Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market may have been cancelled, but Christmas hasn’t! Perhaps this year there’s an even greater need to enjoy a festive treat and share the gift of food and drink with those we love.
With this in mind, and in support of Hampshire Fare’s #buyonelocalgift campaign, Hampshire Fare are launching a ‘virtual’ version of their Christmas Chalet. Below is a listing of those food and drink businesses in the order they were scheduled to take over the Hampshire Fare chalet at the Christmas market. Between them they provide a choice of gift ideas and delcious additions to the festive table.
Day one: Beaulieu Chocolate Studio was set for a chocolate studio pop-up with contemporary handmade chocolates – from original bars (three for £10), filled chocolates and bespoke hampers, all made on the premises in a village shop in Beaulieu in the New Forest.
Next up was Dampney’s Remarkable Drinks. These award-winning fruit liqueurs, among them Sloe Gin, Marmalade Vodka and Raspberry Rum, are crafted in small batches in East Meon. Serve with fizz, tonic, soda or simply over ice. Selected liqueurs available in gift packs of three 10cl tasters (£18).
Then The River Test Distillery were to showcase their classic London Dry gin, infused with handpicked meadowseet flowers for a smooth gin with honeyed floral notes. It was named Best London Dry Gin in England 2020 – bound to impress gin aficionados in the family.
Day Four was Smith & Weston – their artisan handcrafted gin liqueurs are flavoured with local and foraged fruits. Select from the likes of Autumn Hedgerow and Mulled Gin. Available as gin liqueur baubles (from £12) or as Gin & Fizz or G&T Gift Bags (from £17).
Followed by River Coffee Roasters who source exquisite coffees direct from communities, building supportive relationships, to create quality speciality coffees roasted in Winchester. They sell equipment for home brewing as well as bags of delicious coffee. Great gifts for coffee connoiseurs.
Next, Hill Farm Juice for award-winning, refreshing fresh apple and pear juices grown and ‘squished’ in Hampshire. Varieties include Cox, Apple with Damson & Sloe, Apple with Elderflower (great with gin) and Limited Edition Tickled Pink. Available from numerous stockists or in cases of 24 online.
Day Seven ChalkStream for well-flavoured trout from the Test and Itchen available fresh, hot or cold smoked, as pâtés or potted. Delivered in Christmas boxes as gifts (pre-order by 30th November for free delivery) or for the Christmas and Boxing Day tables.
Then New Forest Shortbread was scheduled to take over the chalet. This meltingly rich and moreish shortbread, homemade in the New Forest, is always a welcome gift, or a treat with morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Following this was Butler Country Estates – chunky, smoked Hampshire trout pâté with that just-caught freshness. Prepared in five flavours – classic; chives; chilli; dill; and watercress – this is the perfect addition to a Boxing Day spread or a light lunch or supper over the Festive season.
Day 10 for The Grange; this award-winning fizz is available in Classic or Pink and made from vines growing on Hampshire’s chalky terroir, producing a fizz of great clarity and delicacy. Great choice for toasting Christmas Day or as a much appreciated gift.
Next, Portsmouth Distillery. This artisan spirit producer, based in an 18th century fort, makes premium gins, rums and ciders. Perfect for Christmas is warming Cinnabar Spice Rum, or there’s Tudor Gin, inspired by botanicals found on the Mary Rose. Now, that’s a talking point of a present!
Then there’s Bluestone Vineyard, a boutique vineyard specialising in sparkling wine made into Classic Cuvee and Rose (a future release) by expert winemakers at Hambledon Vineyard. Bottles, gift vouchers and vineyard walks and tastings are available to purchase.
Flack Manor was to take over the Chalet on the last day. Their award-winning real ales use locally sourced ingredients and the almost unique double drop method of traditional brewing. Enjoy Flack’s Double Drop, Hedge Hop and Romsey Gold – available in bottles, piggins and polypins.
