40 B4 40-The End of the Quest, or is it?

Anyone that has been following our quest to achieve our '40 B4 40 Dining Challenge' (To dine in 40 restaurants before my wife is 40!), will have spotted that our visit to Rules was: ‘No.38’, and my wife is now 40 - so, technically we have not done the 40, or have we?

The whole thing was, like most thing we do, on a whim and we have been very fortunate to have had lots of fun dining in some great places.

Somehow my wife has kept herself in fine shape and did not reach anywhere near the 14 stone predicted. I however did not fare so well, and there are a fair few extra pounds knocking around.

During the past year we have also re-visited favourite venues for excellent meals, such as Verveine, La Perle, The Marine, The Raft, The Jetty etc., plus pub meals and a couple of restaurants that we did not included. Add to that the curry house visits and Chinese takeaways and we have not gone hungry.

So...., on that basis we could amend original rules which did not allow repeat visits, and we would have smashed it!, or we could gracefully accept a defeat. Either way it does not matter, we had a great time.

Life without a challenge can become boring, and we cannot have that. So, a new challenge is on its way, my money is on it not being too energetic, and being based around food!

40 B4 40 Restaurants Visited:

No.38 | Rules: London WC2
www.rules.co.uk
No.37 | Quilon: London SW1
www.quilon.co.uk

No.36 | L'Autre Pied: London W1
www.lautrepied.co.uk

No.35 | Café Shore: Poole, Dorset
www.cafeshore.co.uk
No.34 | P&O Ventura East: (Atul Kochhar)
www.pocruises.com/cruise-experience/dining

No.33 | The Mill at Gordleton: Lymington
www.themillatgordleton.co.uk

No.32 | Bluebird: Lymington
www.bluebirdrestaurant.co.uk

No.31 | Hibiscus: London
www.hibiscusrestaurant.co.uk

No.30 | The Filly Inn: Brockenhurst
www.thefillyinn.co.uk
No.29 | L'Escargot: London W1
www.lescargotrestaurant.co.uk

No.28 | RAC Club: Pall Mall, London
www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk

No.27 | Gilberts Restaurant: Harrow, Middlesex
www.grimsdyke.com

No.26 | Matahari: Guildford
www.matahariguildford.co.uk

No.25 | Roux at Parliament Square: London, SW1
www.rouxatparliamentsquare.co.uk

No.24 | The Marine: Milford on Sea
www.themarinemos.co.uk

No.23 | The Carlton Club: London, SW1
www.carltonclub.co.uk

No.22 | The Tamarind Tree: Wokingham, Berkshire
www.thetamarindtree.co.uk

No.21 | Lowlander: London, WC2
www.lowlander.com

No.20 | The Beach House: Milford on Sea
www.beachhousemilfordonsea.co.uk

No.19 | Egan's: Lymington
www.eganslymington.co.uk

No.18 | Vesuvio Italian Restaurant: Bournemouth
www.vesuvio.co.uk

No.17 | The Hand and Flowers: Marlow, Buckinghamshire
www.thehandandflowers.co.uk

No.16 | Cantina Laredo: London, WC2
www.cantinalaredo.co.uk

No.15 | Terrace Restaurant (The Montagu Arms Hotel): Beaulieu
www.montaguarmshotel.co.uk

No.14 | La Torre, Castello Del Nero: Tuscany, Italy
www.castellodelnero.com

No.13 | Bel and The Dragon: Godalming
www.belandthedragon-godalming.co.uk

No.12A | Gaucho Charlotte: London W1
www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk

No.12 | La Perle: Milford on Sea
www.laperlemilford.co.uk

No.11 | The Jetty: Christchurch, Dorset
www.thejetty.co.uk

No.10 | Pebble Beach: Barton-on-Sea
www.pebblebeach-uk.com

No.9 | Verveine: Milford on Sea
www.verveine.co.uk

No.8 | The Snakecatcher: Brockenhurst
www.thesnakecatcher.co.uk

No.7 | The Raft: Milford on Sea
www.theraftmos.co.uk

No.6 | Vetiver (Chewton Glen Hotel): New Milton
www.chewtonglen.com/restaurant

No.5 | The Marine: Milford on Sea
www.themarinemos.co.uk

No.4 | The Old Vicarage: Hinton, Dorset
www.vicaragecountryhouse.co.uk

No.3 | Jamie’s Italian: Guildford
www.jamieoliver.com/italian/guildford

No.2 | The Savoy Grill: London, WC2
www.gordonramsay.com/thesavoygrill

No.1 | The Drummond: Guildford
www.thedrummondguildford.co.uk

If for any weird reason you would like to read the reviews on any of the above restaurants, you can search this site by the restaurant name, or find them by clicking here and then scrolling to the restaurant review.

