Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<p>Extra, extra, read all about it! Superflashy&#8217;s back with another bumper serve of  local news, gossip and hot new openings. Shall we?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mary-portas-hearts-the-velvet-pig">Mary Portas hearts The Velvet Pig</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="625" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Velvet-Pig-Ryde-1000x625.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30856" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Velvet-Pig-Ryde-1000x625.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Velvet-Pig-Ryde-800x500.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Velvet-Pig-Ryde-768x480.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Velvet-Pig-Ryde-840x525.jpg 840w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Velvet-Pig-Ryde.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Celebrating eye-catching window displays around the UK, Queen of Shops Mary Portas recently gave a shout out to what has to be the Island&#8217;s coolest vintage shop &#8211; <a href="https://thevelvetpig.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Velvet Pig</a> in Ryde, managed by Zac Pearmine and Connor Warren.</p>



<p>Incorrectly assuming The Velvet Pig’s window displays are created by a woman (we&#8217;re sure she&#8217;s forgiven), Portas was full of praise for the outrageously fun scenes. &#8220;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thevelvetpigvintage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@thevelvetpigvintage</a> is a woman after my own heart. Her use of mannequins, the quirk, the fun. The fag hanging out of the mouth after a good night out on a zebra. Love it. It was a close call between this – or the Ab Fab window featuring Patsy collapsed in a shopping trolley with a Dior bag.&#8221; </p>



<p>Ab Fab indeed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Smoking Lobster opens at Foresters Hall</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Smoking-Lobster-restaurant-dish-Foresters-Hall.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30858" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Smoking-Lobster-restaurant-dish-Foresters-Hall.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Smoking-Lobster-restaurant-dish-Foresters-Hall-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Smoking-Lobster-restaurant-dish-Foresters-Hall-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Smoking-Lobster-restaurant-dish-Foresters-Hall-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Smoking-Lobster-restaurant-dish-Foresters-Hall-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Staying on the Island, it&#8217;s all change again at <a href="https://forestershall.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foresters Hall</a> in Cowes (previously North Hall). Former international filmmakers turned husband and wife hoteliers, Peter Sussman and Sara Curran, got the keys in 2022. Their first move was to update the rooms and change the name. </p>



