Burns Night, Irish Stews & Traditional Winter Favourites

As winter settles over the New Forest, our eating habits naturally change. The lighter meals of summer give way to food that is richer, slower and more comforting, the kind of dishes that fill the kitchen with warmth and bring people together around the table. Winter is the season of heritage cooking, where time, tradition and good ingredients take centre stage.

At Hockey’s Farm Shop, winter is one of the most important times of year for our butchery, as customers turn to classic recipes, seasonal traditions and cuts designed for slow cooking.

Winter Food Rooted in Tradition

For generations, winter cooking has been about making the most of what’s available. Long before convenience food, families relied on skilled butchery, careful preparation and patient cooking to see them through the colder months. Stews, casseroles, pies and roasts were born out of necessity but they remain favourites because they simply taste so good.

Today, those traditions are enjoying a revival. More people are returning to home cooking, rediscovering the pleasure of taking time over a meal and choosing ingredients they trust. Winter is when dishes like Irish stews, slow-braised beef and rich gravies truly come into their own, and the quality of the meat is what defines the final result.

Our on-site butchers are always happy to advise on the best cuts for winter cooking, helping you get the most flavour from every dish.

Burns Night: Celebrating Scottish Heritage

Burns Night, celebrated each January, is a wonderful opportunity to embrace Scotland’s rich culinary heritage. Traditionally centred around haggis, poetry and good company, it’s a night that celebrates simple food made with care.

Whether you’re hosting a full Burns supper or simply enjoying a comforting winter meal inspired by the occasion, our butchery counter offers everything you need. From traditional favourites to cuts ideal for slow cooking and rich sauces, Burns Night is a reminder that winter food doesn’t need to be complicated to be special.

It’s about honouring tradition, sharing good food and enjoying the season.

Irish Stews & Hearty Winter Classics

Few dishes capture the essence of winter quite like a proper Irish stew. Slow cooked, deeply flavoured and wonderfully comforting, it’s a recipe that has stood the test of time. Traditionally made with simple ingredients, the secret lies in choosing the right meat and allowing it to cook gently, developing depth and richness over time.

Our butchers can guide you towards the best cuts for:

Stews and casseroles
Slow braising and long cooking
One-pot meals that deliver maximum flavour

Winter is also the perfect time to experiment with traditional favourites such as beef casseroles, lamb hotpots and warming pies. These dishes are forgiving, versatile and ideal for feeding family and friends or batch cooking for the week ahead.

Local Wild Shot Venison: Perfect for Winter Cooking

One of the highlights of winter at Hockey’s Farm Shop is locally sourced, wild shot venison, available from our butchery. Naturally lean, full of flavour and responsibly sourced, venison is a superb choice for winter dishes.

As a wild, seasonal meat, venison reflects the landscape it comes from, making it a true New Forest favourite. Its rich yet delicate flavour makes it incredibly versatile, working beautifully in:

Slow-cooked stews and casseroles
Pies and comforting winter bakes
Traditional recipes with a seasonal twist

Venison is also a fantastic alternative to beef or lamb, offering depth of flavour while remaining lean and nutritious. If you’re new to cooking venison, our butchers are always on hand to offer advice, cooking tips and recipe inspiration.

The Importance of the Butcher in Winter

Many traditional winter dishes rely on cuts that benefit from time and skill, something that supermarket shelves don’t always reflect. Visiting a butcher allows you to choose meat that’s been properly prepared and suited to your recipe.

At Hockey’s, Graham, Tom and Jonny take pride in helping customers cook with confidence, whether that’s recommending a cut for a stew, suggesting an alternative for a favourite recipe or sharing tips on slow cooking and seasoning.

Winter is when the butcher truly becomes the heart of the kitchen.

Seasonal Eating in the New Forest

Eating seasonally isn’t just about flavour, it’s about connection. Choosing food that reflects the time of year supports local producers, reduces food miles and keeps traditional skills alive.

From wild venison to classic winter cuts, our butchery showcases the very best of seasonal New Forest food, helping you cook in tune with the landscape around you.

Visit Hockey’s Farm Shop This Winter

Whether you’re planning a Burns Night celebration, cooking a traditional Irish stew, or simply craving comforting winter food done properly, our knowledgeable butchers are here to help.

Pop into Hockey’s Farm Shop, browse the butchery counter, ask questions and take inspiration from the season. Winter cooking is about warmth, tradition and good food and it all starts with quality ingredients.

Winter Comforts at Hockey’s Farm Shop