The Best Cafes in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, United Kingdom (2025)

The Potting Shed in Hyde… well. Where to begin. This was our third time eating here and as per the first two occasions the food was exquisite! Some context… We live in Essex and have had a couple of trips to the New Forest for weekends away, on these trips we have traveled to The Potting Shed for breakfast on one of the days and the food and atmosphere has always been perfect. There is some magic in the herby mushrooms we are sure of it! Our latest visit to the New Forest was not a weekend away, it was a one day trip centred around having breakfast at The Potting Shed… that is correct folks… we drove 2 hours and 38 minutes to go and have breakfast at The Potting Shed and it was, as always, sublime! Did I mention the mushrooms? Eat here and you will not be disappointed. We heartily recommend The Potting Shed and driving over 2 hours to eat here testifies to that. We will be back!

Lovely little farm shop and restaurant here. The staff were super friendly. Unfortunately we didn't book in advance, so we had to sit outside in the under cover area. It wasn't too cold, but lacked atmosphere out there. Both had the Cheesy One sandwich, very nice and the chilli chutney helped to cut through the cheese. Wasn't a fan of the coronation coleslaw and divisive having a mustard dressing over the salad (luckily I don't mind mustard). Would recommend visiting, but book!

Loved the cream tea. Dog friendly and a variety of seating options. Plus cute little plans on sale

We ordered a scone and cream and a cup of tea each. It was lovely tea with proper tea leaves and a warm scone. Service was a little slow but the staff were friendly. The lunch service stops at 2.45pm and they shut at 4pm which is a shame, after all, we're British and everything stops for tea at 4pm, but by then you can't buy one! We wanted to look at the plant centre but that closed even earlier at 3pm! Overall, a lovely place to stop, but don't arrive late afternoon.

Lovely little farm shop with some animals to look and say "wow that's nice animal please". The carpark is a bit too small considering how popular it is and the overflow isn't suitable in wet weather and it turns into a mud bath, it would also be better if the carparking spaces had some markings, as people aren't great at parking which leads to lots of people taking two spaces each. The staff were all very friendly and the coffees were nice. Farm shop well stocked.

Honestly the best breakfast bap I've ever had, zero complaints about anything, staff were wonderful and friendly and the coffee was delicious too! Cute little place to be with a chilled out vibe. The sausages were next level and we HAD to buy some from the farm shop next door! I wish I'd had space for a cake too because they all looked gorgeous too! After breakfast we had a wonder round the animals which was lovely and we happened to visit on a day when the fish monger was there which is clearly very popular as there was a queue of 10 people before they'd even set up! Overall, a lovely place to visit and the cafe is a must!

Great stop for an old codger on a bike. Today was planning on sausage and bacon bap (fuel of choice) but displayed sausage rolls too tempting! Tasted as good as it looked 😋

Hockeys was a lovely destination for three adults with learning disabilities I was supporting for an afternoon last week. We spent nearly an hour with the various farm animals before browsing the lovely shops and enjoying hot drinks and cake in the cosy cafe. Thankyou Hockeys.

Love this place. The family are always welcoming and make food to order if you ask nicely! Dog friendly, food is always great and the atmosphere is on point. Highly recommend. Note: seating can sometimes be tight but I wouldnt want the Pantry any other way. Its quirky and relaxed!

Afternoon tea in the little courtyard was absolutely wonderful with a huge selection of cakes . The sandwiches were delicious 🤤 A nice touch having fresh strawberries. Super service from all the staff. A real little gem. I've been before and I'll definitely be coming back again.

Enjoyed lunch at The Pantry very much. Great choice of menu and the food is excellent. Also, the staff are very friendly and very helpful and efficient. Would recommend the The New Forest Pantry to everyone. Rob Kimber - 20/5/25

Food was wonderful, service was amazing & I was incredibly impressed by the level of gluten free options at the afternoon tea. Will definitely be returning. Photos of my gluten free which was shared between two of us.

Such amazing attention from everyone when we arrived late for our lunch reservation last week. We had phoned to cancel the table due to delays at the hospital and to allow them to seat someone else. When we eventually turned up, the shady seats were of course all taken, but my parents are both having chemo so we could not sit in the sun. We were heading indoors when they offered to move a table under the shade of the tree for us. We enjoyed a relaxing and peaceful lunch in the lovely sheltered courtyard and they could not have been more attentive or accommodating. Thank you so much to everyone for looking after us so well.

