Smoked & Uncut Festival, Brockenhurst, England

A Luxury Open Air Barn Dance

Smoked & Uncut is a food and music festival that focuses on locally farm-sourced organic produce, ciders and wines all accompanied with music from local bands and acoustic artists. Visitors can choose to camp for one or two days in the grounds of The Pig boutique hotel and restaurant in Brokenhurst, located in the heart of the New Forest. 

The most distinctive feature of the Smoked and Uncut festival was its uncompromising quality. Everything was of top-notch quality and the relaxed atmosphere makes it a great choice for everyone, whether it be couples, groups of friends or families.

Set in an open air field, with hay bale seating surrounded by food and drink stalls, it was a great way to mark the beginning of the summer season.  The food was sensational and there was lots of choice. I loved the wood fired oven baked chipotle chicken quesadilla. The guacamole was exceptionally delicious with a lovely balance of coriander and lime. 

There's nothing better to accompany great food than great music and Smoked & Uncut didn't disappoint. My favourite acts during the day included Portsmouth based band Winters Hill,who opened the festival, and Just Millie and Lucy Mayhew who set the tone with their charming Americana style.

Just Millie has been going from strength to strength recently and she deserves all of the attention she's getting thanks to her bold stage presence, feisty style and powerful vocals, making her one to watch.

Lucy Mayhew performed an acoustic unplugged set with her guitar in a prestigious marquee, complete with leather chesterfield suites, vintage carpets and rugs galore. I particularly loved her honest performance. Lucy played a  variety of covers in her unique style, taking well known songs and giving them her own unmistakable narrative.

Smoked and Uncut continues at venues throughout the summer in Devon, Somerset and Limewood in the New Forest. Tickets can be purchased here.
 
http://www.smokedanduncut.com/
 
https://www.thepighotel.com/brockenhurst/
 
*During Smoked and Uncut, I was hosted by The Pig Hotel. All opinions are my own.

Ben Ricci
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