Cream Tea with the RNLI

The energetic team of volunteers in Milford on Sea Branch of the RNLI have had a busy few weeks of fund-raising.

 

On 20th June, Shorefields Country Park invited Milford RNLI to have a presence at one of their regular New Forest Big Band Nights. Members and holidaymakers danced to the big band shounds and a generous raffle raised £289. (NB: The Big Band Nights at Shorefields are on most Thursdays, and open to anyone in the village should you fancy going along.)

 

The next event, on 9th July, saw a glorious Tuesday afternoon when Keyhaven Yacht Club had generously opened its clubhouse for the village RNLI team to host a Cream Tea.  (Thanks go to the generosity of Jennings in Lymington who supplied the scones.) Whilst enjoying the great English custom, guests were also able to relax and watch the harbour life and sailors in the fine sunshine.

I am pleased to say I had got tickets, and in an excellent strategic move I had got my wife to come along. We had a prime position on an outside bench, observing all of the harbour activity, plus the car that had blocked the opening for sailors to return their dinghies to the dinghy park. After around 15 minutes or so, two embarrassed walkers returned and drove away quite sheepishly.

My plan then fell perfectly into shape, - when my wife as unable eat her second scone. Three scones, a mound of jam & cream, and three cups of tea later, my face had a simple smile and I was extolling the virtues of being British!

In total £138 of souvenirs were sold and together with £438 from the afternoon tea ticket sales, another healthy fundraising donation was sent to support the RNLI at Poole HQ by the Milford on Sea team.

 

Shorefields

Tel: 01590 648304 or 01590 648356

www.shorefield.co.uk

RNLI Lifeboats 

www.rnli.co.uk

 

 

Sue Leaving the Counter

News has reached us the Sue is to be retiring from running the Post Office in the High Street, Milford on Sea during August.

 

Not just a Post Office, Sue has added plenty of useful product lines, including; books, cards and of course the wool for local knitters.

 

Many of us will have been to use the very useful village postal services, and numerous customers will have found her very willing and more than helpful. Personally, I have always enjoyed Sue's slightly wicked sense of humour and I am sure she has been a friendly face to many in the village over the years.

 

At present we do not know the future plans for the Post Office.

 

We understand that Sue will be relocating to the Salisbury area, and closer to her daughter.

 

We wish her well in her retirement.

Kate Danby Wins Heppenstall Prize

Local painter Kate Danby has recently won the Heppenstall prize at the annual Lymington Palette Club Exhibition.

 

The Exhibition took place at the Masonic Hall on Lymington High street until Sunday July 7th.

 

Her painting ‘Hartland Point’ was unanimously selected by the three judges who remarked on the strong composition and successful use of deep colour in the work.

 

Kate will also be exhibiting her work, along side Tony Clegg, Tessa Van Hasselt and Shaun Stevens during Hampshire Open Studios from August 10th to August 26th at The Sea Scout Hut in Keyhaven.

 

Indeed a number of village artists have exhibitions running at the same time.

 

Why not pop along to take a look at athe artist skills we have in the village.

 

You can find what is happening, where, and when at: www.milfordonsecalendar.org

40 B4 40-Rules

No.38-Rules (Covent Garden, London)

 

As part of my wife’s 40th birthday celebrations, which seem to lasting around a month, we decided to return to one of my favourite London restaurants (I have quite a few!) for a meal before watching Joe Pasquale in Spamalot.

 

The Big 40 Day was last week, and thankfully a great success, she had loads of presents, bouquets of flowers and I even remembered a card. (Thanks for the reminder Liz). The whole thing was capped with taking over a pub with a mass of friends.

 

Now being in around the tenth day of celebrations, it is proving tough to stay so nice for so long.

 

Before leaving for London, my wife took delivery of new washing machine. Our previous machine had died a week before, so with much gusto and excitement she was loading her new best friend to the gunnels. As we boarded the train she was still smiling a the freshness of her latest wash.

 

This was my wife’s first visit to Rules, which was established in 1798 making it the oldest restaurant in London. It serves traditional British food, specialising in classic game cookery, oysters, pies and puddings. Right up my street!

