Sitting between the enchanting New Forest and the rolling Hampshire coast, this month Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, a part of the Iconic Luxury Hotels family, is set to unveil its reimagined Dining Room, Bar and Drawing Rooms. Under the masterful direction of London design studio Goddard Littlefair, the spaces embody an enviable authenticity and sense of place, where thoughtfully-designed interiors blend contemporary touches with timeless elegance, and curated new menus are inspired by the coastline’s seasonal bounty.
The Dining Room
At the heart of the hotel is The Dining Room, where a collection of distinct spaces promise to elevate all-day dining into experiential journeys, continuing to cement its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Hampshire. The sun-drenched Orangery and Summer Room see a soft, subtle colour palette inspired by the hotel’s sylvan surroundings sit alongside verdant botanicals and potted plants, bringing the outdoors in; while expansive terraces with luxurious outdoor seating beckon for al fresco moments.
New seasonal menus pay homage to the coastal terroir, with a selection of fresh British seafood and fish, artfully complemented by produce locally-sourced from British farmers and trusted New Forest suppliers, and treasures cultivated within the hotel’s own heritage orchards and kitchen gardens. A celebration of the very best of New Forest dining, signature dishes include Halibut T-bone with sea vegetables, lobster and tarragon sauce; Rod & Line caught seabass with fennel puree, brown shrimps, lilliput capers and preserved lemon; and Somerset Saxon chicken, with romesco, courgette and Marcona almonds.
Flowing on from the Orangery is the Tasting Room, an intimate space with a mirrored ceiling and plush banquet seating, where the offering changes with the ever-changing mood of the day. In the morning, the room acts an open pantry evoking the feel of a contemporary countryside kitchen, where the wooden harvest table is laid with seasonal breakfast highlights: artisan sourdough with British cured meats and cheeses, hand-baked granola with Greek yoghurt and Chewton Glen’s own honey, flaky pastries and signature Dorset apple cake, and a Bloody Mary station complete with New Forest tomato juice and Isle of Wight Mermaid vodka. Come dusk, the space is transformed into an immersive sanctuary for oenophiles and culinary explorers alike, where Chewton Glen’s expert sommeliers, chefs and mixologists will take centre stage for immersive wine tastings, gastronomy masterclasses and exclusive chef’s evenings.
The Drawing Rooms
Beyond the Dining Room, Goddard Littlefair have reimagined the hotel’s Drawing Rooms into an elegant gathering space for hotel guests and locals alike, celebrating Chewton Glen’s residential roots. Completely restyled, the new interiors are a calming mix of natural colours and tactile finishes – earthy greens, inky tones and natural wood touches – creating an elegant design that pays tribute to the hotel’s storied heritage; a romantic nod to the adventures of travellers who have long-since passed through the fabled New Forest. The atmosphere is one of refined ease, of coming home, where guests can embrace formal elegance or understated relaxation with equal grace.
Unfolding with the energy of the tides, the Drawing Rooms offers changing indulgences at different times of day. Each morning, the space begins to stir with the scent of just-baked pastries, freshly-brewed coffee and fresh mint tea from the garden, where guests can embrace slow fireside mornings with friends. Throughout the afternoon, guests can indulge in a relaxed afternoon tea with homemade cakes, fresh English strawberries and cream and a selection of fine British teas, alongside a light lunch menu for those in search of a more relaxed affair. As twilight descends, the atmosphere takes on a hedonistic glamour: think pre-dinner oysters and caviar, Champagne and fine wines, while post-supper, guests are invited to return to enjoy cheese pairings, homemade chocolates and liqueur coffees.
The Colonel’s Bar
Already well-loved as one of the best bars in the New Forest, The Colonel’s Bar has also been redesigned to become a sanctuary of understated English grandeur. A tribute to its namesake, Colonel Tinker, the oak-lined bar is adorned in tartans, tweeds and rich scarlet tones, the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks or late night digestifs alike. Shelves are lined with rare single malts, amber-hued brandies and Iconic Luxury Hotels’ very own ‘Iconic Gin’ for signature cocktails, such as the Fitz Peach and Marryat’s Mint Julep; yet another nod to Chewton Glen’s rich history, honouring former resident Captain Frederick Marryat, whose masterpiece The Children of the New Forest drew inspiration from these very surroundings, and who was famed for popularising the Mint Julep in the UK, after discovering it during his travels through the United States.
A sumptuous space for all seasons, deep velvet sofas and crackling hearths lend a cosy warmth to every corner, while throughout the summer, French doors open up onto the terrace overlooking Chewton Glen’s iconic croquet lawn. Surrounded by manicured gardens and vibrant roses, on warmer days The Colonel’s Bar is the perfect spot for golden-hour revelry – sundowner cocktails, delicate rosé and a light bites including Dorset lobster rolls in homemade brioche, New Forest summer salads, and charcuterie and cheese boards that celebrate the region’s finest artisanal traditions.
Celebrating 60 years in 2026
Driven forward by Chewton Glen’s newly appointed General Manager, Guy Owen, this grand unveiling is merely the prelude to Chewton Glen’s next chapter, with a sweeping transformation of the guest suites and a roster of 60th anniversary experiences waiting in the wings to further enchant visitors in 2026.
For restaurant and hotel reservations, visit www.chewtonglen.co m
Hotel website
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
Christchurch Road,New Milton
New Milton, BH25 6QS
United Kingdom
+44 1425 275341
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