Explore these recently opened dining spots - from The Grosvenor in Stockbridge, to the Pop-Up Cafe at The Yard in Chilton Candover
Blue Jasmine, Southampton
Why go? For fine Asian gastronomy with marina views, this new restaurant is known locally for its incredible décor and use of local Hampshire produce.
No sooner had it opened back in March was Blue Jasmine given the orders to close its doors to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Now, almost five months later, Executive Chef, Daren Liew is finally back in the kitchen and ready to showcase his amazing talent for fine Asian cuisine. Daren is passionate about using local ingredients combined with spices imported from Malaysia, China and Thailand to create stunning dishes such as Hampshire Pork Belly with Orange and White Chocolate and Hampshire Rib Eye Beef with Black Garlic and Sha Cha sauce. Alongside their beautifully styled main restaurant, there is also a spacious terrace overlooking the water and a private dining room for corporate events and parties. Take me there: Blue Jasmine, 3-4 Alexandra Wharf, Maritime Walk, Ocean Way, Southampton, SO14 3QS
The Northbrook Arms, East Stratton
Why go? Jude’s ice cream, Red Cat beer and Moon Roast coffee – this lovely village pub, with beer garden, has something for everyone - including a tree swing!
East Stratton residents are rejoicing now that their beloved local has had a big refurb and been reopened by new owners, Adam & Kate Shanley. Having purchased the entire site, including the pub, from Lord Northbrook in February 2019 the couple decided to start with the first phase of the refurbishment 12 weeks ago and opened to the public in July. “We couldn’t be happier!” says Adam, “the response and support from both the immediate village (East Stratton) and surrounding areas has been overwhelming. We look forward to building on our offering from here, not to mention carrying on with the development of the site”. Take me there: Northbrook Arms, East Stratton, Winchester, SO21 3DU
The Grosvenor, Stockbridge
Why go? For a long overdue lunch or supper in the stunning walled garden. Feast on fresh Brixham lobster and chips washed down with your favourite burgundy. If you wish to continue the proceedings, make sure you book into one of the newly designed rooms.
This little gem in the heart of Stockbridge has had a huge transformation over the past 18 months. Hampshire interior designer, Lottie Keith, has been working her magic on the bedrooms, mixing up antiques with contemporary pieces and bold colours. Whilst the Hayloft suite, with its own sitting and dining area and Cook’s Corner, has been curated by designer, Alex Lewis. Take me there: The Grosvenor, High St, Stockbridge, SO20 6EU
Pop-up Café at The Yard, Chilton Candover
Why go? The Yard offers a perfect pit-stop for walkers, cyclists and those seeking decent coffee, tasty toasties and the best handmade gelato! “We opened on the 4th July, after a six-month build project that saw a 19th century livestock barn converted to a beautiful event space and pop-up café,” explains Anna Winter. “It was so hard to know how to proceed this year, but we decided that we had a great space that could be adapted for takeaway only; keeping people safe and socially distanced was our top priority. We didn’t know who would come to visit us, but the response has been overwhelming and so encouraging! We’ve been blown away how much people have appreciated the space of the Yard. We knew we had an unusual building, but it was quite a responsibility creating a beautiful, inspiring destination out of what was essentially a derelict shed!” says Anna. The Yard is fortunate to have award-winning coffee roasters, Moon Roast, in the next-door building – so top of the range coffee was inevitable. Focusing on a simple, takeaway menu during the summer, it was the last-minute addition of the gelato bar that has really stolen the show, says Anna, “The gelato is handmade by an Italian gelateria in Bournemouth and we knew it would be an unusual offering in the area! It’s been a huge hit, the gelato is absolutely delicious, and it’s been fun to serve it up, people have loved it a lot!
“We’re dog friendly, and great for families too. There is plenty of off-road parking, and a short walk through our working farm leads you to the secluded courtyard and Yard cafe. We have outdoor seating, and parkland to relax in also. But walkers have been drawn to us as the farm is located on a public footpath, and has links to the Wayfarers Walk, and the Oxdrove too.” A monthly supper club series is also on the horizon and there are plenty of plans for events, talks and workshops. The Yard is also available for private hire. Take me there: Chilton Manor Farm, Chilton Candover, Alresford, SO24 9TX Currently open 3 days a week: Friday and Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm and Sunday 8.30am - 4.30pm
More of the Good Stuff
Why go? This popular café has relocated from Dummer, to the splendour of Worting House – a listed Georgian Country Mansion in Basingstoke.
