A LUXURY hotel in the heart of the New Forest has won another top award.

The Lime Wood complex on the edge of Lyndhurst has been named by The Sunday Times as one of the top 100 British hotels.

It comes just weeks after Lime Wood came third in the The Caterer's Hoteliers' Hotels Top 100 2017.

Compiled by the UK’s leading hoteliers and verified by hotel experts, the Sunday Times list recognises the hotels that are leading the industry.

The paper says: "More than £30 million was spent doing up this 32-room New Forest hideaway so expect lavish rooms with soft Italian leather armchairs and tactile natural fabrics.

"The public areas are equally glossy: a piano in the hallway, a buzzing courtyard bar with a retractable glass roof, reception rooms with glistening chandeliers and open fires, and the wonderful Angela Hartnett restaurant.

"The award-winning spar is ideal for morning after resuscitation."

Robin Hutson, chairman of the Lime Wood Group, said: “We're delighted by this result and happy that experienced people within the industry recognise Lime Wood so highly.

"The success of the hotel comes from energetic and passionate teams within the property. The staff enthusiasm is felt by the guests and they are, as ever, our number one priority.”

Lime Wood, which has won a clutch of awards over the years, is popular with local and visitors alike.

Celebrity guests have included former Oasis star Noel Gallagher, who married publicist Sara MacDonald at the lavish hotel in 2011.

The couple arrived at the venue in a silver-coloured Mercedes people carrier with blacked-out side windows.

In January 2010 Sophie Dahl married singer Jamie Cullum at the stunning Regency country house originally established as a hunting lodge in the 13th century.