Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - September/October 2024 (Issue 106)

TO DINE FOR THE NICI is set to launch its second restaurant this June, with the opening of Old Harry Rocks Bar & Restaurant - a new casual dining spot at Dorset’s acclaimed hotel. Set on the Westcliff, overlooking Bournemouth’s iconic sandy shores with sweeping views of the Purbecks, this breezy beachside restaurant promises to be the ultimate laidback, sundrenched hangout for foodies and seaside revellers alike. Rustic-luxe interiors have been carefully crafted to evoke a sense of effortless cool. Warm woods, terrazzo tile floors and woven pendant lighting create a relaxed vibe reminiscent of Mediterranean island hot spots. At the heart of the 120-cover restaurant will be a striking statement fireplace, enveloped by an inviting seating area where guests can enjoy cocktails and conversation. A dual-aspect bar will serve drinks to the restaurant and poolside residents – as they kick back in a cabana. Expansive glass bi-fold doors blur the line between indoors and out, extending the atmosphere onto a sprawling terrace, ideal for leisurely lunches and sundowners overlooking the views. Come winter, the space transforms into a cosy haven. Menus showcase informal but sumptuous seasonal dishes from the ocean or field, with grilled steak and seafood as Old Harry Rocks staples. An excellent wine list and curated signature sundowner cocktails complement it. The debut of Old Harry Rocks caps off the exciting transformation of THE NICI into a year-round destination resort. Having first opened to much buzz in the summer of 2022, the 88-bedroom hotel welcomed a new 30m heated outdoor pool and award-winning spa in the summer of 2023. Its South Beach Bar & Restaurant will continue to showcase exceptional seafood with an expansive outdoor terrace for al fresco dining. Discover: https://oldharryrocks.com THE RING OF CHANGES There’s a profound authenticity in nature’s raw beauty, and the team at Charlotte Cornelius Jewellery Design has been captivated by the work of local seagrass conservationists. They’re inspired to raise awareness of preserving ocean seagrass meadows through the beauty of a spectacular design-led sustainable jewellery collection, both designed and handmade on the Hampshire coast. The team’s mission has been to incorporate these marine elements when designing their glamorous new Poseidon Seagrass Collection, creating exquisite jewellery pieces that reflect the elegance of nature and tell a story of restoration and hope. The collection combines fabulous, sustainably sourced gems and precious metals with intriguing ocean elements united by fronds of flowing seagrass. The collection is named POSEIDON’ after the Greek god of the sea and is also a Mediterranean type of seagrass. The designs will immerse the wearer in a colourful and intriguing underwater world while highlighting the local conservation work. The team is committed to donating 10 per cent of profits on all sales over the first year to seagrass restoration. Discover: https://charlottecornelius.co.uk SPOOKY SEASON Looking for a fun activity for the whole family? Join loved ones as they wander from dusk into darkness at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest through the new Halloween trail. But remember, the darker it gets, the spookier it gets. Explore the forest to discover the secret cemetery hidden in the trees; people say it’s haunted by a ghostly undertaker and surrounded by lost souls, woodland spirits and creaking coffins. The spine-tingling mayhem continues among the tall creeping trees as guests dodge thunderstorms, wicked witches, horrible highwaymen and larger-than-life spiders. Keep an eye out for those tree demons; they are always watching! Natalie Crabb, Recreation Ranger Manager for Forestry England at Moors Valley says, “We’re excited about our amazing new illuminated Halloween trail and can’t wait for our visitors to see it. It’s a perfect Halloween outing for all the family, with lots of ghoulish experiences, fun, and surprises to encounter and explore as you wander through the forest. Different time slots are available from dusk to later evening slots, so visitors can pick the one that works best for them and enjoy some amazing treats along the way. It will be a great way to have some spooky fun this Halloween. The trail is open from October 25th to November 3rd 2024. Tickets per adult are £12 or £8 for children ages three to 16. Alternatively, there are family tickets for £37 available. Book now: https://premier.ticketek.co.uk/shows/show.aspx?sh=MVTRAILL24 www.rg.live 10

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