We’ve visited a few times now and have always had a good experience. The cafe was very busy at lunchtime today but we managed to find an indoor table as my elderly mother needs a proper chair. We were warned there was a 35 minute wait for food but it actually took an hour for our food to arrive. The wait was worth it and the food was very good. Be prepared to wait during busy summer period and probably advisable to reserve a table in advance as well.

By chance came across this delightful cafe. All the staff worked well as a team and nice to see young staff being given an opportunity to work Delightful atmosphere Food was delicious, super fresh and presented superbly. Will definitely recommend and return to

Delightful cafe close to Breamore House which, unlike the house, is open all year round. We visited on an overcast day in March and can’t wait to visit on a warm day as the outside tables look lovely! Very relaxed vibe, friendly too with both dog and small grandchild welcomed. Food tasty and fresh, alcohol available too but it was too early in the day for us. Most of the other clients were in hiking gear and looking at the map there are some great walks close by. We’ll be back for coffee followed by a walk and back again for lunch! I can fully recommend this place

Wonderful hidden gem on the river. Very friendly staff and delicious food...thank you 😋

I visited this morning for a Latte by the river just after 9am whilst my husband was at the Chiropractor unaware it didn't open until 10am! However, I was welcomed and served. Lovely, welcoming, quiet, relaxing Riverside cafe. Highly recommend.

it was saturday night. car park was busy. also inside. all table fully booked. we were waiting for food about half an hour. Staff was very nice and friendly. Food was good.

We were staying locally for a short break and drove into Fordingbrige . We dropped into the Tea Garden for lunch we were a little early for the lunch menu so had a coffee first . Lunch menu is nice and varied two of us had the hog roast sandwich and one a beef sandwich . Excellent quality of food and having a riverside table made it all the more enjoyable. Staff friendly and attentive and I would recommend it without hesitation. Dog friendly too 🐕

Love this place! We went for a little after work drink in the sunshine. The food coming out looked good so will be going back to try that soon. Great gelato counter, made on site, and a well stocked bar. Lovely outdoor seating area and a cute little play area for the kids. The only place to go that end of Fordingbridge so is always quite busy.

(Sorry terrible picture), I always believe that the service can really heighten one’s experience in a food establishment. Well the service here was 10/10. Amazing service and so hospitable! The food was excellent and overall a perfect find to start our afternoon in Fordingbridge.

Such an amazing place. Friendly manageress. Absolutely amazing and atmosphere. Tony’s frying machine was amazing with delicious fish and chips, not to mention ton their curry sauce. My taste buds are still dancing in my mouth. Thank you. I will be back.

By far one of my favourite coffee shops! First time visiting today and I can honestly say it's one of the most welcoming places. Very fast service , amazing staff and lots of space. Great place for kids and all the family! You can have Gelato here aswell.

Hungry? Thirsty? Got kids? Love Ice cream? This place is great and its very handy being situated right in the play parks. Hot food that is 100% home made with a selection of new forest ice cream and the menu is priced very reasonably indeed. Soup, pies, pasties, tea, coffee, cakes. It's open Tuesday - Friday 10AM - 4PM then Saturday - Sunday 9AM - 5PM. My personal favourite from here was Pie, mash and onion gravy. I thoroughly recommend coming here if you are visiting Fordingbridge either passing through or taking the kids.

Useful Kiosk when visiting the play park or skate park with the kids or just taking a walk. Lovely, well filled sandwiches or toasties, depending on the season. Tasty pork pies, ice creams, kids lunch boxes and great tasting coffee and cake. Worth a visit!

Fabulous Pies! Last week Nigel provided boxed pies for an evening event in Damerham Community Orchard. There were already two meat options and a vegetarian choice, however on contacting him to ask about my food intolerance he brilliantly suggested another dish/Vegan option. It was the tastiest thing I have had all month!! Well worth a visit

If you're looking for tea or coffee, this place has that and more. The lady who owns it was so attentive and made I a great experience. It's calm quite and in a beautiful courtyard

Hidden gem. Lovely tearoom with gorgeous cakes and friendly service.

Lovely little cafe tucked away, very quaint with Christmas music playing, stopped for a hot drink and sandwich, both perfect and reasonably priced.

What a wonderful find and a fantastic lady running it. Everything else in Fordingbridge was closed at 4pm on a Saturday! This tearoom is tucked away and is fantastic. We will be back for lunch.

Still the best Belgian Buns I’ve ever had. As good today as I remember from 25 years ago when my Nan used to bring me here for a treat. Thank you Belinda’s 🙏🏻♥️

Try the fresh soup ,and take some lovely fresh cakes home with you nice place to stop for lunch I go regularly