It’s a bit dreary at this time of year weather wise, but a bright new start in other ways!
As per usual at this time of year my list making has gone into overdrive, and I’m already thinking up party themes – tea parties for friends and family to cheer them up in the cold damp days of January and February. Armed with my trusty Filofax organizer (yes, some of us still use them) I’m off to get a bit of inspiration on a tour of our local tearooms.
One of my favourites is Stokes of Stockbridge – where they sell delicious club sandwiches and soups, and the most amazing sticky toffee pudding – it’s reasonably priced and a lovely atmosphere; a great place to meet up for a girlies’ lunchtime gossip! The service is superb and the staff are really cheery and lovely! It used to be the garage in Stockbridge and so has lots of character and unique artifacts relating to the garage – such as old oil cans – which adds to the atmosphere of quirky charm!
Another favourite is the recently opened Leckford Estate Farm Shop cafe where a cozy wood-burning stove creates a warm and comforting setting for a cup of coffee and some tasty cake!
Longstock Park Nursery is part of the Leckford Estate which is owned and managed by Waitrose. The nursery is set in and around a brick and flint walled garden, and is home to National Collections of Buddleja (although at this time of year it’s better to stay inside the cafe and keep warm) but do come back again in the summer because it’s just the most perfect garden to look around, full of butterfly and bee covered lavender. I bought several different Buddleja there last year and they are fabulous – such unusual colours and shapes.
If you are in Winchester (and I frequently am) then you are spoilt for choice with all the tea-rooms and cafes, but Toms Deli in St Georges Street is one of the best – a great little Italian coffee shop in the heart of the city, selling fresh juice, coffee, panini, panetoni and other snacks – yummy! You feel just like you are actually in Italy in this small family run business which sells and cooks tasty treats.
Well – I must go and get back to my lists …
- What plants to grow and seeds to buy
- Clothes to sort through and replace
- Books to read
- National Trust days out in Hampshire,Wiltshire and Dorset
- Beaches to explore on the South Coast
- National Gardens Open visits
Let me know what’s on your list this year – and please send tips about any of the above named topics!
Comfort and Joy 