Latest Newsletter

This is a bit of a quickie, where does the time go! We have had such a busy August on your behalf, we have SIX new reviews for you and 2 updates so hope they may be of use to you over the weekend......

The Cowherds in Southampton revisited in July & August. The quality of the food is very hit and miss but no doubt because of its location it will continue to be packed out whatever we say.

If you are lucky enough to live near Ginos Italian Takeaway in Upper Shirley, Southampton, we highly recommend; be lazy this weekend, or any other time, put your feet up and enjoy home cooked Italian treats!

Cakes and delicious coffee are welcome at any time; JI recommends Maison Blanc, Raymond Blanc's patisserie in Winchester.

Home made scrummy everything is on offer at The Pump House in The Royal Clarence Yard in Gosport. Their food is a favourite of Lin who runs Solent Events & Leisure.

It was hardly fair to judge The Empress of Blandings in Copythorne as we only had a starter each...... and a large glass of wine! It was a revisit and as on our last visit, it was packed so no signs of a recession here, a very popular venue.

Thankfully The Dukes Head in Romsey has been taken over by the same owners as The Rockingham in West Wellow. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, best garlic prawns ever! Highly recommended.

The food at Gary Rhodes' Rhodes South is stunning and scored a highly unusual 5/5 but the portions are ridiculously small so it only received a 2/5 for value for money. Yes we know the location Mudeford is in Dorset but as we keep saying we are old enough to remember when it, along with Christchurch and Bournemouth were in Hampshire!

We discovered a lovely pub/restaurant The Cricketers in Turgis Green, Hook (North Hants residents please note we do listen to your requests for more reviews in your area!). Its a very attractive venue serving excellent food, what more could you want??

Laurel Herman will be bringing her Concept Shopping experience to The De Vere Hotel in Southampton on September 16/17th this is an un missable opportunity! Also check out PositivePresence.com

PETERSFIELD ANTIQUES FAIR is here again - September 11-13, and all Ladies Who Lunch are invited free - just mention the name, for free entry at the Festival Hall Heath Road, Petersfield, Friday & Saturday 10.30-6, Sunday 10.30-5. www.penman-fairs.co.uk Everything is vetted for authenticity, so you are assured of a wise buy! We are also assured that the Venison and Game stew is to die for!

Last month we told you we were very impressed with The Bell in Brook. Delighted to tell you they are now in the Discount Directory offering 10% discount on food, Lunch & Dinner, EVERYDAY in the bar for Privilege Card Holder + unlimited guests. They are also offering preferential room rates, subject to availability and no charge for private room hire.

We make no apologies for plugging our Privilege Cards, they are our only income and help to keep the site going. For how to buy a card go to The Discount Directory where you will also find lots of new or updated offers. Do check them out as many restaurants are now offering discount on the TOTAL bill and some are also giving discount on the weekends! A card only costs £10 and has no expiry date, you could re coup this amount on one visit with friends to some of the restaurants. There are also other businesses in there.

And finally would you like me to organise a Privilege Card Holders Lunch in September???? PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. In this economic climate I need to gauge the interest before I book a venue. Looking forward to hearing from you.

PS Please keep up the Guest Book entries, we love to hear where you have been lunching/dining/drinking, they make great reading!

PPS Please help to spread the word by telling any restaurants you visit that you tried them because of a recommendation by Ladies Who Lunch in Hampshire!