Key Notes: The Onion Store, Hampshire, England

11.23.07

New York may have the Poconos (okay, just kidding), but where do Londoners go for a romantic weekend? Brighton's no good (you might bump into your spouse). But rural Hampshire, three hours down the motorway, is perfect. The Onion Store has become one of the most sought-after B&Bs in London's hinterland following an enthusiastic write-up in the British hotel guide called Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

The Onion Store

WHAT'S THE BIG WOW?
The small, self-contained buildings are as cute as a button, in a folksy, Ye Olde England way—with no TV, no Internet, no interruptions. But the main draw is that it's very discreet, if you can call the room with a whirlpool bath in the garden "discreet." The hotel is quiet and in proper English countryside, so there's not a lot to do other than go for walks (pub: 15 minutes away), cycle or drive into the New Forest, and make the most of the candles, in-room bath, four-poster bed … you get the picture.

LIKED BEST:
The location's great if you like exploring the countryside. The New Forest isn't a forest but a moor with hundreds of feral horses and wild cattle, all of which are quite docile. The nearby River Test is one of the world's most renowned for trout, and Bucklers Hard on the other side of the "forest" is a historic ship-building village that's beautifully preserved—it's where Nelson had much of his fleet built.

LIKED LEAST:
The waiting list is long; we had to book one and a half years ahead for a bank holiday weekend in May, so being spontaneous is out of the question. And they would only let us book for a minimum of two nights—demand is such that they can pretty much dictate the terms. And, aside from an excellent fruit salad, the breakfast toast and sausages were disappointing. You have to drive about half an hour to find anywhere decent to eat; the Star Inn is the best bet.

WHO SHOULD STAY THERE?
Couples anticipating a romantic interlude—in about a year from now.

WOULD YOU GO BACK?
Definitely. I'm booking now for, oh, 2011.

Keywords
hotels,
u.k.,
travel
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