If you are looking for the best produce in the Winchester District for your festive table, our Winchester Ambassador and total foodie, Emma Caulton has some great suggestions.
West Lea Farm Shop
The team here at Hampshire Fare are all about encouraging people to choose local food and drink – especially at Christmas! With such a short journey from field and farm to the festive table, produce is fresher and more flavoursome, and helps us all enjoy a greener Christmas by reducing food miles.
We are also less likely to waste food and drink that has been sourced locally and bought with care and consideration. Festive fare seems much more special when we know where the meats, vegetables, cheeses, chocolates and cakes have come from, and we know about the people who have grown or made them. Food and drink definitely tastes better when it has been made with care and passion!
Our favourite thing about buying direct from producers or visiting your local butcher, deli or farm shop, is the advice you receive, including cooking tips and serving suggestions. It makes shopping for festive food, drink and foodie gifts part of a lovely seasonal shopping experience. Plus, Winchester and the wider Winchester district is stuffed full of delicious produce and great places to buy local.
Visit a local farm shop for a tasty array of local produce which may include meats, cheeses, chutneys, chocolates, vegetables, mead, ales, spirits and wine. These include Cobbs Farm Shop in Headbourne Worthy, on the outskirts of Winchester, West Lea Farm Shop in Itchen Stoke, near Alresford, and Westlands Farm Shop, close to Wickham. They are more like mini rural food halls.
Cobbs Farm Shop
For expert advice on preparing your turkey or goose, pigs in blankets and much more, go to a traditional butcher, including New Forest Family Butchers, a new addition found in Oliver’s Battery, Winchester, CE Evans and Soles, both in Alresford. Fresh fish makes a lovely addition to the Boxing Day spread and Anyfish in Bishop’s Waltham, as well as CE Evans in Alresford, both have a great choice, while smoked trout fillets and pates can be bought direct from Butler Country Estates’ smokery in Winchester.
Don’t forget to celebrate with a local sparkling wine! We really are spoiled for choice with so many excellent local vineyards including Exton Park, Hambledon, Hattingley Valley, Raimes and The Grange. Alternatively raise a refreshing glass of Hill Farm Juice!
More local treats, including speciality coffee from River Coffee, craft beer from Growling Gibbon, non-alcoholic cocktails from Mavrik and real ales from The Flower Pots Brewery will be popping up in the Hampshire Fare Shop Local chalet at Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market from 4th December.
Finally don’t forget buying local produce from local businesses means we are supporting our communities – which is surely the spirit of Christmas!
The Winchester Ambassadors are a group of volunteers who enjoy sharing their passion for their city. They were assembled to provide visitors with a local’s view of the city and its attractions. Their thoughts, insights and tips are independent and are not paid for. The Winchester Ambassadors are not affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in their posts or endorsed by Winchester City Council.
