Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hamptons-in-hampshire-the-nici-new-forest-opens-for-booking">The Hamptons in Hampshire? THE NICI New Forest opens for booking</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/17/2026/04/THE-NICI-New-Forest-Outdoor-Pool.jpg" alt="Outdoor pool at THE NICI New Forest new opening news Hampshire " class="wp-image-39973" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/THE-NICI-New-Forest-Outdoor-Pool.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/THE-NICI-New-Forest-Outdoor-Pool-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/THE-NICI-New-Forest-Outdoor-Pool-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/THE-NICI-New-Forest-Outdoor-Pool-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: THE NICI New Forest</figcaption></figure>



<p>Stop everything: <a href="https://thenici.com/new-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THE NICI New Forest</a> in Lymington is now open for bookings (from 15 June 2026), bringing full-on Hamptons glam to the south coast. This hot new opening is the sister property to THE NICI Bournemouth (aka the one with the laid-back, Miami-cool vibe), so expect proper style creds.</p>



<p>Giving the former Elmers Court Hotel a serious makeover, THE NICI New Forest promises 118 rooms of coastal-chic interiors. It also has a dreamy spa, heated outdoor pool, plus Martha’s for seafood and Elms Café for relaxed bites. Even better? It’s landing alongside a new Cornwall outpost, <a href="https://thenici.com/newquay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THE NICI Newquay</a>, this summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-michelin-chef-lands-at-harbour-hotel-southampton">Michelin chef lands at Harbour Hotel Southampton</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1453" height="888" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Harbour-Hotel-Southampton-Matthew-Tomkinson.jpg" alt="The Jetty restaurant Southampton Harbour Hotel. Chef Matthew Tomkinson (centre) with The Jetty Chef-Patron Alex Aitken (right) and GM Jorges Gertrudes (left)." class="wp-image-39974" style="aspect-ratio:1.6362612612612613;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Harbour-Hotel-Southampton-Matthew-Tomkinson.jpg 1453w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Harbour-Hotel-Southampton-Matthew-Tomkinson-800x489.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Harbour-Hotel-Southampton-Matthew-Tomkinson-1000x611.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Harbour-Hotel-Southampton-Matthew-Tomkinson-768x469.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1453px) 100vw, 1453px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Chef Matthew Tomkinson (centre) with The Jetty&#8217;s GM Jorges Gertrudes (left) and Chef-Patron Alex Aitken (right).</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Foodies, listen up: Michelin-starred chef Matthew Tomkinson has just been announced as Executive Head Chef at <a href="https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/hampshire/harbour-hotel-southampton/the-jetty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Jetty,</a> inside Harbour Hotel Southampton – and it’s a <em>big</em> deal. A Roux Scholar with serious pedigree (including eight years holding a Michelin star at The Montagu Arms), Tomkinson is set to shake up the waterfront restaurant with elevated, seasonal dishes and a strong focus on British seafood. Think monkfish, stone bass and next-level flavour combos, all with marina views. Consider this your sign to book.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-runaway-capybara-marwell-s-unexpected-internet-sensation-still-on-the-loose">Runaway capybara: Marwell’s unexpected internet sensation still on the loose</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1208" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Samba-capybara-Marwell-Zoo-Hampshire.jpg" alt="Samba the Capybara Marwell Zoo Hampshire escaped internet social media" class="wp-image-39982" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Samba-capybara-Marwell-Zoo-Hampshire.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Samba-capybara-Marwell-Zoo-Hampshire-800x644.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Samba-capybara-Marwell-Zoo-Hampshire-1000x805.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Samba-capybara-Marwell-Zoo-Hampshire-768x618.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <em>AI</em> (obvs).</figcaption></figure>



<p>If your socials have been flooded with <em>that</em> capybara – *apparently* sipping champagne, doing yoga, modelling dresses and even joining Dorset Police – you’re not imagining it. Runaway rodent Samba has become a full-blown internet icon since her great escape from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marwellwildlife" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marwell Zoo</a> last month.</p>



<p>The nine-month-old capybara arrived on 16 March but legged it the next day with sister Tango (who was quickly found). Samba, however, is still at large – despite drones, tracking dogs and extensive searches across Hampshire.</p>



<p>Sightings have placed her sunbathing by the River Itchen and wandering near Owslebury but she’s proving elusive. Meanwhile, brands (hello Lidl and their free bananas) and even US news outlets have jumped on the story. One thing’s certain: Hampshire – and beyond – has never rooted so hard for a runaway critter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-return-of-the-potter-s-heron">The return of the Potter’s Heron</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/17/2026/04/The-Potters-Heron-Heartwood.jpg" alt="The Potter's Heron Romsey Hampshire Heartwood Hotels news" class="wp-image-39975" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/The-Potters-Heron-Heartwood.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/The-Potters-Heron-Heartwood-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/The-Potters-Heron-Heartwood-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/The-Potters-Heron-Heartwood-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The Potter&#8217;s Heron, <em>Heartwood Hotels</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Hampshire’s famed capybara is still MIA but our famous Test Valley Heron is back. Just reopened: Romsey landmark <a href="https://pottersheronampfield.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Potter’s Heron</a> in Ampfield following an eagerly awaited glow-up. And yes, it’s a beauty. Think thatched-roof charm meets stylish interiors, 58 boutique bedrooms and a buzzing food scene guided by top chef and French culinary supremo, Raymond Blanc.</p>



