Day 1 8/8/09 - England

London -> Petersfield -> Liss -> London

Highlight

• Well, the sun was shining, so off we went to Petersfield on SouthWest Trains again.
• Train arrived on time, and we took a brief walk around Petersfield. The town was much bigger than I thought, with a few interesting shops and a nice town square.
• There was a small market, with food, clothes and others on sale. It was very nice with people sitting al fresco at the square, enjoying the sun.
• Walked to JSW restaurant, where we were of course underdressed, and also the first ones there.
• There had no trouble accommodating the no raw food request, and I even got a different dessert off the tasting menu.
• The food was only ok, the risotto was very nice, but other than that, pretty standard really.
• Set out on our walk, which is part of the Hangers Way. Generally it was quite different, in that it was little paths through bushland rather than on flat ground or through open fields. The highlight was the view over Hampshire from the top of Shoulder of Mutton Hill. The lowlight was definitely trying to avoid the huge puddles or mud, a result of rain the 2 days before.
• We finished the walk by visiting a pub which really was in the middle of nowhere, but didn’t drink anything. I couldn’t finish the 11 mile walk, so we cut it short to 6 miles, before heading home.

Food

• JSW lunch:
  • parsnip chip
  • green olives
  • assorted bread: rosemary, bacon, walnut and raisin, baguette
  • Cod with Curried Mussels & Coriander
  • Wild Sea Bass with Ratatouille & Pesto
  • Fricassee of Sole with Girolles & Samphire
  • Mushroom Risotto
  • Slow Cooked Lamb with Minted Peas & Wild Garlic
  • Pork Belly with Apple Sauce
  • Salted Caramel Mousse with Peanut Praline
  • Lemon & Tullamen Raspberry Feuillantine
  • Gariguette Strawberry Trifle with Earl Grey Tea