<p>With top chef Robert Thompson now departed, they&#8217;ve joined forces with their favourite local eatery to open (drumroll please) a brand new outpost of the Smoking Lobster seafood restaurant! On the menu at the 80-cover brasserie, 25-cover bar and 15-cover private dining room are fresh pasta dishes. And there&#8217;s catch of the day dropped off from their own licensed fishing boat. Yum.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strike a (yoga) pose at Gunwharf </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/17/2023/05/Sweat_Yoga_GWQ-63-1.jpg" alt="Ladies doing yoga at Sweat Yoga. Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth" class="wp-image-30859" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Sweat_Yoga_GWQ-63-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Sweat_Yoga_GWQ-63-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Sweat_Yoga_GWQ-63-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Sweat_Yoga_GWQ-63-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Sweat_Yoga_GWQ-63-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Back over the water and there&#8217;s a different kind of opening at Portsmouth&#8217;s Gunwharf Quays. Welcoming all levels and abilities, the brand new waterfront <a href="https://www.sweat.fitness/yoga">Sweat Yoga and wellness studio</a> is signing up eager members. Downward dog, little spot of shopping and lunch. What&#8217;s not to love?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Topsy Turvey Insta moments</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1240" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Clarence-Pier-Upside-Down-House.jpg" alt="Upside Down House Clarence Pier Southsea" class="wp-image-30869" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Clarence-Pier-Upside-Down-House.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Clarence-Pier-Upside-Down-House-800x661.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Clarence-Pier-Upside-Down-House-1000x827.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Clarence-Pier-Upside-Down-House-768x635.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Clarence-Pier-Upside-Down-House-635x525.jpg 635w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>How&#8217;s this for a photo op? Just like something out of an Enid Blyton story, snap happy at the fun new <a href="https://www.clarencepier.co.uk/upside-down-house/">Upside Down House, just opened at Southsea’s Clarence Pier</a>. As you&#8217;d expect, everything is upside down. Kids bouncing off the ceiling? For once it&#8217;s not down to a sugar overload.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Flower power at the Harbour</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1066" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Floral-installation-HarBar-Harbour-Hotel.jpg" alt="Flora Adora flower canopy at HarBar Southampton Harbour Hotel afternoon tea" class="wp-image-30861" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Floral-installation-HarBar-Harbour-Hotel.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Floral-installation-HarBar-Harbour-Hotel-800x569.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Floral-installation-HarBar-Harbour-Hotel-1000x711.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Floral-installation-HarBar-Harbour-Hotel-768x546.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Floral-installation-HarBar-Harbour-Hotel-739x525.jpg 739w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Anyone for tea? Ladies that lunch are going wild for the new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HendricksGinUS/?__cft__[0]=AZWXdufA1ty4oQzHzPsUWh7VwNpSEP82sMdlGVIArcDlG6qPeCU6aHLlSiDrH0xXpzekoQxDj2O1g9g9bZpXHf6bcq_lIkZA3nk_TIh-rdThLdaL7H9QRDSCtHCUkHQ-OfajXF1K30T6vedSP7PgrgWEz6ufHgcK8TZLvy1lULbodNDar28DjXWIEp-U1OI6a7Ftc6UCgVfQ01rTgLiHzWcc&amp;__tn__=kK-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hendrick&#8217;s Gin</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/harbaron6th?__cft__[0]=AZWXdufA1ty4oQzHzPsUWh7VwNpSEP82sMdlGVIArcDlG6qPeCU6aHLlSiDrH0xXpzekoQxDj2O1g9g9bZpXHf6bcq_lIkZA3nk_TIh-rdThLdaL7H9QRDSCtHCUkHQ-OfajXF1K30T6vedSP7PgrgWEz6ufHgcK8TZLvy1lULbodNDar28DjXWIEp-U1OI6a7Ftc6UCgVfQ01rTgLiHzWcc&amp;__tn__=-]K-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harbar on 6th</a>&#8216;s enchanting wild flower inspired garden installation at the <a href="https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk/southampton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southampton Harbour Hotel</a>. Inspired by summer in the New Forest, beneath the pretty, pretty Flora Adora canopy, there&#8217;s new Rose Royce and Sassy Spritz cocktails. And not forgetting the new floral afternoon tea including mini flower pot carrot cake, floral chocolate garden, strawberry meringue pie and prawn and marie rose roll. Form an orderly queue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Townhouse opens in Lymington</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="959" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/The-Townhouse-Lymington.jpg" alt="The Townhouse pub kitchen restaurant new Lymington Hampshire" class="wp-image-30868" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/The-Townhouse-Lymington.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/The-Townhouse-Lymington-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/The-Townhouse-Lymington-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/The-Townhouse-Lymington-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/The-Townhouse-Lymington-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



<p>Over in Lymington, locals are loving the brand new <a href="https://www.thetownhouselymington.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Townhouse</a> pub and kitchen. Opened in late April, it&#8217;s a sister site for The Cliff House at Barton and the Lighthouse at Milford, with plenty of seasonal fresh food and live music on the menu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Vintage year for Hampshire vineyards</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="961" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Raimes-English-Sparking-wine-barn.jpg" alt="Cheese grazing board Raimes English Sparkling Wine Barn Alresford" class="wp-image-30865" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Raimes-English-Sparking-wine-barn.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Raimes-English-Sparking-wine-barn-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Raimes-English-Sparking-wine-barn-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Raimes-English-Sparking-wine-barn-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Raimes-English-Sparking-wine-barn-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



<p>Loads of big news for fans of our fabulous Hampshire fizz to raise a glass to. <a href="https://raimes.co.uk/the-tasting-barn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raimes<strong> </strong>at Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, has just cut the ribbon on a stunning new wine tasting barn</a> and cellar door shop. Tasting flights of English Sparkling wine are pared with grazing boards of artisan cheeses, mixed charcuterie, local smoked trout, hummus, olives, crusty breads and lemon cake.&nbsp;Taxi!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1261" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Louis-Pommery-England-vineyard.jpg" alt="Louis Pommery England vineyard Hampshire English Sparkling wine" class="wp-image-30866" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Louis-Pommery-England-vineyard.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Louis-Pommery-England-vineyard-800x701.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Louis-Pommery-England-vineyard-1000x876.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Louis-Pommery-England-vineyard-768x673.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Louis-Pommery-England-vineyard-600x525.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