<p>The Potter&#8217;s Heron is now part of the Heartwood Inns group, its second Hampshire opening, following <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/review-the-ropemaker-emsworth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ropemaker in Emsworth</a>. Expect seasonal menus, local pours, a huge terrace, plus dog-friendly perks (hello, pup pints). Once again, Heartwood has nailed the brief.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seaside-icon-the-bandstand-sandown-reopened-with-a-french-twist">Seaside icon: The Bandstand, Sandown reopened (with a French twist)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Le-Gout-de-la-Mer-Sandown-Bandstand-Isle-of-Wight.jpg" alt="Sandown Isle of Wight Le Goût de la Mer new restaurant " class="wp-image-39976" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Le-Gout-de-la-Mer-Sandown-Bandstand-Isle-of-Wight.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Le-Gout-de-la-Mer-Sandown-Bandstand-Isle-of-Wight-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Le-Gout-de-la-Mer-Sandown-Bandstand-Isle-of-Wight-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Le-Gout-de-la-Mer-Sandown-Bandstand-Isle-of-Wight-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Le-Gout-de-la-Mer-Sandown-Bandstand-Isle-of-Wight-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Le-Gout-de-la-Mer-Sandown-Bandstand-Isle-of-Wight-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Le-Gout-de-la-Mer-Sandown-Bandstand-Isle-of-Wight-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <em>Le Goût de la Mer</em>, Sandown</figcaption></figure>



<p>Big news for Isle of Wight foodies: Sandown’s much-loved The Bandstand has had a glow-up. Just reopened as <em>Le Goût de la Mer</em> (“The Taste of the Sea”), the 100-year-old seaside spot is being revived by New York restaurateur Hema Lalchan and French chef Alexandre Bourgeois. Expect Brittany-inspired flavours (Alex hails from St Malo), blended with global flair and a warm, community feel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bottega-del-mastro-brings-fresh-pasta-amp-italian-flair-to-winchester">Bottega del Mastro brings fresh pasta &amp; Italian flair to Winchester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1427" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Pasta-at-Bottega-del-Maestro-Winchester.jpg" alt="Pasta dishes at Bottega del Maestro Winchester" class="wp-image-39977" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Pasta-at-Bottega-del-Maestro-Winchester.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Pasta-at-Bottega-del-Maestro-Winchester-800x761.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Pasta-at-Bottega-del-Maestro-Winchester-1000x951.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/04/Pasta-at-Bottega-del-Maestro-Winchester-768x731.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: @bottegadelmastro.uk, <em>Instagram</em>.</figcaption></figure>



<p>Carbs klaxon! (But oh, <em>worth it</em>). <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bottegadelmastro.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bottega del Mastro</a> has just landed on Parchment Street and it’s already shaping up to be a must-book. Taking over the former Toscanaccio site, this chic new spot serves up 12+ varieties of freshly made pasta (yes, you can watch it being made), alongside a coffee bar pouring Illy. Founders Andrea, Martina and Mattia – an Italian trio with serious Michelin-creds – are firmly fixed on authentic, no-fuss dishes, from burrata and bruschetta to tiramisu. With counter dining, a lounge upstairs and alfresco seating, this one’s got date night written all over it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-masterchef-star-luke-emmess-to-headline-foodie-festival">MasterChef star Luke Emmess to headline foodie festival</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1078" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Luke-Masterchef-the-Professionals.jpg" alt="Luke Emmess MasterChef The Professionals" class="wp-image-39761" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Luke-Masterchef-the-Professionals.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Luke-Masterchef-the-Professionals-800x575.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Luke-Masterchef-the-Professionals-1000x719.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Luke-Masterchef-the-Professionals-768x552.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: BBC/Shine TV</figcaption></figure>



<p>Staying in Winchester and Hampshire’s own Luke Emmess, head chef at The Wykeham Arms, may have narrowly missed out on the <em>MasterChef: The Professionals</em> trophy – but his culinary momentum is only just getting started.</p>



<p>Best known for his elevated take on classic British pub food, Emmess impressed judges throughout the competition, showcasing a more refined side to his cooking alongside his signature pub-to-tasting-menu style.</p>



<p>Despite the final result, he’s staying firmly put at The Wykeham Arms (where he’s been for 11 years). But the coming months are set to be anything but quiet. Expect a series of pop-ups, guest appearances and festival showcases for the Havant-based chef, including a slot at the <a href="https://www.stanstedpark.co.uk/events/south-downs-food-festival-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Downs Food Festival</a> at Rowland’s Castle in June.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-want-more">Want more?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/hampshire-openings-local-news/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hampshire openings, The Apprentice on the Isle of Wight &#8211; and Lovejoy cracks the case</a></li>



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/this-month/whats-on-april-hampshire-isle-of-wight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What&#8217;s on this April around Hampshire &amp; the Isle of Wight</a></li>



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/bombay-sapphire-distillery-afternoon-tea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New afternoon Tea at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery</a></li>
</ul>


Hot Hampshire openings, top chef news – and a viral capybara

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