A local culinary treasure with history. Blue Vinny is a traditional blue cheese that nearly vanished but was revived by the Davies family on Woodbridge Farm near Sturminster Newton. They’ve been making it for over 40 years now. It’s crumbly, mellow, and excellent paired with Dorset artisan crackers and chutney. We often stock a wheel of Dorset Blue Vinny in the welcome hamper for cheese-loving guests.

Not an edible, but a feast for the eyes! The illustrious paint and wallpaper brand Farrow & Ball is handmade in Dorset, still using traditional methods and eco-friendly formulas. Their rich, heritage paint colours (with names like Pointing, Hague Blue, and Elephant’s Breath) have decorated many historic homes – and yes, parts of Hedgerows House are painted in Farrow & Ball hues. Design aficionados might enjoy a visit to their factory shop in Wimborne or showroom in Bournemouth.

Tea runs in Dorset’s veins. The Dorset Tea brand, known for its “Golden Blend” or “Sunshine Blend”, traces its roots to 1934 when a young Bournemouth man, Keith Spicer, began blending teas in his kitchen and delivering them by bicycle. Meanwhile, Clipper Teas, a pioneer in organic and Fairtrade teas, was founded in a Dorset village in 1984 and grew from a husband-and-wife team into a global name. We love providing a canister of locally packed Dorset Tea in our kitchens – there’s nothing like a cup of Dorset brew on the patio in the morning.

A breakfast icon born in the countryside. Founded in 1989 in the heart of rural Dorset, Dorset Cereals started as a small team blending simple, natural ingredients into wholesome mueslis and granolas. Their philosophy was refreshingly straightforward: no gimmicks, no artificial flavours – just honest recipes inspired by the surrounding fields, farms, and hedgerows. The brand became beloved across the UK for its colourful boxes and its commitment to unprocessed, gently baked grains mixed with fruits, nuts, and seeds. Today Dorset Cereals is recognised around the world, but its roots remain firmly local, with many recipes still paying homage to Dorset’s agricultural heritage. We often include a box of Dorset Cereals in our breakfast hamper so guests can begin their day with a taste of the county’s rustic charm – perfect with fresh fruit and yoghurt on the terrace.

This world-famous ethical cosmetics company actually started in Dorset. Lush was founded in Poole in the 1990s and still has its main factory there, crafting those fragrant bath bombs and soaps by hand. If you’ve enjoyed the delightful smell of a Lush shop, you can imagine the aroma in Poole’s high street! We feature some Lush toiletries (like soap bars and shampoos) in our bathrooms as a nod to this local success story known for natural ingredients.

Did you know that one of the world’s most iconic gins is distilled right here in Hampshire? The Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill (near Whitchurch) is an architectural marvel and offers tours and tastings. This global gin, with its distinctive blue bottle, is crafted using a unique vapor-infusion process and ten botanicals. The distillery’s glasshouses (designed by renowned architect Thomas Heatherwick) are worth a visit to see exotic botanicals growing beside the crystal-clear River Test. We keep a bottle or two of Bombay Sapphire in our honour bar – perfect for a pre-dinner G&T garnished with a sprig of New Forest rosemary from our garden.

Hampshire’s chalk hills produce some stellar sparkling wines that rival Champagne. Hambledon Vineyard, in fact, is England’s oldest commercial vineyard (established 1952) and is considered the birthplace of English fizz. Their award-winning Hambledon Classic Cuvée is a must-try for wine lovers. The vineyard offers tours and tastings, or you can enjoy a bottle at Hedgerows to toast a special occasion. Fun fact: Hambledon’s wines have even been served to French presidents – magnifique!

To capture the scent of our region, look no further than these local makers. New Forest Aromatics creates natural soaps, candles, and toiletries using local ingredients like lavender, mint, and even New Forest honey. Similarly, boutique brands like Wicketts of Hampshire or Pig & Pepper hand-pour candles with fragrances like Hampshire Rose or Coastal Breeze. These items make lovely souvenirs – we often stock a selection in our little on-site gift shelf, so you can take home a whiff of the New Forest.

Hampshire is known for award-winning cheeses, watercress, trout, and more. You’ll find delicious local charcuterie (try the air-dried meats from Parsonage Farm), fresh-off-the-boat seafood on the south coast, and even wasabi grown in Hampshire’s waterways! A few local foodie stars include The Hampshire Salami Co., Isle of Wight Tomatoes (just across the Solent, but often in Hants farmers’ markets), and Hill Farm Juices (pressed apple juices from orchards near Southampton). The county also has a burgeoning craft beer and spirits scene, from Ringwood Brewery ales to Winchester Distillery’s gins. Be sure to check out a Hampshire Farmers’ Market if one coincides with your visit; regular markets pop up in towns like Winchester, Lymington, and Ringwood, offering the freshest produce and artisanal goodies.

A modern craft-beer favourite now rooted in the local scene. While BrewDog began its life in Scotland back in 2007, the brand has become a beloved presence across the South of England — including right here in Hampshire and Dorset. Known for its bold, hop-forward beers like Punk IPA, Lost Lager, and Hazy Jane, BrewDog helped spark the UK’s craft beer revolution with its rebellious spirit and commitment to quality brewing. The region now enjoys several lively BrewDog bars (Bournemouth’s outpost is a guest favourite), each offering rotating taps, limited-edition releases, and relaxed, dog-friendly spaces perfect for an afternoon drink after exploring the forest or coast. We often keep a few BrewDog cans chilled in the fridge for guests who enjoy a crisp, modern craft beer — a refreshing complement to a New Forest sunset on the terrace.