The South Sensation bloggers never need an excuse to drink gin, but when World Gin Day came around in June, we decided it might be a good idea to make our gin tasting a little more focused by checking out the offerings from our local distilleries. We bought a box of five to try from @masterofmalt, which came nicely packaged with a set of tasting … Continue reading Let the tasting beGIN!
Alongside a traditional Sunday roast, Wimbledon, fish and chips, and our quirky sense of humour, a nice pot of tea with dainty sandwiches, warm scones and as many pastries as I can eat is very close to the top of my ‘things that make me glad to be British’ list. Whether you say scon or scoan, and whether you’re cream first or jam first (it … Continue reading The Montagu Arms has afternoons off to a tea
Our patch has some amazing gin producers and World Gin Day has prompted an idea. We’re going to run an ongoing review from the counties we cover. Hampshire, Dorset, West Sussex, Wiltshire and the Isle of Wight. The South Sensation Ginspiration Collection! We’ve ordered a taster sample box from Master or Malt which will arrive in a couple of days. Their’s is a brilliant idea … Continue reading A local challenge for World Gin Day
If a homemade savoury cheese scone with bacon drizzled in maple syrup, or lavender and coconut macaroons, sound like your sort of daytime indulgence then the New Forest Lavender Tearooms just off the main A36 at Plaitford is a place to head to. If you’re a keen gardener, as well as a cake lover, then this is a destination which is a must. The gardens … Continue reading Fields of lavender, gardens and homemade cake
Stanwell House, a boutique hotel, bar and restaurant in the High Street in Lymington sits in an enviable position in the New Forest with both coast and country right on its doorstep, an ideal spot for a short break to this spectacular corner of the British Isles. A classic yachty town, with a marina and historic cobbled streets, it has more than its fair share … Continue reading Superb tasting menu in the New Forest
Hidden away down a leafy lane in West Dorset is Down House Farm, a quirky garden cafe with the most delicious of home-cooked food. Mostly it’s walkers on the coastal path between Eype and Seatown, who stumble on the delights of Down House Farm, from signposts directing them on a short walk inland. Honestly if you drive down the lane you can’t help but question … Continue reading Dorset cafe worth hunting out
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For great seaside walks, whatever the weather, few places in Hampshire can beat Stokes Bay. Its stone beaches look out over the Solent, across to the Isle of Wight and free parking right on the water’s edge makes for a perfect picnic on the beach or a lovely spot to read a book from the warmth of your car. At one end is Browndown, these … Continue reading Great seaside walks with spots to stop
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It’s always a bit of a lottery, going out for a Sunday roast. It should be such a treat, but I’ve picked half-heartedly at too many lacklustre vegetables, hard roasties, and over-cooked beef. And it’s always a bitter pill when you have to pay for something you know you could have done so much better at home. So to find a pub that serves a … Continue reading A lazy Sunday afternoon at The Bell Inn
Portchester, on the outskirts of Portsmouth is famed for its English Heritage castle, but it is also home to a little-known café, hidden away at the Wicor Marina Yacht Haven. It’s definitely one to hunt out if you’re a fan of sourdough toast, good coffee and amazing cakes – all served up with a coastal view. There’s an outdoor balcony where dog-walkers with their mutts, … Continue reading Hidden away, the Salt Cafe
There’s a certain joie de vivre that comes with tasting different wines and cheeses. The French have got it down to a fine art, so with that in mind I headed to Cheese and Cheers in Southsea. A cosy venue in Osborne Road and with the decorative touches of an Alpine cabin, this quirky restaurant has cheese, cheese, and more cheese. Emmental, Beaufort, Saint Marcellin, … Continue reading A cheese lovers’ paradise in Hampshire
