a> is set to open in late 2027, bringing the Swiss luxury brand’s signature style to the UK for the first time. The hotel will be run by hospitality brand Accor, in partnership with Dubai-based Select Group. </p>



<p>Starting this year, the existing estate in Liphook will be transformed into a 194-bedroom hotel and resort. Alongside the championship golf course, there’ll be four restaurants, a conference space and a wellness centre with spa and a ballroom for over 500 guests.</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/17/2026/01/Movenpick-Chocolate-Hour.jpg" alt="Movenpick Hotels chocolate hour Hampshire hotel opening" class="wp-image-39341" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Movenpick-Chocolate-Hour.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Movenpick-Chocolate-Hour-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Movenpick-Chocolate-Hour-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Movenpick-Chocolate-Hour-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Mövenpick Hotels&#8217; Chocolate Happy Hour </figcaption></figure>



<p>Mövenpick, famous globally for its ice cream and chocolate, will bring a touch of Swiss culinary flair to the estate – with fine-dining touches and its signature &#8216;chocolate happy hour&#8217;. Spa days, South Downs countryside and a chocolate welcome plate? Now there&#8217;s a sweetener.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-chef-for-isle-of-wight-pearl-cafe">Top chef for Isle of Wight Pearl Café </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1117" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Mark-Wyatt-Isle-of-Wight-Pearl.jpg" alt="Chef Mark Wyatt Isle of Wight pearl news" class="wp-image-39342" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Mark-Wyatt-Isle-of-Wight-Pearl.jpg 1117w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Mark-Wyatt-Isle-of-Wight-Pearl-800x537.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Mark-Wyatt-Isle-of-Wight-Pearl-1000x671.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Mark-Wyatt-Isle-of-Wight-Pearl-768x516.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1117px) 100vw, 1117px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Mark Wyatt, new Head Chef at the Isle of Wight Pearl.</figcaption></figure>



<p>News just in that the <a href="https://www.iowpearl.co.uk/pearl-cafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isle of Wight Pearl Café</a> on Military Road, Brighstone, has a new head chef. The family-run shop and café with stunning sea views has recruited the former Savoy and Seaview Hotel-based Mark Wyatt. And with two AA Rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand on his CV, he&#8217;s sure to bring a touch of fine-dining flair to the Island favourite.</p>



<p>Mark’s vision? Keep the relaxed café vibes everyone loves but turn the Pearl into a destination for memorable meals, themed events and afternoon teas – all with those unbeatable sea views.</p>



<p>Expect elevated classics like fresh crab cakes, silky smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and hearty Beef &amp; Guinness with dumplings. The seasonal menu will also celebrate the best of local produce, from Galleybagger cheese to Island vegetables.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parents-rejoice-winchester-s-biggest-soft-play-is-now-open">Parents rejoice! Winchester’s biggest soft play is now open</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1391" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Thrive-Wild-soft-play.jpg" alt="Thrive + Wild new soft play winchester Hampshire news" class="wp-image-39343" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Thrive-Wild-soft-play.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Thrive-Wild-soft-play-800x773.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Thrive-Wild-soft-play-1000x966.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Thrive-Wild-soft-play-768x742.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



<p>Winchester families, it’s here. <a href="https://www.thriveandwild.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thrive + Wild</a> soft play and café has officially opened in The Foundry, Kings Worthy – and it’s already shaping up to be the city’s ultimate family hub. At the heart of the space is the biggest indoor soft-play area in Winchester, split into zones for babies, toddlers and older kids.</p>



<p>The Junior Area is packed with slides, climbing frames, crawl tubes and balance beams, while the Toddler and Baby Areas offer sensory-rich, safe play for little explorers. But this isn’t just for the kids. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flat.whitescoffee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flat Whites café</a> is on-site, alongside a children’s hairdresser and other local businesses, making it a hub for the whole community.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-josie-s-to-open-in-wickham">Josie’s to open in Wickham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1501" height="1401" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Josies-Wickham.jpg" alt="Josie's cafe opening in Wickham in 2026 Hampshire news" class="wp-image-39345" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Josies-Wickham.jpg 1501w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Josies-Wickham-800x747.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Josies-Wickham-1000x933.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Josies-Wickham-768x717.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1501px) 100vw, 1501px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Josie Latouf outside The Old Teahouse, set to become Josie&#8217;s Wickham. Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/josiesuk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@josiesuk</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Big news for brunchers. Much-loved Hampshire indie café chain <a href="https://josies.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Josie’s</a> is officially coming to Wickham. It&#8217;s taking over the village’s Old Tea House building – a spot they’ve apparently coveted for years. </p>



<p>Locals at Josie’s seventh site can expect all the signatures that have made the Hampshire café a hit elsewhere. Speciality coffee, legendary pancake stacks and that much-loved all-day brunch menu, all delivered with the warm, buzzy Josie’s vibe. No opening date yet but a full refurb of the beautiful old building is underway. One thing’s certain: Wickham brunch plans are about to get a serious upgrade.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-winchester-get-a-lido-here-s-what-we-know">Could Winchester get a lido? Here’s what we know</h2>



<p>This is one to watch. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/168324278789735" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Campaigners pushing for a Winchester lido</a> have stepped things up – and they’re now in early talks with Sea Lanes, the Brighton-based team behind the National Open Water Swimming Centre and the revival of Hilsea Lido.</p>



<p>The plan would see the long-derelict River Park Leisure Centre replaced with a modern open-air swimming pool. River Park has been empty since 2021 and is currently being remarketed by the city council, which says all ideas for the site are on the table.</p>



<p>Nothing confirmed yet but with a proven operator in the mix and public support clearly bubbling away, this is one story Winchester swimmers will want to keep an eye on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-go-green-study-confirms-more-reasons-to-celebrate-hampshire-s-home-grown-wonder-food">Go green! Study confirms more reasons to celebrate Hampshire’s home-grown wonder food</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/17/2026/01/Hampshire-Watercress-in-crate.jpg" alt="Watercress Hampshire news" class="wp-image-39368" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Hampshire-Watercress-in-crate.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Hampshire-Watercress-in-crate-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Hampshire-Watercress-in-crate-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/01/Hampshire-Watercress-in-crate-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <a href="https://www.thewatercresscompany.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thewatercresscompany.com</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Hampshire’s beloved watercress is having a serious moment, having officially been declared the most nutritious leafy green on the planet. Often grown in clear chalk streams, watercress has been cultivated in Hampshire for generations, with Alresford widely regarded as the UK’s watercress capital.</p>



<p>Now, a major global study has crowned watercress the world’s most nutrient-dense food. The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2014/13_0390.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDC report</a> ranked it number one out of 41 &#8216;powerhouse&#8217; fruits and vegetables for nutritional value. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it’s been linked to healthier skin, better heart health, eye protection and long-term disease prevention.</p>



<p>Right on cue, the <a href="https://www.watercressfestival.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alresford Watercress Festival</a> has confirmed it’ll be back this spring, celebrating everything green and leafy. Now in its 22nd year, the festival on 17 May 2026 marks the start of the UK watercress season with cookery demos, grower tours, live entertainment and the famously chaotic World Watercress Eating Championships. This year, <a href="https://www.watercressfestival.org/pages/watercress-farm-tours" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local grower Manor Farm</a> will also offer behind-the-scenes tours with parking and a shuttle to the festival.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hungry-for-more">Hungry for more?</h2>



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



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/sunday-roasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top spots for Sunday roasts around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight</a></li>
</ul>


Superflash! Hampshire hotel gets a sweet upgrade and more local latest

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