Kimberley Barber

Pasta Evangelists, a fast-growing fresh-pasta brand, has opened a restaurant on Winchester High Street with a summer menu inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The reviewer praised the Frozen Limoncello Spritz, garlic prawns, fresh pasta dishes and tiramisu, highlighting the generous portions, fresh-tasting ingredients and relaxed yet stylish atmosphere. Despite strong competition among Winchester restaurants, the venue is described as a welcome and distinctive addition to the city’s food scene.

Kimberley Barber reviews the new soft play area at Winchester Sport & Leisure Park after visiting with her two children during a hot summer day. She praises the air conditioning, spacious equipment, separate toddler area, café overlooking the play zone, accessible toilet and one-hour sessions. Entry costs £4.75 per child, with online booking available, and visitors can receive up to three hours of free parking by registering their vehicle. The facility is presented as a practical, affordable option for families seeking indoor entertainment and could be combined with use of the swimming pool.

Kimberley Barber reflects on her own route into journalism and argues that expanding technical and vocational education could make the profession more accessible. She highlights students’ interest in apprenticeships as an alternative to costly university degrees and describes Andy Burnham’s proposal to combine core GCSEs with job-linked subjects from age 14. Although it is unclear whether journalism would be included, Barber believes broader vocational pathways could improve social mobility and bring a wider range of viewpoints into the media.

Honey & Harmony owner Elizabeth Kestle is organising beginner hand-sewing workshops for children near Stockbridge on August 12, 19 and 26. The £12 sessions will provide materials and teach basic stitches while children make a felt bookmark. Kestle hopes the workshops will encourage children to spend less time on screens, develop practical and creative skills, and inspire further community craft activities. Private group sessions will also be available during the school holidays.

Lime Wood’s Herb House Spa in the New Forest has partnered with Dorset-based Sae Seaweed to become the first UK venue to offer its treatments. The reviewer describes the 60-minute SAE Seaweed Massage, which uses warm seaweed-infused oils, as both therapeutic and indulgent, and praises the spa facilities, lunch and locally focused partnership. A full-day SAE Seaweed Spa Day is offered from £245 Monday to Thursday and £265 Friday to Sunday, while treatments start at £145 for 90 minutes.

Construction has begun at Matterley Bowl for the 2026 Boomtown Festival, which returns to the South Downs in mid‑August with expanded capacity and a diverse music lineup. Crews are building stages, themed districts and immersive environments as preparations ramp up. The festival’s future at the site is secured through 2030 following approval from the South Downs National Park Authority, with conditions on capacity and environmental management. Organisers aim to balance the event’s economic and cultural benefits with concerns from local residents over noise, traffic and landscape impact.

A first-time wakeboarding experience at Ellingham Water Ski & Wakeboard Club turns initial fear into enjoyment as patient coaching helps build confidence. Observing skilled riders adds to the appeal, and despite soreness the next day, trying something new proves rewarding and motivating, encouraging others to step outside their comfort zone and explore new activities.