May in the New Forest always feels like a turning point. The hedgerows are greener, the evenings stretch a little longer and suddenly everyone starts thinking about outdoor dining, BBQs, lighter suppers and making the most of the season while it lasts. Here atHockey’s Farm Shop in South Gorley, May is one of our favourite months of the year because it brings together everything we love most, local produce, fresh flavours, time outdoors and exciting plans for the months ahead.

This year, there is even more happening around the farm. Alongside the arrival of asparagus season and the return of BBQ weather, we are also incredibly excited to share news about the refurbishment of our much-loved canopy dining area.

If you are a regular visitor to Hockey’s, you will already know the polytunnel has been a huge part of the atmosphere here over the years. It has hosted coffees after walks, catch-ups with friends, muddy boots after forest adventures, breakfasts before exploring the New Forest and countless slices of cake. But, if we are honest, it has definitely started to show its age.

So over the next few weeks, work will begin transforming the space into something truly special for summer and beyond.

Honestly? We cannot wait.

A New Look for Summer at Hockey’s Farm Shop

Big things are happening at Hockey’s Farm Shop this spring.

Our canopy dining area is about to undergo a major refurbishment to create a beautiful new destination space for dining, seasonal events, relaxed lunches, coffees with friends and community gatherings in the heart of the New Forest.

The vision is to create somewhere that still feels unmistakably “Hockey’s” relaxed, welcoming and connected to the countryside but with a fresher, more comfortable and more versatile feel that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons.

The mock-up designs already give a glimpse into just how lovely the finished space could look. Think airy dining, greenery, natural textures, relaxed seating and a space that works just as well for a quick coffee stop as it does for long summer lunches.

While the work takes place, the Farm Shop, Farmyard Cafe and the rest of the site will remain fully open as normal. We know many customers visit weekly, sometimes daily, and we are incredibly grateful for your patience while improvements are underway.

To make sure there is still plenty of room to sit and enjoy your visit, a marquee has also been installed to provide additional seating throughout the refurbishment period.

There may be a little noise and disruption along the way, but we truly believe the end result will be worth it.

This next chapter feels incredibly exciting for Hockey’s and for everyone who has supported us over the years.

May Means BBQ Season Has Officially Arrived

The moment the temperature creeps up in the New Forest, you can almost hear BBQ lids being lifted across Hampshire!

At Hockey’s Farm Shop, May is when the butchery counter really starts to come alive with customers planning weekend get-togethers, garden lunches, impromptu evening BBQs and family celebrations.

Tom and Graham in the butchery have been busy preparing some fantastic seasonal favourites, with counters packed full of burgers, sausages, steaks and marinated meats ready for the warmer weather ahead.

Whether you are someone who loves a classic burger in a brioche bun or prefers building the ultimate BBQ spread with local steaks, rare breed sausages and fresh salads, there is something incredibly satisfying about cooking outdoors at this time of year.

When you start with quality local meat, you really can taste the difference.

Our butchers’ meat boxes are also becoming increasingly popular for home delivery and easy click and collect at Hockey’s Farm Shop, making it easier than ever to stock up ahead of busy weekends, bank holidays or family gatherings.

Customers are increasingly looking for provenance, sustainability and quality, and that is something Hockey’s has always championed. From locally sourced beef and seasonal specialities to our award-winning British Lop pork, there is real pride behind every product on the counter.

The New Forest and surrounding areas are home to exceptional producers and May feels like the season where all those flavours truly shine.

The Joy of Asparagus Season

If there is one ingredient that perfectly captures late spring, it is asparagus.

The asparagus season is famously short which somehow makes it feel even more special. Blink and you can miss it, which is why food lovers wait eagerly for those first fresh bunches to appear.

Right now, asparagus season is in full swing.

Fresh asparagus is one of those ingredients that hardly needs any fuss. It can be tossed into salads, served simply with poached eggs, grilled alongside steaks on the BBQ, stirred through pasta or enjoyed as the star of the plate entirely on its own.

It is incredibly versatile, beautifully fresh and unmistakably seasonal.

At Hockey’s, we love seeing customers come in looking for inspiration this time of year. One person is planning a simple midweek supper, another is creating a huge BBQ feast and someone else is picking up local asparagus alongside fresh bread, local eggs and a bottle of wine for a relaxed evening at home.

It is seasonal eating at its best.

Asparagus also pairs brilliantly with so many of the products found around the farm shop. Fresh local eggs, artisan sourdough, locally cured bacon, cheeses, oils and deli favourites all come together effortlessly for easy spring and summer meals.

One of the simplest and most delicious combinations? Chargrilled asparagus alongside a locally sourced steak from the butchery counter.

Minimal effort. Maximum flavour.

Making a Day of It in the New Forest

One of the things we always encourage customers to do is slow down and make more of their visit.

Hockey’s Farm Shop is not just somewhere to grab a quick item for dinner. Increasingly, people are turning a stop at Hockey’s into a proper day out in the New Forest.

Located in South Gorley on the edge of the beautiful New Forest National Park, we are lucky to be surrounded by incredible scenery, walking routes, wildlife and local attractions.

Many visitors combine a trip to the farm shop with forest walks, cycling routes, coffee stops, breakfasts, lunches and browsing through The Vinery.

May is the perfect time to do exactly that.

The countryside is bursting into life, outdoor seating becomes irresistible and there is something wonderfully uplifting about spending time outdoors before returning home with bags full of local produce.

Inside The Vinery, visitors will also find an ever-growing collection of gifts, homeware, local makers and artisan products, making it incredibly easy to lose track of time while browsing.

From beautiful pottery and candles to prints, cards and keepsakes inspired by the New Forest, it is a space full of thoughtful finds and independent creativity.

Supporting Local Producers in the New Forest

One of the reasons seasonal eating feels so special at this time of year is because it reconnects people with local food and local producers.

At Hockey’s Farm Shop, supporting local suppliers is at the heart of everything we do.

Customers are becoming increasingly conscious about where food comes from, how it has been produced and the importance of supporting independent businesses. We see that shift every single day.

Whether it is locally reared meat from trusted farms, seasonal produce, artisan bakery items or products made by independent makers across Hampshire and the New Forest, there is genuine value in shopping locally.

During spring and summer especially, the quality of local produce really speaks for itself.

Fresh asparagus, BBQ meats, seasonal salads, cheeses, local wines, chutneys and deli products all combine to create meals that feel simple, relaxed and full of flavour.

There is something deeply satisfying about building a meal from local ingredients while knowing you are also supporting small businesses and producers within the community.

Looking Ahead to Summer at Hockey’s

As May continues and we edge closer towards summer, there is a real sense of excitement around Hockey’s Farm Shop.

The refurbishment of the canopy dining area marks an important step forward and we are genuinely looking forward to welcoming customers into the transformed space later this year.

We have so many ideas for how the area could evolve, from seasonal dining and community gatherings to relaxed events and new experiences that bring people together around food, countryside and local produce.

It feels like the beginning of something very exciting.

In the meantime, the farm remains busy as ever. The cafe continues serving breakfasts, lunches and homemade cakes, the butchery counters are packed with BBQ inspiration, the shelves are full of seasonal produce and The Vinery is bursting with gifts and local makers.

Asparagus season is here right now, but not for long.

So whether you are planning a BBQ in the sunshine, searching for fresh local produce, meeting friends for lunch, exploring the New Forest or simply looking for a slower pace for a couple of hours, May is the perfect time to visit Hockey’s.

The season is changing, exciting things are happening and summer is very much on its way.

Watch this space.

We certainly will be.