 

After a tasty starter of Lobster Bisque, our main course arrived; a Steak & Kidney Suet Pudding, and a massive Fish Pie. Tradition, flavour and heartiness all on a plate. Who said the English could not cook delicious dishes before curry!

 

The ambiance was friendly, yet has a special feel about it. From the top hatted and tailed greeting by the doorman, through to the red plush furnishing, burnished wood, crisp white table linen and walls full of historic memorabilia & paintings.

 

As we chatted, including a few conversations about the benefits of a fantastic new washing machine, we were never out of the attention of the serving team, who wore black tie and jackets with a white apron underneath. The service was a sharp as their dress.

 

Choosing a pudding was tough, really tough. Selecting a favourite between; Lemon Meringue Pie, Pavlova with Raspberries, Sticky Toffee Pudding with caramelised walnuts, Black Forest Gateau with morello cherries, Golden Syrup Sponge Pudding with custard or Blancmange with a strawberry soup & summer berries, was never going to be easy.

 

Ultimately, my favourite from childhood won through, and I was soon in ecstasy eating my Golden Syrup Sponge Pudding with custard. My wife even nicked a valuable mouthful as she wondered if her final spin had finished at home.

 

We discovered that during the second world war, Rules stayed open from 1pm to 3pm and offered the compulsory rationed meals at five shillings but could offer copious rabbits, grouse and pheasants which were not rationed. The restaurant could never open on Sundays because it was on Church grounds and could not get a licence.

The restaurant employs 90 staff, and has had many distinguished customers, one of which was Graham Greene, who chose to spend all his birthdays in the quintessentially British surroundings of Rules. There was also a private first floor dining room (now the cocktail bar), where King Edward VII was said to have entertained his lover, Lillie Langtry.

Next year we may return to Rules, but most importantly I will save a fortune on a present, by buying the latest iron on the market – she will love it!

Rules
35 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7LB
www.rules.co.uk

40 B4 40: Quilon

No.37 | Quilon: London , SW1

Even though this was a business lunch a couple of weeks ago, it deserves a mention based on the fact that it is an awesome place to eat.

My dining buddy Alistair was in tow as we entertained two clients. (Their names will remain anonymous to protect the innocent.)

 Quilon is a Michelin Star Indian restaurant, specialising in South East Indian inspired food. Housed in a gracious mansion house a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, it is both elegant and contemporary. Whilst we did not see any members of the Royal Family, we would not have been surprised to see the odd crown here or there.

 

The menu was familiar and unusual at the same time, and we were soon to discover that the familiar was not to be as expected.

 

Most of us enjoy a good curry, and quite rightly so, Quilon takes Indian dining to a completely different level.

Even the chutney's that accompanied the complimentary Mini-Popadums were totally unexpected new flavours. 

 

I am pleased to report that we each shared our courses, so we got plenty to taste and savour. Our 'mini-feast' included Pepper Shrimps in a Fiery Masala, Prawn Masala, Coconut Cream Chicken, Malabar Lamb Biryani, Quilon Halibut Fish Curry, Manglorean Chicken, Lemon Rice and Malabar Paratha.

 

Everything was excellent, but for me, the stand out dish had to be the Halibut Fish Curry, something I had wanted to try for ages.

 

For sweet we had a type of traditional Indian Pancake Chocolate Layer Cake and some fabulous Baked Yogurts in caramelised orange, mango and lychees flavours, plus of course a few bottles of wine along the way.
Indulging in the Indian experience we had gone for a bottle of Indian White Wine and Indian Red wine before reverting to more familiar wine countries.

 

We discovered that Quilon has implemented a Division Bell as requested by the House of Commons & the House of Lords. When a Division is imminent, Members are alerted by a division bell that rings throughout Parliamentary buildings & Quilon, summoning Members of Parliament to the Division Lobbies

When presenting our bill the waiter asked if all was OK. We of course said how we had loved it, and just in passing mentioned that the Indian Red Wine was fine, but the Indian White wine was not to our taste.

 

When the bill arrived, the white wine had not been charged, and no matter how much we protested that we had drunk it and expected to pay, they insisted if we hadn't enjoyed it then they would not charge us. Now, that is quite a special service.

 

You would expect the meal just described to be expensive, but the 3 Course Set Lunch was £24 including coffee, plus service, and this feels good value for such a quality dining experience. The drinks bill was a bit more!

Next door is Zander Bar, the longest bar in London. This of course had to be tried, as were a few more pubs on the way back to Waterloo.  We really should just stop after our meal!

