This weekend we headed to The New Forest for a night - going for a leisurely stroll during the day and picking up a new throw in Beaulieu before heading to The Pig in Brockenhurst where we watched Freaky Friday with a bottle of bubbles and then headed downstairs for cocktails and supper. 

We've been to The Pig once before and decided to return for our six year anniversary. The rooms are so beautiful and cosy and chic, the service is warm, relaxed and friendly and the hotel itself is perfection. 

Alas, the one downside was that the restaurant has sadly changed a bit since our last visit. We absolutely LOVED the food a couple of years ago. There was enormous attention to detail, the menu was exciting and the food was utterly delicious. Memorably so, desperate-to-back-so.

The atmosphere of the dining room was unchanged but to be brutally honest, we were disappointed with the food. It's gone more pub-grub (steak, ham hock, some incredibly unnecessary deep frying of supposedly "literally picked that day" greens) which is fine... if you know that's what you're getting. We had a table at 8pm but, after waiting to be served for quite a while (our waitress was very apologetic), my boyfriend's first and second menu choices had already sold out.
The Pig describes itself as 'a restaurant with rooms' and I think on our last visit, it really felt like it was. This time, it felt like the emphasis had shifted away from the food and the kitchen garden - even though the rest of the hotel remained just as perfect as we remembered.

Despite all this, we did still have such a brilliant stay and I'd absolutely go back in a heartbeat (but maybe have just the one course in the dining room and focus more on the cocktails). 

For our walk I wore: my boyfriend's Uniqlo down coat, Topshop Jamie Jeans and Hunter Wellington boots. 

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NEW IN: MOROCCAN SOUVENIRS

I knew before going to Morocco that I wanted to return with two things: patterned bowls and a straw bag. It was horribly difficult to choose between all the beautiful offerings in the souk, but I came away with a brightly embroidered straw bag and four bowls. We resisted getting a big serving bowl - which I regret - but there's always next time! 

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TRAVEL: MOROCCO PHOTO DIARY

A few of my favourite pictures from our week-long trip to Essaouira in Morocco. It was all pots of fresh mint tea, bowl picking and bartering in the bustling souk, marvelling at the camels and cow-laden lorries that appeared out of nowhere before heading back to our lovely hotel to read by the pool and enjoy drinks on the terrace (during which time I spent many an hour ogling the painfully chic French families who were there during our stay. Suffice to say it was a Marant-fest. My whole wardrobe felt redundant after just ten seconds of watching them!) 

We stayed at the absolutely beautiful Jardin des Douars, just 15 minutes from the Essaouira's seaside Medina. 

Two restaurants that I recommend very, very highly are La Table by Madada for amazing seafood dishes and Umia (I won't be forgetting their salted caramel chocolate mousse in a hurry that's for darn sure). Be sure to pop in to Taros Cafe before or after supper (or both!) for rooftop drinks with a sunset view and live music.    

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HOLIDAY: MOROCCO PACKING

Tomorrow morning we are jetting off to Morocco! We're staying by the sea in bohemian Essaouira, rather than in amongst it in Marrakech, but will be taking at least one day trip to experience all the hustle and bustle and hunt down beautiful bowls and kaftans to take home.

When I was starting to put my packing list together, my aim was to add a few fun pieces to my usual holiday wardrobe just to 'Moroccan it up' a bit, as well as ensuring I had clothes which would cover my shoulders and fall below the knee for day trips. In amongst a lace midi dress from ASOS, Topshop tile print leigh jeans and converse (for the camel ride of course!), I've added these beautifully light and colourful print trousers from Topshop and statement, layered jewellery from Topshop and Zara. These will dress up my simple wardrobe pieces, like this structured white Cos dress. The Mango dress I mentioned in my last post will feature on the journey to and from the pool and for lazy breakfasts (it's too short for normal day-time wear in Morocco outside the hotel).

I fell in love with this sequin jacket from Sandro and gold woven Anya Hindmarch clutch on a recent trip to Bicester Village and they'll be delicious for evening drinks. For if and when I need a heel, I've packed these simple chunky sandals from Topshop.

I'll be attempting to take lots of photos so check back soon!

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MANGO SPRING/SUMMER

Last summer, Mango did the most perfect embroidered cotton dresses and blouses. I spent much of the late summer (even into winter) kicking myself for not snapping it all up when I had the chance. Pouring over pinterest and spying Mango on tanned limbs in exotic, carefree locations here, there and everywhere. 

But all is not lost - they've done another round of great folk-inspired pieces this year! Perfect for hot summer days and breezy holidays, made for love-worn denim and tan leather sandals. 

I hunt for this sort of thing year on year - they're true summer classics which will never go out of style.

I urge you to get yourself to Mango asap to save your shins from the kicking you'd be sure to inflict upon them if you were to miss the boat. 

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