Wednesday 26 February 2014

Lime Wood - A Review

If you are looking for some R&R not too far from London, then look no further than Lime Wood, New Hampshire. Less than two hours by train from London Waterloo it's close enough to be a nice simple trip but far away enough to make you truly feel like you have left the big smoke behind. Surrounded by the stunning New Forest (complete with ponies!!), you will feel like you have stepped into some enchanted fairy tale as soon as you feast your eyes on the lush greenery. Arriving by taxi from nearby Brockenhurst station you can check in and leave your stresses at the door. 

New Forest, strictly stress free zone





With the delights of the Herb House spa, you can indulge in an array of treatments. I went for the Signature Bamford, promising myself to stay away to enjoy every moment but halfway through I was so relaxed I couldn't help but fall asleep. Feeling a bit famished after all the treatment, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi (all this relaxing sure takes it out on a girl) my friends and I went for a quick bite to eat at Raw & Cured. I never knew uncooked food could taste so good!

Our dinner at Hartnett Holder & Co did not disappoint either. The service was impeccable and the food simply divine. We decided to retire early that evening to enjoy a long forest walk before heading back to London the next day. The beds were so comfortable I drifted off to the Land of Nod as soon as my head hit he pillow. 



Breakfast is served in the Scullery, where we enjoyed the amazing cold buffet spread along with full English breakfasts. We couldn't have asked for a better way to start the day. With our bellies full our mission was to walk it off in the surrounding forests.






Luckily for us, Lime Wood are considerate enough to provide much needed (and coveted) Hunter wellies. I prompted fell in love with my floral pair (having left my beloved pink ones at home thinking it was going to rain and thus no walking).




Armed with a map (which we ignored), we set off on the path that led to the forest. What followed was two hours of walking and admiring the New Forest in all it's glory. 




Even as a bona-fide city girl, at that moment in time I wished I lived closer to this amazing part of the country so I could do it every weekend. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and we set off back to London. Having arrived at rush hour, the relaxed bubble we were in prompted burst and we all vowed another trip back to Lime Wood as soon as we could!




Oblix - over rated or outstanding?

When my other half announced we were going to Oblix for my birthday meal I fully expected it to be one of those poncy places with amazing views but not so amazing food (was still uber excited to try out though I must say). I am pleased to say I was completely wrong. The food was as impressive as the views with my steak being so flavoursome and sublime I didn't even need any of the peppercorn sauce with it (as good as the sauce was). I thought the views from Oblix trumped Hutong's, although maybe I was just more dazzled because we got a great window seat. Highly recommended!


Clockwise from top left: Soft Shell Crab, Fish cakes, Steak and Scallops