More of the Good Stuff’s new location makes it popular with walkers, cyclists and dog walkers and anyone else seeking sumptuous cakes! The café continues to serve freshly-made hot and cold food throughout the day, catering for all dietary requirements, as well as alcoholic beverages from two local breweries – Andwell and Itchen Valley Brewery. “We have received a very warm welcome since we moved from Dummer to Worting Village. Whilst we opened in March, Covid made us lockdown until July 6. Since then, we’ve welcomed lots of lovely old and new customers, alike,” says Marketing Manager, Sam. “We will also be hosting everything from quizzes, to outside theatre events - follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with what’s going on.” Take me there: More of the Good Stuff, Worting House, Church Lane, Basingstoke, RG23 9PY. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am-3.30pm with inside and outside tables.
Cork & Bean, Romsey
Why go? To sample the extensive wine list and delicious new breakfast menu.
This brand-new coffee and wine venue in Romsey was opened in July by owners Paul and David. The pair transformed the venue during lockdown, creating a stunning space with beautiful bold décor. Order one of the mixed platters and start exploring the 16 variety of wines on the menu. Come morning, don sunglasses and sample the new breakfast menu…will it be scrambled egg and smashed avocado on sourdough? Or the universally-coveted cinnamon bun? The best thing (besides the lemur wallpaper) is that dogs are welcome too! Take me there: Cork & Bean, 2 Latimer Walk, Romsey
The Sherlock, Southsea
Why go? To investigate Southsea’s novel new venue
Co-owners Richard Peckham and Debbie Moorhead literally spent lockdown at the bar… getting the venue ready for its big reveal back in July. As the name suggests, The Sherlock has been themed around Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes! So expect memorabilia and Sherlock themed décor throughout. Doyle wrote his first two Sherlock Holmes stories – ‘A Study in Scarlet’ and ‘The Sign of Four’ whilst living in Portsmouth – so it’s a fitting tribute to the fictional detective and his creator. Take me there: The Sherlock, Clarendon Road, Southsea
The Holly Blue, Basingstoke
Why go? For a family-friendly local pub, overlooking parkland and inspired by butterflies! Hall & Woodhouse has invested more than £4million to create a landmark building for their Beggarwood pub, The Holly Blue, which is due to open to guests in September 2020. The Holly Blue’s name and design is centred around local heritage with a focus on Beggarwood Park’s butterfly ecology and biodiversity programme. Mark James, Property Director at Hall & Woodhouse, commented, “We spent a lot of time thinking about the pub’s connection with the local area and so naming it after one of the eye-catching butterflies inhabiting the local park, felt like a perfect fit. Guests will notice the butterfly and botanical theme that runs throughout the building, as well as links to local history and stories featured in the pub.”
Hall & Woodhouse commissioned Irish artist, Tonya Clifford, to make bespoke wire sculptures for the pub’s swing signs. The hand-made butterfly artwork took the artist 100 hours to complete and is made of 8,000 blue beads spanning across the wings that measure one metre in size.” Take me there: The Holly Blue, Beggarwood Park, Basingstoke
For coffee lovers
Popular Hampshire coffee maker, Moon Roast, have just opened their Coffee Kiosk at the Moon Roastery at Chiltern Manor Farm. While neighbouring The Yard opens Friday to Sundays, Moon Roast serves up takeaway single origin coffee that can be sipped out front on their patio, while the team hand-roast their favourite coffees on site.
Chilton Manor Farm near Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9TX
10am – 4.00pm Monday – Friday.
Prefer a takeaway?
Look no further than Docks Coffee in Southampton. In a bid to stay afloat during their sudden lockdown closure, owner and founder, Dishi Umfleet, created a delicious takeaway and delivery service. Choose from breakfast in bed, cream tea or the insta-worthy picnic box to rival all picnic boxes!
How do I order? Phone 02380 220749 or email hey@dockscoffee.com
Docks Coffee, 44 Oxford Street, Southampton, SO14 3DP