Quilon
41 Buckingham Gate, London SW1 6AF
www.quilon.co.uk

Zander Bar
www.51-buckinghamgate.com
 

Mole Men Close Road

We have received an e-mail claiming to be from Scott Glover, Assistant Highway Engineer for Hampshire Council. I actually suspect it is from our old friend the Master of the Mole Men.

Scott/Mole Master said: As part of the programme of works being undertaken by Operation Resilience we will be undertaking carriageway resurfacing in B3058 Lymington Road from A337 junction to Barnes Lane. The works are programmed to start on Thursday 11 July 2013 and are expected to last for 13 nights. In order to undertake the works safely it will be necessary to close the road from approximately 19:00 to 07:00hrs. The road will be open to through traffic during the day and weekends.

The signed, approved diversion is along the B3058 Cliff Road and A337 Lymington/Christchurch Road. There will however be approximately 3/4 nights when the A337 junction with B3058 will be closed. The diversion will then be signed along A337, B3058, A35, A326 and B3054. Site operatives will be located at closure points to advise public of extents of access during the works.

Information signs advising road users of the works will be erected before the start of works. A letter will be sent to local residents and an email will be sent to New Forest District Council to advise them accordingly.

Should you have any questions or require further information please contact the Operation Resilience team on 0845 603 5633 or email operation.resilience@hants.gov.uk

At first glance this appears an official document, however, I think we all know the nighttime road closure is for a totally different purpose.

Over the past years we have reported how excavations have taken place in local roads around Milford on Sea claiming to be gas, electric, telephone, fibre optic and drainage works etc. The reality of course, is that the 'works' are actually being done by the 'Mole Men' who have been stealthily building a subterranean town below our village.

If you are sceptical, try to recall how often you see men working at the sites. Hardly ever I suspect, and when you do, they are always from a distance, and you cannot spot that they are lifelike inflatable models.

The true short-sighted furry workers of course operate under the darkness of  night, and burrow below our houses preparing more living spaces for their community.

We have heard a rumour that the latest batch of Mole Men may actually be French (Le Mole Men), but we are unable to confirm this at this stage.

The latest 'Roadworks' (Yeah, right!) involves a road closure at night, this is so that their large pieces of furniture can be moved in without being observed.

Should you encounter a Mole Man in Hollands or a village pub, we know they do not bite, so have a chat and post a comment below to let us know what they have said.

Should you encounter a French Mole Man, do not fear, the language barrier can be overcome, as I am of course here to translate, or you can pop in to grab Lionel, our resident French chef at La Perle.  

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If you enter: 'Mole Men', into the ‘Search Box’ above, you will discover all of our previous stories on the adventures of Mole Men”!

Christine Goes Alone

Christine Mulgrew, founder of Total Voice Choir, is stepping forward to the microphone in ‘An Evening with Christine Mulgrew & Friends’.

 

Normally Christine is coordinating other singers, and helping them to improve and enjoy singing. This time, it is her voice that will be centre stage.

 

During the show, she will be joined by Peter Hill, Victoria Hopkins, Eddie Peacock, Kirsty Purves & Brian Towlson. Also, on the evening there will be a bar, cabaret tables and space for those keen enough to dance!

 

Christine has done a great job in getting so many people in the village to join Total Voice, and now she is looking forward to singing herself. Her set will include a broad variety of her favourite songs with an all singing all dancing live band. Christine said; “Singing with me will be my Total Voice business partner Victoria Hopkins and awesome local singer Peter Hill. I can't wait!"

An Evening with Christine Mulgrew & Friends | Sponsored by The Cave
Saturday 27th July at MoS Community Centre

Tickets £9.50 from: Box Office or www.milfordcommunitycentre.org.uk

-------------------------------------------

About Christine & Total Voice Choir

Christine had have many years of singing and performing experience and was studying for a degree in music performance and technology when she had an idea for a community choir.

 

A short while later she decided to see if her home village of Milford on Sea had an appetite for a choir that would learn and perform rock and pop songs, and would be open to all.

 

The first rehearsal took place the Milford on Sea Guide Hut in January 2010. The weather was absolutely dreadful, with thick ice on all the roads. Only seven people made it to the venue that night, but the following week, after a thaw, the numbers began to climb. Nowadays, the hut is packed every week with up to sixty singers. The choir has performed at all sorts of local events and festivals and has gained a reputation for its well-known tunes, relaxed style and boundless enthusiasm.

