Clubs, Classes & Sports

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Tuesday 18 December 2018

Verveine in Harden’s Best 100 UK Restaurant 2019

Dave Wykes Chef/Patron at Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant in Milford on Sea village has won the prestigious accolade of appearing in Harden’s Best 100 UK Restaurant 2019.

The Harden's Restaurant Guide sits alongside the Michelin Guide when it comes to restaurant reviews.

Better than just being in the Top 100 restaurants in the UK, Verveine was placed in 62nd position, and above such renowned dining rooms (and numerous Michelin Star restaurants) as: 

67. Nobu, Metropolitan Hotel, London
68. Amaya, London
69. The Greenhouse, London
75. Roux at Parliament Square, RICS, London
78. Story, London
80. Hélène Darroze, The Connaught Hotel, London
82. Marcus, The Berkeley, London
83. Pollen Street Social, London
87. Outlaw’s at The Capital, London
92. Trishna, London
93. Murano, London
95. The Kitchin, Edinburgh
97. The Ritz, London

Congratulations Dave, the recognition is really well deserved!


Still Looking for a Christmas Present?

Dave has also launched his own cook book entitled 'Verveine'.

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The book is packed full of amazing recipes, flavour guides and incredible photography. 

It is unlikely that we can all have the pleasure of eating at Verveine daily, so it is great that everyone can now enjoy Dave's passion and talents in pictures. The food at Verveine is art without a doubt.

It has long been Dave's dream to create a cook book, and it is a pleasure to see his dream realised, particularly as he has created this whilst being full-time in his restaurant kitchen delighting diners on a daily basis.

If you are looking to cook something wonderful at home, or to create a dish to impress friends at a dinner party, then look no further.

It would also make a great Christmas Present!

Dave can deliver the book anywhere in the UK for a total price of £40. Just give them a call to order your copy today on 01590 642176. 

The book is a must for any keen cook, food or photography lover. 

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Verveine Restaurant
98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
01590 642176

Granary Kitchen launch 2019 Cookery Courses

The Granary Kitchen have launched their new 2019 Cookery Course dates which can be booked on www.thegranarykitchen.co.uk.

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The Granary Kitchen is the brainchild of Christian Rivron who has spent many years working and training in a variety of different establishments including country parks, hotels, and restaurants in Lymington and the surrounding areas along the south coast. He has gained knowledge and experience of using the fresh, local and seasonal produce available in the New Forest, Hampshire and Dorset. Christian is now excited to share his passion, enthusiasm and creativity, to help people increase their confidence in entertaining guests in the comfort of their own homes.

Cooking Course dates for 2019
  • Meat & Game Saturday 26th January 
  • Italian Saturday 23rd February 
  • Fish & Shellfish Saturday 30th March 
  • Healthy Eating Saturday 27th April 
  • Mediterranean Saturday 11th May 
  • Desserts & Pastries Saturday 15th June 
  • Greek Saturday 20th July 
  • South American Saturday 17th August 
  • French Saturday 28th September 
  • Winter Warmers Saturday 19th October 
  • Meat & Game Saturday 23rd November 
  • Christmas Made Easy Saturday 30th November 

The Granary Kitchen also offer Private Dining & Event Catering, Private Dining events, Private Cookery School, Corporate Team Building and Gift Vouchers, so take a look at the website to see how any of these might suit you.


The Granary Kitchen
Newlands Manor Farm
SO41 0JH

Wednesday 12 December 2018

Late Night Shopping & Xmas at No64 Biscuit House

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We all like to support our village shops, so here is a message from Clare and Glenn at No64 Biscuit House detailing all that is happening in their shop throughout December:

"By popular request No64 Biscuit House decided to open late one night before Christmas, so the pressure's now on us to choose the right night to suit everyone.....gulp!

So for those of you finding it tricky to get to us during the day, and with festive family gatherings preventing some of you getting to us on the last 2 weekends before the big day, we're now going to be open until 8pm on Thursday December 20th.

We're also going to be open on the last Sunday before Christmas (December 23rd) , between 10am & 4pm, for those last minute gifts you may still have to buy.

And don't forget we also do gift vouchers, for any amount to suit you, which can also be redeemed online if you would like to send one to someone afar.

In fact, as we get asked an awful lot, here's our opening days / hours for the rest of 2018 (9.30am – 5pm unless stated):
  • 13th - 19th December - Open as usual (closed Sunday 16th) 
  • Thursday 20th – Late Night Opening until 8pm 
  • 21st & 22nd – Open as usual 
  • Sunday 23rd – Open 10am – 4pm 
  • Christmas Eve – Open 10am – 4pm (& then party next door at La Perle from 8pm – all welcome!) 
  • 25th to 27th – Closed 
  • 28th & 29th – Open 10am – 4pm 
  • 30th December – January 21st – Closed
Annie Sloan (paint & accessories) enthusiasts please note: we are closed from 30th December until January 21st and so if you've a project planned for early new year do please stock up with what you need before we close on December 30th.

We hope that suits everyone, and of course we hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and an amazing New Year!"


Clare and Glenn
No64 Biscuit House

www.No64.co.uk
01590 643765



Tuesday 11 December 2018

School Art from Waste

We have heard from Kate Crawford, Headteacher at Milford-on-Sea C of E Primary School who tells us about the Beach Schools

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This is where their Y5 and Y6 pupils have been out and about on Milford Beach over the last few weeks and have got into the festive spirit by making ‘litter wreaths’ out of the rubbish they have found. 

