There are some events that people enjoy, and then there are events that people are still talking about days later.

Our Father's Day Weekend Pie, Mash & Mac Night firmly fell into the second category.

On Saturday evening, guests gathered at Hockey's Farm Shop in South Gorley for what was intended to be a relaxed pop-up dining experience. What unfolded was one of those special evenings that reminds us exactly why we love bringing people together around great food.

Tables filled quickly, conversations flowed, glasses were raised and plate after plate of hearty comfort food made its way from the kitchen. Deep-filled pie, buttery mash, rich gravy and bowls of creamy macaroni cheese were followed by one of Georgia's delicious cheesecakes, creating the sort of meal that leaves people planning their return before they have even left.

The feedback has been overwhelming.

For many guests, it wasn't simply about the food. It was about enjoying a summer evening with friends and family in a relaxed setting, surrounded by the New Forest countryside, while sharing food made with care.

For those who joined us, thank you for making it such a memorable evening. Thank you to Kerry, Nicky and Jeanne for hosting and putting together such a fabulous evening!

For those who didn't quite get around to booking, we're afraid you may have missed something rather special.

The good news is that this certainly won't be our last pop-up event.

As Hockey's continues to evolve, we have exciting plans for future dining experiences, seasonal events and opportunities to celebrate the incredible food produced here in the New Forest. If Saturday taught us anything, it's that people are looking for authentic experiences, local food and occasions that feel genuinely different from a standard night out.

When the next event is announced, our advice is simple: don't wait too long to book.

Making the Most of the New Forest Heatwave

If the forecast is anything to go by, summer has arrived in spectacular fashion.

Across Fordingbridge, Ringwood, Verwood and the wider New Forest National Park, families are looking for ways to enjoy the sunshine while keeping cool, and we're seeing more visitors than ever stopping by Hockey's as part of their day out.

Whether you're heading to the coast, exploring the forest, enjoying a countryside walk or simply escaping the house for a few hours, Hockey's Farm Shop offers the perfect place to pause, refuel and cool down.

Our Farmyard Cafe is serving a range of refreshing drinks that are proving particularly popular during the warmer weather. Iced coffees, iced lattes and cold drinks are flying out of the kitchen as visitors seek a little relief from the soaring temperatures.

Of course, no British heatwave would be complete without ice cream.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about sitting outside on a summer's day with an ice cream in hand while children meet the animals and families enjoy a slower pace of life.

Many visitors are discovering that Hockey's is the perfect addition to a day exploring the New Forest. Spend time with the animals, browse the Farm Shop and Vinery, enjoy breakfast or lunch in the cafe and pick up a few treats to take home. It's a simple recipe, but one that never goes out of style.

BBQ Season Starts Here

The recent sunshine has only meant one thing for our butchery team.

Barbecue season is officially underway.

Every summer, our counters become the destination for customers looking to elevate their BBQ from ordinary to memorable. Whether you're planning a family gathering, entertaining friends or simply making the most of a warm evening in the garden, great ingredients make all the difference.

At Hockey's Farm Shop, our butchers prepare an outstanding selection of barbecue favourites, including:

Handmade burgers
Award-winning sausages
Marinated chicken
BBQ-ready steaks
British Lop pork
Locally sourced lamb

We are particularly proud of our own award-winning British Lop pork, a rare breed renowned for its exceptional flavour and quality. Alongside this, you'll find carefully sourced local produce from trusted farmers who share our commitment to high welfare and outstanding food.

One of the advantages of shopping with an independent farm shop is the opportunity to speak directly with knowledgeable butchers who understand the produce they sell. Whether you're looking for the perfect steak, advice on cooking times or inspiration for your next barbecue, our team is always happy to help.

During periods of hot weather, the most popular barbecue cuts often sell quickly, so it's worth calling in early to secure your favourites.

More Than a Farm Shop

While many people first visit Hockey's Farm Shop for our butchery, cafe or local produce, they often discover there is far more to enjoy once they arrive.

Located in South Gorley, just outside Fordingbridge and surrounded by the beautiful New Forest countryside, Hockey's has become a destination in its own right.

Families can spend time meeting our animals, browse gifts and artisan products in the Vinery, enjoy breakfast, coffee, lunch or cake in the Farmyard Cafe and stock up on local produce to enjoy at home.

Visitors travelling through Ringwood, Salisbury, Bournemouth and the surrounding areas regularly tell us that a quick stop has unexpectedly turned into a much longer visit.

That combination of food, shopping, animals and open countryside creates something increasingly rare, a place where people genuinely want to linger.

One Last Chance to Join Us This Friday

If you've been considering booking a place on this month's Breakfast & Guided Walk, now is the time.

We have just a handful of tickets remaining for Friday 26th June.

What began as part of the New Forest Awakening Festival has quickly become one of the most popular recurring events in our calendar. Each month, guests join us for a morning that combines great food, fascinating local knowledge and the opportunity to experience the New Forest from a fresh perspective.

This month's guest speaker is local author Jodi Longyear, whose New Forest 222 and New Forest 222+ books have inspired countless residents and visitors to explore hidden corners of the forest they may never otherwise have discovered.

The morning begins with our famous Hungry Farmer Breakfast before guests hear from Jodi and then head out on a guided loop walk through the New Forest.

It's simply an opportunity to enjoy good company, learn something new and appreciate one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

Many attendees return month after month because no two walks are ever quite the same.

Different speakers, changing seasons and new conversations mean every event offers something unique.

Like our Pie, Mash & Mac Night, these events regularly sell out.

If you'd like to join us on Friday, we recommend booking sooner rather than later.

A Summer of Great Food, Local Produce and New Forest Experiences

One of the things we love most about summer at Hockey's Farm Shop is the variety of reasons people choose to visit.

Some arrive for breakfast before heading out to explore the New Forest. Others stop by for lunch after a morning walk.

Families spend time meeting the animals before enjoying an ice cream.

Garden gatherings begin with a visit to the butchery counter.

Visitors passing through Fordingbridge discover us for the first time and quickly understand why so many people return week after week.

Increasingly, people are joining us for events that bring together food, community and everything that makes this corner of Hampshire so special.

Whether you're looking for the best BBQ ingredients in the New Forest, somewhere to cool down during the heatwave, a family-friendly day out, a great breakfast, locally sourced produce or an opportunity to explore more of the New Forest National Park, we'd love to welcome you.

If the photographs from Saturday's Pie, Mash & Mac Night have taught us anything, it's this:

When the next Hockey's event is announced, make sure your name is on the list.

Because some evenings are simply too good to hear about second-hand!