If you are stuck for gift ideas this Christmas and have someone to buy for that appreciates good food and drink, or maybe is a dab hand in the kitchen then, this guide could be for you. My suggestions normally come from local suppliers that I have come to know well over the years but a few not so local have snuck in, just because I love them. The Noble Bee I can't speak highly enough about this small business based in the New Forest - Simon Noble the founder produces exceptional quality, delicious honey and beautiful beeswax candles. Several months ago I was lucky enough to spend the day with ..read more

The Great Dorset Menu A Culinary Celebration of the Best of Dorset Dorset-based charity ,Room to Reward, is teaming up with some of the region’s most renowned chefs to create an exciting new culinary event inspired by the best of Dorset's produce. This is the Great British Menu, but with a twist - it’s all about Dorset! ‘The Great Dorset Menu’ is taking place on November 10th, 2023, at the prestigious Captain’s Club in Christchurch. Four talented Dorset chefs will be going head-to-head to be crowned the Dorset champion. A decadent evening overlooking the Avon River, Mark Hix (Oyster & Fis ..read more

Yesterday I was invited to the unveiling of the beautiful life size 'Born Free Forever' sculptures that are currently prowling the grounds of the Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa The bronze sculptures were created by world renowned creative artists Gillie and Marc (Love The Last), every sculpture celebrates Elsa the lioness, Born Free's original inspiration and continual symbol of hope for wildlife. The event was hosted by guest patron Kirsty Gallacher and Executive President Will Travers OBE who spoke passionately about his connection with the lions from a very early age and how the Born Free Fo ..read more

The Cliff in Poole reopened earlier this month after undergoing a complete refurbishment. I was lucky to be able to attend the launch event along with my sister. I really loved the the new decor and can imagine the private dining area becoming a real hit for those looking for an intimate place to celebrate a special occasion. We tried a selection of small plates from the menu including the gorgeously sticky bao buns, pan fried wild scallops, king prawns with chill and feta and the tempura squid. Honestly we should of stopped there but we were encouraged to try more! What is a girl to do? I o ..read more

Brighton i360 Official certainly offers something different if you are looking for a Mother's Day treat. Sip on a glass of NYE Timber the world renowned English sparkling wine, whilst you take the 450m journey to see the view. Follow that with a limited edition Mother's Day Afternoon Tea in West Beach Bar & Restaurant. Click here to find out more and make your booking. My best friend and I had a fantastic day in Brighton a last weekend, we wandered around the lanes, checked out some recommended coffee shops and The Royal Pavillion and then headed back to to seafront to the Brightoni360 W ..read more

Mother's Day in the New Forest New Forest Collection are a family-owned group of hospitality venues based in the New Forest National Park, each with a unique connection to their home. This Mother’s Day they are pulling out all the stops to celebrate those most dear at Bartley Lodge, Beaulieu Inn, Burley Manor, Forest Lodge and The Drift, including a bespoke Afternoon Tea, fit for a Queen and the finest Sunday Lunch in the New Forest. There’s certainly no better time to celebrate the joys of chatting, laughing and sipping with your mum than this Mother’s Day. With the New Forest amplified by b ..read more

I just love an afternoon tea, don't you? After all the excitement of Christmas and the damp January that followed I was thrilled to be invited to Neo for their afternoon tea. Ad/Review If you have never been to Neo I can highly recommend the food and cocktails not to mention the views The contemporary afternoon teas was something I hadn't tried before but the quality of food and service was of their usual high standard. The tea consists of a selection of sandwiches Scottish Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Cucumber, Brown bread Free Range Egg & Truffle Mayonnaise, Watercress, White Bread Ho ..read more

If you are stuck for gift ideas this Christmas and have someone to buy for that appreciates good food and drink or maybe is a dab hand in the kitchen then, this guide could be for you. My suggestions normally come from local suppliers that I have come to know well over the years but a few not so local have snuck in, just because I love them. Dorset Sea Salt Staring with Dorset Sea Salt Co with nine flavours in the range you are spoilt for choice. A great purchase for someone who loves to cook- including the growing number of people making use of cooking outside on the bbq. Celebrity Chef John ..read more

The AA have released their Restaurant Guide for 2023, with a number of restaurants from across Dorset featuring. I have already eaten at quite a few but consider it a personal challenge to eat at the rest before the next guide is released. See who features below: Restaurants from Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Bridport, Lyme Regis, Sherborne, Studland and more were included. Now in its 29th edition, AA's Restaurant Guide for 2023 provides food lovers with breakdowns of restaurants by county, including a detailed description of each destination, information on latest chef changes, opening ti ..read more

Local foodie Louise Jones who runs Food for Thought Cookery School in Poole has just released her debut cookbook, Gut Health Nourish to Flourish. With over 85 gut loving, easy to make delicious recipes, along with top tips and ways to 'pimp my dish' so the whole family can enjoy the same meal. Louise comments that through flavoursome dishes both sweet and savoury, containing an abundance of goodness and ideas, she aims to empower, educate and inspire you to take the first steps to improving your gut microbes. It encompasses everything I have learnt about gut health, all the nourishing foods t ..read more