The Beach School participants continue to be amazed by the strange and harmful items that make their way into our oceans and washed up onto our shores. They have also been busy identifying shells and seaweed common to our shores and every child has made a shell necklace to wear themselves or give as a Christmas gift. 

Kate would like to thank all of School's Volunteers, who have worked with the children this term, whatever the weather! 

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Milford-on-Sea C of E Primary School are always looking for volunteers to help with their Forest and Beach Schools Sessions.

If you have a free afternoon and would like to offer your time, please contact: 
t.hussey@mosps.hants.sch.uk or call the school on 01590 642945

PS: The wreath's look great, nice work all!



Friday 7 December 2018

Award for village Paddle Sport Company

We were pleased to hear that The New Forest Paddle Sport Company in the high street was last night a winner in the New Forest Business Awards.

They won the Go New Forest Award for Outstanding Contribution to Visitor Economy.

Congratulations to Sean and his team.



The New Forest Paddle Sport Company 
46 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD - 01590 645270

Wednesday 5 December 2018

Ray’s Italian Kitchen Now Open

The hugely anticipated new restaurant, Ray’s Italian Kitchen is now open in the village, welcoming guests to its 65- cover newly refurbished eatery.

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It will be offering dishes big on flavour, such as Salsa di Noci, a spinach and ricotta tortellini, Insalata Mediterranea with rosary goats cheese, figs and pomegranate and the classic pizzas, Quattro Stagioni and Diavola.

There is also the option of a ‘Small Plate’ grazing menu of Ham Croquettes Gigantes Beans, Lentils, hake fillet and sauce vierge and Chickpea, feta, basil, tomato red onion salad, ideal for sharing.

Every detail of the restaurant has been obsessed over by owner, Stacey down to the sophisticated interior in tones of gold and blue, creating a place for eating, drinking, talking and sharing.

Going back to her roots, Stacey can be found in the kitchen, ensuring that the quality of food is of the highest standard.

To book please call 01590 645300 or email: info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk


Ray’s Italian Kitchen
11 High Street 
Milford on Sea 
SO41 0QF




Tuesday 4 December 2018

Local ladies look to improve village Christmas Tree

For several years now the village Christmas Tree has not been what most residents and visitors would like to see.

Whilst Father Christmas obviously exists, it is not his elves who put the Christmas Tree on the village green. In fact, I'm not even sure who does fund it, but it may be the Parish Council. Anyway, whoever it is, I am sure they do their best with the resources they have. Even though the time of year is magical, getting the tree there at all, costs money.

Added to this, volunteers give their time to erect the tree on the village green, including Simeon Morgan from Aubrey Farm who has been up with his team and heavy equipment to help out in past years.

With the Christmas Tree being so large, it is difficult to make it spectacular without a significant budget.

Val Plummer and
Bob Bishop,
Parish Council Chairman
In 2016 village based interior designer, Val Plummer personally donated a new set of lights to improve the tree for all. Her generous donation was welcomed and made the village centre that little more bright.

This year Tracy Haupt approached Graham Wells at the Parish Council (who has been very supportive) and he agreed she could help to oversee the lights going on the tree this year. Tracy saw this as a start to making the tree look more attractive for this year. She then spoke to a number of her friends (Diana Brushwood, Denise Gardiner, Eileen Maycock, Mayve Larke, Shelagh Richardson & Judith Say) and they decided to make 100 sparkly silver bows for the tree. These would be quick and easy to make and relatively inexpensive too (the cost of the ribbon and floristry wire came out of their own pockets).

Ultimately, the team have now made 100 bows - 50 sparkly silver and 50 of the red and white. Plus, some very large bows - not sure how many but probably 35/40.

The tree is being delivered to the village on Tuesday 5th December and the ladies will be there to attach their bows. They’d like to have done far more, but with the limited resources and time left, will do their best to improve the look of the tree for this year.

LtoR: Tracy, Denise, Diana, Mayve and Judith.
(Eileen not in picture.)
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Looking ahead to 2019, they would like to see representatives from various local associations and schools coming together to set up a ‘Xmas Decoration Committee’. This group would decide on how best to decorate the village and tree and the funds required. Meeting initially in April/May would allow plenty of time for the making of decorations throughout the summer, getting the whole community involved. 

An official donation page could be set up to raise funds from residents, associations and local businesses and that way, we could decorate this wonderful village to a level we would all be so proud of.

It is exciting that our village Christmas Tree will be a lot more sparkly this year and if you‘re interested in helping the ladies grow this project further, by joining the ‘Xmas Decoration Committee’ then please let Graham in the Parish Council know. He’ll keep a list of names until the first meeting is called. 

Come along to see the Christmas Tree in all of its glory anytime, and take the opportunity to buy your Christmas treat or gifts from the village shops, or to make it a bit special, join the crowds for Carols on the Green This Friday. The band starts at 5.45pm to be following by the carol singing about 6.30pm. (7th December). The shops will also stay open late.

Memory Tree helping to light up the lives

Sue Whitlock, Parish Councillor and Trustee of the Community Centre switched on the lights on the Memory Tree outside the Centre this week. 

The Memory Tree is aimed to light up the lives of people living with dementia and their families.

People can buy bows and baubles in memory of loved ones to raise money for Milford's Dementia Action Group, which funds some of the groups in the village, as well as providing free information sessions about dementia. 

The Group have been overwhelmed by the support of the village during the past year. South Lawn Hotel and Verveine are among the many businesses who have offered support and the U3A and the WI have organised events, said Jenny Whitley, on behalf of the Group. "We are delighted that the WI are running this week's First Friday Lunch for us. The food will be great and it's raising money for a very worthwhile cause."