There is something about a seaside spot as autumn kicks in. Whilst windy walks are spectacular, there are still those days in October when, if the sun is shining it’s warm, the light has a special quality and the kids can still be out in the fresh air, albeit with a big jumper. So, if the forecast looks okay at any point over the next … Continue reading Autumn magic at Mudeford
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The cricket legend that is Sir Ian Botham recently launched a new venture Botham Wines, a collection of Australian and New Zealand wines that he has personally created and which you can now sample at Beefy’s Restaurant at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The collection was put together as he travelled across Australia and New Zealand, visiting many of what he calls “the wine making … Continue reading Sir Ian Botham wines and menu at The Ageas Bowl
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In a quiet spot in the West Sussex countryside, sits a little gem of a foodie country pub with rooms, which is, without doubt, worth seeking out. The Crab & Lobster at Sidlesham on the Manhood Peninsular (yes really) nestles on the banks of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve, and you can smell the salty sea air as you walk from your car to the inn, … Continue reading Selsey crab and much more
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
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the spectacular 200-acre Exbury Gardens near Beaulieu in the New Forest. World famous for its Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs, Exbury is celebrating its big birthday with some impressive new projects and a series of special events. A new ‘secret centenary garden’ and ‘stream’ of spring bulbs opened to the public in … Continue reading 100 years of glory at Exbury
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
