Originally named by William the Conqueror in 1079, the New Forest in Hampshire enjoys a wonderful location in the south of England. With each season bringing the glory of nature's changing colours the area is a pleasure to visit at any time of year and particularly so in Autumn with all the beautiful foliage. Since childhood I have been fortunate to make many trips to this lovely part of the country and have just returned from an overnight stay at the privately run four-star Careys Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst. Relaxed and welcoming it's always a pleasure to be a guest there and I think the award-winning SenSpa has the best Thai therapists this side of Bangkok. An authentic traditional Thai massage is worth the journey alone.
A special highlight of my recent visit was to have dinner in Cambium, the fine dining restaurant with three AA rosettes, where Alistair Craig is Head Chef. The setting is stylish and spacious, with decor inspired by the surrounding New Forest itself. Alistair's cooking is described on the menu as using 'local ingredients in a worldly way' and presentation is an art form. Working closely with passionate producers based within a close radius, ingredients in the dishes I chose included rabbit served as a light terrine with a tarragon granita and grilled pineapple, followed by delicious cod with saffron potatoes and sea-fresh samphire. My dessert was a moreish Leche frita with apple, blackberry and served with cinnamon ice cream. The Sommelier ensured ideal wine pairings accompanied each course.
As well as championing the best of New Forest produce, the choice of pre-dinner drinks in the bar includes Pothecary gin made in Dorset with distinctive botanicals featuring lavender and mulberries along with the more expected juniper and lemon. Fittingly the New Forest Food & Drink Festival runs from 31st October - 6th November to showcase the fabulous variety of delectable treats in the region. Perhaps a return trip to Careys Manor is in order sooner than expected...
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