A Summer of Events, Food and New Forest Stories at Hockey's Farm Shop
One of the things we love most at Hockey's is creating opportunities for people to connect with the New Forest, with local traditions and, of course, with great food. Over the next few weeks, we have a wonderful mix of events planned, from meeting the magnificent Wessex Bloodhounds this Saturday to celebrating Father's Day weekend in our newly refurbished polytunnel. Then, as June draws to a close, we'll be welcoming local author Jodi Longyear for our monthly Breakfast & Guided Walk. Whether you're joining us for an hour or making a day of it, there's plenty happening at Hockey's this month.
For many people, a visit to Hockey's Farm Shop in South Gorley is already part of their routine. A stop for breakfast before a walk, a browse around the farm shop, a chance to stock up on local produce or simply somewhere to spend a few hours enjoying the New Forest. This June, we're adding even more reasons to visit.
Meet the Wessex Bloodhounds This Saturday
This Saturday, between 10am and 1pm, we're delighted to welcome the Wessex Bloodhounds to Hockey's Farm Shop.
If you've ever spotted a bloodhound in real life, you'll know they are impossible to forget. Their distinctive appearance, incredible sense of smell and gentle nature make them one of the most fascinating breeds in the canine world.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the hounds and their handlers, learn about the history of bloodhounds and discover how these remarkable dogs continue to be used for trail hunting and scent work today.
For children, it's a chance to get up close to some truly impressive animals. For adults, it's an opportunity to learn more about a long-standing countryside tradition from the people who know it best.
The beauty of events like this is that they turn an ordinary Saturday into something memorable. You might arrive for breakfast and leave having spent half an hour chatting with a bloodhound handler. You might pop in for a coffee and discover a new interest. That's what we love about hosting events that celebrate the people, animals and traditions that help make the New Forest such a special place.
Why not make a morning of it? Start with breakfast in the Farmyard Cafe, explore the farm and meet our animals, browse the Vinery and farm shop, and then spend some time getting to know these wonderful hounds.
Father's Day Weekend at Hockey's
The following weekend brings Father's Day, and whether you're celebrating Dad, Grandad, a stepdad or another father figure in your life, Hockey's offers the perfect setting to spend quality time together.
While gifts are always appreciated, experiences often create the memories that last longest. That's why we're encouraging families to gather around a table, enjoy good food and spend time together.
Pie, Mash & Mac Night – Saturday 20th June
One of the highlights of the month is our Father's Day Weekend Pie, Mash & Mac Night on Saturday 20th June.
This special evening will take place in our newly refurbished polytunnel, which many of our regular visitors have watched evolve over recent months. What was once a tired structure is now becoming a beautiful new space for dining, events and community gatherings.
For this exclusive evening, guests will enjoy:
Deep-filled chicken, gammon and leek pie
Buttery mash
Rich gravy
Macaroni cheese for vegetarians
Homemade cheesecake dessert
Alongside the food, there will be a selection of local beers, ciders, wines and soft drinks available to purchase throughout the evening.
The atmosphere will be relaxed and informal. Think good food, great company and the chance to enjoy a summer evening in a unique setting surrounded by the countryside of the New Forest.
Events like this are something we're excited to be developing more of at Hockey's. They give us the opportunity to showcase our food in a different way while creating memorable experiences for local residents and visitors alike.
Spaces are limited, so if you've been considering booking, we'd encourage you not to leave it too long.
Continue the Celebrations on Father's Day
The celebrations don't stop there. Father's Day itself falls on Sunday 21st June, and the Farmyard Cafe will be serving breakfast, brunch and lunch throughout the day.
Whether you're gathering the family for an early morning breakfast, a leisurely brunch or a relaxed lunch together, Hockey's provides the perfect setting to celebrate the father figures in your life.
Our Hungry Breakfast remains one of the most popular choices on the menu and is ideal for anyone who believes Father's Day should start with great local produce and a good cup of coffee. From hearty breakfasts to homemade cakes and lighter lunch options, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Many families choose to combine a meal with a wander around the farm. Children love meeting the animals, while adults enjoy browsing the farm shop and Vinery, discovering local produce, gifts and treats along the way. It turns a meal out into a relaxed family day out in the heart of the New Forest.
If you're still searching for a Father's Day gift, you'll find plenty of inspiration on our shelves, from local ales and ciders to award-winning butchery products, artisan food and thoughtful gifts from talented local makers.
With the farm, cafe, animals and shop all on one site, it's an easy way to spend quality time together without rushing from place to place, something that's becoming increasingly rare and valuable.
As Father's Day weekend is always a popular time to visit, we'd recommend booking a table in advance.
Discover More of the New Forest with Jodi Longyear
As June draws to a close, we'll be hosting another of our increasingly popular Breakfast & Guided Walk events.
Taking place on Friday 26th June, this month's event features special guest speaker Jodi Longyear.
Jodi is a respected local author whose work explores the rich history, folklore and heritage of the New Forest. Her books have helped countless readers uncover the fascinating stories hidden within the landscape around us.
The New Forest is often admired for its beauty, but beneath the ancient trees, open heathland and picturesque villages lies a wealth of stories stretching back hundreds of years. From commoning traditions and local characters to folklore and forgotten histories, Jodi brings these stories to life in a way that is both engaging and accessible.
The morning begins with breakfast at Hockey's before Jodi shares her talk. Guests then head out on a guided walk, offering an opportunity to continue conversations while enjoying the stunning scenery that surrounds South Gorley and the wider New Forest National Park.
What makes these mornings so enjoyable is the mix of people who attend. Some are lifelong New Forest residents with decades of local knowledge. Others are visitors eager to learn more about the area. Everyone leaves having discovered something new.
The Breakfast & Guided Walk events have quickly become a favourite part of our calendar because they combine three things that sit at the heart of Hockey's: good food, great company and a genuine appreciation for the New Forest.
Places are limited and advance booking is strongly recommended.
More Than a Farm Shop
While these events provide some wonderful reasons to visit, they also reflect something broader about what Hockey's has become.
We're proud to be a farm shop, but we're also proud to be a destination where people can spend time, discover something new and enjoy everything the New Forest has to offer.
A visit might begin with breakfast in the cafe. It could continue with a stroll around the animal area, a browse through the Vinery's collection of gifts and local makers, or a chance to stock up on award-winning butchery products for the weekend.
Many visitors also combine a stop at Hockey's with the Hockey's Loop walk, making us an ideal starting point or finishing point for a day exploring the countryside around South Gorley and Fordingbridge.
And don't forget that every Wednesday, The Mobile Fish Company joins us between 11am and 2pm, bringing an exceptional selection of fresh fish and seafood to the farm.
Whether you're planning a Father's Day celebration, looking for a family day out in the New Forest, interested in meeting the Wessex Bloodhounds or keen to hear Jodi Longyear share her fascinating insights into New Forest history and folklore, June is shaping up to be one of the most event-filled months of the year at Hockey's.
From breakfasts and guided walks to family experiences and special dining events, there's something for every age and interest. So why not put a date in the diary, gather family or friends, and come and spend some time with us in South Gorley?
Meet the Wessex Bloodhounds this Saturday. Celebrate Father's Day weekend with us. Join Jodi Longyear at the end of the month. Or simply pop in for breakfast, lunch, coffee or a browse around the farm shop and Vinery.
Whatever brings you to Hockey's Farm Shop in South Gorley, we look forward to welcoming you soon.
