Half Term Happenings at Hockey’s Farm 🌾
Autumn sunshine, local shopping, and festive excitement in the air!
We hope everyone is enjoying their half term break and taking time to unwind, explore the New Forest, and visit some of our favourite local spots. Here at Hockey’s Farm in South Gorley, we’ve been keeping busy with new arrivals, exciting progress in The Vinery, and plenty of preparation for the festive season.
Whether you’re stopping in for a hearty breakfast, stocking up at our butchers, or simply enjoying a browse around the shop, there’s always something new to see at Hockey’s Farm.
The Vinery – A Gift and Homeware Haven 🎁
Over the summer, The Vinery began to take shape and what a transformation it’s been! What started as an empty space is now a beautiful gift and homeware treasure trove, bursting with inspiration for your home and thoughtful presents for friends and family.
The past couple of weeks have seen The Vinery truly come alive. Shelves are now filled with locally made crafts, ceramics, candles, decorations, and cosy seasonal finds. It’s the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping early, discover something unique, or simply treat yourself.
We’re especially proud to showcase the stunning creations of local potter Claire Manser, from nearby Woodgreen. Her hand-thrown mugs, bowls, and vases bring a touch of rustic charm and make wonderful keepsakes. Supporting local artists like Claire is at the heart of what we do, celebrating craftsmanship and the beauty of handmade work right here in the New Forest.
Meet Our New “Furry Friends” 🧸🐮🐷🐴
It’s not just pottery and homeware that’s been turning heads in The Vinery, we’ve also welcomed a whole collection of adorable soft toys that have quickly become customer favourites!
Our new “furry friends” include cuddly alpacas, Highland cows, pigs, guinea pigs, donkeys, and more, each one soft, loveable, and full of character. They make the perfect Christmas gift for little ones, or even a cute companion for grown-ups who love animals as much as we do!
These charming plush toys have already been bringing smiles to visitors young and old. If you’re visiting with children during half term, make sure to pop in and meet them, they’re irresistible and always ready for a cuddle.
With their adorable faces and farmyard theme, they’re also a lovely way to take a bit of Hockey’s Farm home with you.
The Butchers – Wagyu, Pannage, and Christmas Preparations 🥩
Meanwhile, over in the butchery, our talented team has been busy preparing for the festive season.
Our Wagyu beef continues to be one of our most popular offerings, renowned for its rich flavour and incredible tenderness. Whether you’re planning a Sunday roast or a special family meal, our butchers are always happy to offer expert advice on the best cuts and cooking methods.
We’re also now taking Pannage pork orders, a true taste of the New Forest. The pigs forage naturally for acorns and chestnuts, which gives the meat a distinctive, nutty flavour. It’s one of those seasonal treats that’s deeply rooted in local heritage, and it always sells quickly, so make sure to reserve yours early!
Christmas is very much on our minds already. From traditional turkeys and beef joints to festive trimmings and seasonal game, our butchers can help you plan the perfect Christmas feast. Pop in, give us a call, or drop us an email to secure your order early and tick one more thing off your festive list.
Bespoke Hampers – The Perfect Local Gift 🎄
One of our favourite parts of the festive season is curating our bespoke hampers, each one a delicious showcase of local produce and handmade treats.
Our hampers have been completely tailored to suit your budget and tastes, making them ideal for Christmas gifts, corporate presents, or a little self-indulgence. You can choose from a variety of local cheeses, chutneys, biscuits, jams, and wines, as well as farm favourites and seasonal goodies.
Every hamper is beautifully packed by hand and filled with the very best of what Hampshire and the New Forest have to offer. They’re a thoughtful, sustainable gift that supports small producers and they look wonderful under the tree!
If you’d like to create your own, our team will be happy to help design something truly special.
Shopping Local – Supporting Hampshire’s Rural Businesses 🌿
At Hockey’s Farm, we believe that shopping local makes all the difference. Each purchase helps to support Hampshire farmers, food producers, and craftspeople who pour care and passion into everything they make.
When you buy from us, you’re not just getting great food and gifts, you’re helping to sustain local jobs, protect traditional skills, and keep our countryside thriving. It’s a simple way to make a real impact, especially during the festive season when community means even more.
Whether you’re visiting from Fordingbridge, Ringwood, Salisbury, Lyndhurst, or further afield, we’d love for you to stop by, browse, and experience the warmth and charm that makes Hockey’s Farm so special.
Coming Soon – Shop Online 🛒
We’re thrilled to announce that over the next few weeks, more of our wonderful farm shop products will be available to buy online.
From our butchery favourites to artisan produce and giftware from The Vinery, you’ll soon be able to order directly from our website, perfect for those who can’t make it to the farm as often as they’d like.
Keep an eye on our social media channels and website updates for launch details and be among the first to enjoy Hockey’s Farm at home!
Come and see what’s new, from our cosy cafe and farm shop to The Vinery’s festive treasures and our charming new collection of soft toy friends. There’s something for everyone at Hockey’s Farm this season.
Bring the family, meet the team, and enjoy a slice of country life with great food, friendly faces, and a touch of festive cheer.
A Season to Celebrate 🎉
As autumn blends into winter, we’re feeling so grateful for our community of customers, neighbours, and visitors who continue to support us year after year. Your visits, kind words, and enthusiasm are what make Hockey’s Farm such a special place to be.
There’s lots more to come in the weeks ahead, so keep following us for updates, new arrivals, and festive inspiration. From all of us here at Hockey’s Farm, thank you for being part of our story and we can’t wait to welcome you again soon.
Visit Hockey’s Farm
📍 Hockey’s Farm, South Gorley, Fordingbridge, Hampshire
📞 Call us 01425 652542 | 📧 Email us naturalmeats@hockeysfarm.co.uk | 💻 Visit our website www.hockeysfarm.co.uk