 

Victoria Hopkins was one of the seven who battled through the snow and ice (all of two hundred yards from her home) to be at the first rehearsal. An experienced classical choral singer and soloist, Victoria enjoyed singing a completely different style of music. When Christine needed a break after her son was born, Victoria stepped into the fray and led the choir.

 

Following her return to work, Christine began working with Victoria on new arrangements and projects. The two decided to go into business together and expand Total Voice into a company offering a range of workshops and events for singers and public speakers in addition to the Total Voice Contemporary and Chamber Choirs.

 

Many of you will have heard our very own village community choir, Total Voice, performing in an around Milford over the last few years, and it is clear that Christine and Victoria are passionate about spreading the joys and benefits of singing for everyone.

Please visit the Total Voice website at www.totalvoice.co.uk for more information.

 

New Campsite on the way

Local residents around Shorefield Way have received a letter from The Camping & Caravanning Club inviting their views regarding an application to set up a small campsite on a property in the road.

The new Milford on Sea site would be for the exclusive use of members of The Camping & Caravanning Club, who are bound by the club's Code of Conduct. The club would carry our regular inspections to ensure standards are continually maintained.

 

A maximum of 5 caravan or motor homes would be allowed at any one time. To receive a certificate certain criteria regarding space and amenities must be met.

It is understood that the site does not actually need formal planning permission, however the Parish Council are discussing the application at their meeting in the Village Hall at 6.30pm on Monday 15th July 2013.

 

As with any change, there are likely to be two opposing views. Some may be concerned about the additional local traffic in the approaching roads, potential expansion or noise. Others may see it as a fair opportunity for the owners to enhance their income, and also a source of valuable additional income for the shops and eateries in the village.

 

Me? Well I cannot understand why anyone would want to sleep outside on the floor or in a mobile tin can. As so many people do it I must be missing something, so I suppose it must be a bit like an outdoor B&B, but you bring your own bedroom and breakfast.

 

Personally, I am more a bar, restaurant and comfortable bed sort of guy.

 

 

Milford's Missing Geocach

We received an e-mail the other day from Teresa, a new resident to Milford after holidaying here for many years. She was enquiring about a 'missing Geocach'.

 

As you may expect, I had no idea what it was, let alone why it may be missing.

 

A bit of research was required, and I soon discovered that Geocaching is a free real-world outdoor treasure hunt, where players try to locate hidden containers, (called geocaches), using a smartphone or GPS and can then share their experiences online.

This weekend Teresa had some friends visit them and they went hunting for Geocaches in Milford on Sea. Apparently, there are quite a number of hidden Geocach containers in and around Milford on Sea, Hurst Spit and Keyhaven.

 

Teresa's party discovered the first Geocach they were searching for in the village, however they were unable to find another one, which was supposed to be near the churchyard on Church Hill. When searching for a Geocach there should be have been an item near the church which has a group of clues to help find it.

So, we have a mystery for anyone who understands this high-tec game. Does anyone know about the whereabouta of the All Saints' Church Geocach?

 

Teresa suggested our dogs may be able to help, but the thought of them digging in the churchyard is not perhaps one people would appreciate.

 

If you have any information please post your thoughts below.

 

Should you wish to find out more about Geocaching in Milford on Sea , please click here. 

 

 

Max in The New Forest

A new book has just been printed and published about "Max" and the New Forest.

 

The board book is a touchy-feely story aimed at pre-school children about the New Forest. Max's adventure takes him on a learning journey through the Forest, touching on the subjects of seasons and what animals he can find in the Forest.

 

The illustrations are hand drawn and painted and the touchy-feely elements include a sticky mud effect. The author and illustrator are both Brockenhurst residents and came up with the idea because they felt there was a lack of children’s books aimed at the preschool age, about the New Forest.

 

More information and contact details can be found on the website: www.bwpublishing.co.uk and they are happy to answer any questions or queries you have.

 

Music Awards in Milford

Local Milford on Sea music teacher, Jenny Davies has once again guided her pupils in passing their Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations.

 

One of her students, Niall passed his grade 3 violin examination with merit, Josh passed his grade 1 classical guitar examinations with merit and Phoebe passed her grade 1 classical guitar examination.

Jenny is an experienced teacher and has been teaching pupils to play a wide range of musical instruments since 2003.

 

If you would like to learn to play a musical instrument, or improve your current skills, you can contact Jenny on 07766 592425 or jenanda@hotmail.com