Hockey’s Butchery – Traditional Butchers in the New Forest

At the heart of Hockey’s Farm Shop lies our on-site butchery – a place where skill, provenance and respect for the land come together. It is one of the main reasons we are recognised as a leading farm shop in the New Forest, trusted by locals and visitors alike for high-quality, responsibly sourced British meat.

Our butchery is built on a simple principle: know where your food comes from. Every cut of meat we sell is either reared on our own farm or sourced from local farmers who share our commitment to animal welfare, traditional farming methods and environmental responsibility.

Local Farms, Trusted Relationships

We work closely with a small network of local farms and producers, choosing quality over quantity and traceability over convenience. These long-standing relationships allow us to offer exceptional meat with a clear and honest story behind it.

Folds Farm – Supplying our Longhorn beef & Dexter beef, both known for their depth of flavour and excellent eating quality.
Manor Farm – Supplying Devon Red beef, pork and Badger Faced hogget, raised with care in and around the New Forest.
Paul Tanner – A respected local farmer supplying our turkeys, renowned for their quality and traditional rearing methods.

Other meats are sourced predominantly from Hampshire or neighbouring counties, always prioritising farmers who uphold high standards of welfare and responsible land management.

New Forest Pannage – A Rare and Traditional Practice

We are proud to be closely connected to New Forest pannage, a centuries-old farming tradition unique to this landscape.

Each autumn, pigs are turned out onto the open Forest to roam freely, feeding naturally on fallen acorns and beech mast. This time-honoured system plays an important role in managing the Forest floor while producing pork of exceptional quality, prized for its rich, deep flavour and natural marbling.

The pannage season was extended into January this year, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy pannage pork well into the new year. With 18 more pigs still to return, availability remains limited. An exceptional acorn crop this season means the flavour is more pronounced than ever, making this year’s pannage pork particularly special.

Wild New Forest Venison – Local, Sustainable & Conservation-Led

Our wild New Forest venison is sourced from within two miles of Hockey’s Farm Shop, resulting in extremely low food miles and a low-carbon footprint.

With deer numbers increasing rapidly, careful management is essential to protect the delicate balance of the New Forest’s ancient woodland. Responsible deer control plays an important role in conservation, supporting habitats and native plant life.

Venison is naturally lean, high in protein and rich in essential nutrients, while remaining full of flavour. It’s a nutritious and sustainable alternative to other red meats and a standout choice for customers seeking ethical, local produce.

High-Welfare British Chicken

Our chicken is sourced from accredited British suppliers who meet high standards of animal welfare and environmental responsibility.

Lean and versatile, chicken is a nutritious source of protein, rich in essential vitamins and minerals while containing fewer calories than many other meat proteins. It also has a comparatively low carbon footprint, producing around one third of the carbon emissions of beef and lamb, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Rare Breeds & Seasonal New Forest Specialities

Our butchery showcases a range of rare and traditional breeds, chosen for flavour rather than speed of growth. From everyday family favourites to seasonal cuts and New Forest specialities, our counter reflects the rhythms of the countryside.

You’ll find everything from slow-grown beef and carefully reared pork to seasonal lamb, venison and poultry, alongside special cuts throughout the year.

Expert Butchers, Personal Service

From everyday favourites to seasonal cuts and New Forest specialities, our experienced butchers are always happy to offer advice, cooking tips and recommendations. Whether you’re planning a Sunday roast, a barbecue, a slow-cooked stew or something a little different, they’re here to help you make the most of every cut.