Before the school bags are tucked away and the half-term question of “what are we doing today?” begins, we have a Friday evening worth making plans for.
This week at Hockey’s, we’re starting with supper. Then come pumpkins, paintbrushes and a chance to discover more about the New Forest with someone who knows it well. Whether you’re gathering friends around a table or filling the family diary, there’s plenty to bring you to South Gorley.
First, pull up a chair: Harvest Nights returns this Friday
On Friday 23rd October, our Squash & Spice Harvest Night brings an autumn menu to the refurbished polytunnel.
Kerry, our Head Chef, will be serving squash, date and shallot tagine with giant couscous, accompanied by beef short ribs, followed by citrus cheesecake. Warming spice, rich flavours and a bright citrus finish: a menu made for settling in and enjoying the evening.
Arrive from 6pm for a drink before supper, with food served from 6.30pm. There’ll be wines, Hawkstone and local drinks to choose from, alongside alcohol-free options.
At £26 per person for two courses, with the evening limited to 50 seats, this is one to book ahead. Invite the friends you keep meaning to catch up with and let our kitchen take care of Friday night.
Small pumpkins, big personalities
Next, the polytunnel swaps supper guests for budding artists as our Halloween Family Morning arrives on Tuesday 27th October.
Every child can choose a pumpkin, pick up a paintbrush and give it a personality of its own. A grinning monster? A colourful masterpiece? We’re looking forward to seeing what they come up with.
Our pumpkins are grown locally at Lyburn Farm in Landford, and tickets cost £8 per child, including a pumpkin to paint and take home, paints, a brush, an apron, a drink and a treat from the bake counter. Accompanying grown-ups come free.
There are two sessions: 9.30–10.45am and 11.15am–12.30pm. Wrap up warmly and choose clothes that can cope with a little creativity, even with washable paints and aprons provided.
Breakfast, fresh air and Dan Parsons from New Forest Venison
On Thursday 29th October, our monthly Walk & Talk Breakfast welcomes guest speaker Dan Parsons from New Forest Venison.
We talk a great deal at Hockey’s about where our food comes from. Welcoming the people behind it gives those conversations another dimension, and we’re delighted to have Dan joining us this month.
The morning begins with our Hungry Farmer Breakfast, followed by our guest talk and a guided walk around the Hockey’s Farm Loop with the farm team. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, enjoy some fresh air and take a closer look at the farm, including our rare breed British Lop pigs.
The event runs from 9am until midday, with tickets £20 per person, including breakfast and the guided walk. Booking is essential, so get your place in the diary and have your wellies ready.
However you’re spending half term, make a little room for Hockey’s. Come hungry on Friday, bring your imagination on Tuesday, or join us for breakfast and a conversation on Thursday. We’ll look forward to welcoming you.