<p>Proof, if ever it was needed, that Hampshire really is the place to be when it comes to making top-notch drops, the world-renowned Vranken-Pommery has just been given the planning green light from Winchester City Council for the construction of a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/louispommeryengland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louis Pommery England winery</a> at its Pinglestone estate. The grower, which owns 40 hectares of vineyards in and around Alresford, currently uses the facilities at nearby Hattingley Valley.</p>



<p>Over in Wickham, Quob Park has expanded into town with the reopening of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheOldTeaHouseWickham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Teahouse</a>, now a bistro and wine bar with a pretty tasty looking Sunday lunch menu. And naturally, superflashy&#8217;s all ready to robe up for <a href="https://www.quobpark.com/estate-and-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quob Park&#8217;s boutique, ivy-clad Old House Hotel in the Square here, with brand new spa</a>, opening soon for bookings.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="823" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Hambledon-restaurant-1000x823.jpg" alt="Fine dining fish dish. Hambledon Restaurant English sparkling wine producer vineyard Hampshire" class="wp-image-30867" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Hambledon-restaurant-1000x823.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Hambledon-restaurant-800x659.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Hambledon-restaurant-768x632.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Hambledon-restaurant-638x525.jpg 638w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Hambledon-restaurant.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Napkins at the ready! No longer a pop-up, <a href="https://hambledonvineyard.co.uk/pages/hambledon-pop-up-restaurant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hambledon Vineyard in the South Downs is set to open a resident fine-dining restaurant</a> with oh-so-beautiful vineyard views. Heading up the kitchen, top chef Nick Edgar comes with serious culinary pedigree, working his way through the ranks at Le Manoir aux Quat&#8217;Saisons and earning a Michelin star at the Samling hotel in Windermere.</p>



<p>Handily, all these tasty top Hampshire English sparkling wine producers (and a good few more) belong to <a href="https://www.vineyardsofhampshire.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vineyards of Hampshire</a>. Taste your way through them at the brilliant <a href="https://www.vineyardsofhampshire.co.uk/our-events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fizz Fest 2023</a> on Tuesday 23 July at Hambledon Vineyard. </p>



<p>Looks like 2023 will be a pretty great vintage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kings Worthy pub gets picture-perfect refurb</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1072" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Cart-and-Horses-pub-illu-Kingsworthy.jpg" alt="Cart and Horses pub Kingsworthy Winchester refurbishment" class="wp-image-30874" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Cart-and-Horses-pub-illu-Kingsworthy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Cart-and-Horses-pub-illu-Kingsworthy-800x572.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Cart-and-Horses-pub-illu-Kingsworthy-1000x715.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Cart-and-Horses-pub-illu-Kingsworthy-768x549.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Cart-and-Horses-pub-illu-Kingsworthy-735x525.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Superflashy loves a pretty country pub. And with a multi-million pound refurb in the offing, the Grade II listed Cart and Horses in Kings Worthy near Winchester is all set to become the vision of a perfect watering hole. Expect tasteful new interiors, cosy open fires, landscaped gardens and a new menu celebrating British produce. The official reopening date is late July – watch this space!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Forest Monopoly</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/17/2023/05/New-Forest-Monopoly.jpg" alt="New Forest Monopoly" class="wp-image-30862" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/New-Forest-Monopoly.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/New-Forest-Monopoly-800x575.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/New-Forest-Monopoly-1000x719.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/New-Forest-Monopoly-768x552.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/New-Forest-Monopoly-731x525.jpg 731w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Beware the competitive tycoons. Our beloved National Park could soon be privatised &#8211; temporarily, at least. Launched by Mr Monopoly at the Balmer Lawn Hotel, the classic board game has got a New Forest makeover. </p>



<p>The special edition <a href="https://winningmoves.co.uk/products/new-forest-monopoly-board-game" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Forest Monopoly</a> features more than 30 New Forest landmarks including Exbury Gardens, The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Lymington Aqua Park and Hurst Castle. Move your token &#8211; including a pony, tent, bike and pig around the board. And be sure to take your litter home, or it&#8217;s straight to the clink you go.</p>


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