This piece was written before our dear friend Gerard passed away, I will be spending time with Nina and our extended family at Spot in the Woods this Spring… meanwhile I would like you to read this in the spirit of the last time I met with Gerard in 2018…
Working with people, food, photos and words is rewarding, and it has got to be said that when I relay a typical week’s duties at Enjoy HQ, the response I get is, without exception, an expression of disbelief and badly disguised green-eye. I do have an incredible job!
And to take it up another level, my selfless (!) responsibilities as a journalist reporting back to you – the eager reader – are simply made even more sublime when I visit my dearest friends Nina and Gerard Basset at their New Forest boutique bed and breakfast, cunningly named ‘Spot in the Woods’ (previously ‘Hotel TerraVina’).
It is fair to say that I have a couple-crush, and I don’t think that I am alone! Nina and Gerard are inspiring, creative, courageous and professional, and impossible not to fall in love with!
Spot in the Woods is their brand new concept; born from the observation that business was becoming less structured in terms of how customers like to arrange their dining, entertaining and relaxation.
The new-look Spot in the Woods has a less formal feel than its predecessor and its proposition is one of ‘Bed and Breakfast’ – however, I’d like to extend that too – in order of a typical stay: ‘Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Fine Wines, Boutique Bed and a Breakfast fit for a King’ although I’m not sure how that would fit on their business cards!
The ‘Kitchen Café’ restaurant has become a hub for morning coffees and lunches – yummy mummies, happy children, couples, holidaymakers, locals, regulars, groups and businesses – and it all just works. There is no booking system for the Kitchen Café so just show up, have a drink, settle in and enjoy that unique welcome and hospitality alongside a traditional lunch menu from the open-plan kitchen – gourmet burgers, pies, fish and chips, gammon and sausage and mash! Making your own afternoon tea to enjoy on the terrace is a real hit; fresh sandwiches of your choice, cakes you choose, scones, thick, thick cream, lush jam and why not add a glass of Champagne?
There is also the option to book a group of like-minded folk (up to 20) into the new Spot for an early evening of wines, canapés and some delicious deli and gift retail therapy – what a great idea!
For those of you that are resident at Spot in the Woods – the evenings are left to your own devices – a thoughtful list of suggestions for dinner is on the website and at reception. Saunter through the New Forest to any one of the recommendations, or in the summer, why not stock up on delights from the deli and pre–order a simple platter from the kitchen and have a bedroom picnic in your room – many rooms have patios and terraces to enjoy? If you do venture out, you will have plenty of reasons to hurry back to Spot, for a night of deep sleep and luxury comforts in any one of the rooms; including those welcoming children and/or dogs… there are simply no excuses not to plan a stay here!
The breakfast is a picture – healthy options (enough of that) and the really hearty and delightfully indulgent Full English, or a more refined choice of Eggs Florentine amongst other combinations.
Once again – and don’t judge me – have a glass of Champagne and make sure you book a two-night stay… bring your bikes, family, dogs and a smile – this is a Spot not to miss!
@spotinthewoodsuk