Good morning, good afternoon and good evening, wherever you happen to be reading from. We have just got back from The New Forest, and we are ready to share some of our reviews from the eating establishments that we visited, and up first, is The Potting Shed.
Our Review:
“Nestled in the charming village of Hyde, Fordingbridge, The Potting Shed is the quintessential New Forest café experience. Here, the magic begins with the aroma of homegrown vegetables and freshly baked goods that welcome you the moment you step in. Located on the serene western side of The New Forest, this cozy café is a stone’s throw away from breathtaking natural beauty and endless exploration. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or an adventurous outing, The Potting Shed makes for the perfect starting point.
The café itself is split into two inviting sections. Inside, you’ll find a homely, expertly decorated space that exudes warmth and comfort—perfect for enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee or a hearty meal. The outdoor undercover section may lack the same cosy vibe, but it offers a delightful escape from the elements while still allowing you to soak in the fresh forest air.
The menu at The Potting Shed is a celebration of local flavours and seasonal produce. Each dish is crafted with care, using only the freshest ingredients. Whether you’re indulging in a slice of their famous homemade cake or savouring a hearty salad made with garden-fresh veggies, every bite is a testament to their commitment to quality.
From the lovingly crafted menu, we eagerly chose “The Cheesy One”—a divine crusty ciabatta smothered in melted cheese, paired with a zesty tomato and chilli chutney and crisp lettuce. Each bite was an explosion of flavors that left us craving more. To complement our meal, we shared a portion of fries seasoned to perfection, adding just the right amount of crunch to our experience. The presentation of the dishes was impeccable, making the food look as good as it tasted.
However, there was one minor hiccup: the salad came with a mustard dressing. Now, mustard is very marmite—either you love it or hate it. Unfortunately, I fell into the latter category, so I had to give the salad a miss. Thankfully, they made up for it with a mildly spicy coronation coleslaw that was both refreshing and flavorful.
The staff were super friendly throughout our visit, going above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful time. They even let us take some cake for the road, which, to be honest, didn’t make it past the car park! While the prices were on the higher side, it’s what you’d expect for a premium New Forest experience. Considering the quality and atmosphere, we were happy with what we paid.
Overall, we would definitely return to The Potting Shed when we visit the New Forest again. This area now boasts not just one, but two fantastic cafes, with Hockeys Farm Shop also being an incredible food venue!
Pros & Cons:
- Warm and cosy atmosphere ✅
- Friendly and accommodating staff ✅
- Quality of food ✅
- Under cover section comfort ❌
- Divisive mustard dressing ❌
Gourmet Gauge:
The food here is delicious and the presentation matches it. The service was outstanding, and the ambience was cosy and homely inside, which wasn’t reflected in the under-cover section. The price for the food was high but was justified by the high quality of food and ingredients.
Taste: 7/10 🥄
Presentation: 6/10 🍽️
Ambience: 7/10 🕯️
Service: 7/10 🧑🍳
Value for Money: 8/10💰
Total: 35/50 Worth A Visit!
You can find “The Potting Shed” at the following location:
The Potting Shed Hyde
Fordingbridge
SP6 2QB
You can find their website at: https://www.pottingshedhyde.co.uk/
Or visit their social media at the following locations:
We’d love to hear from you! If you have any favourite eateries you’d like us to review, please let us know in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow our blog for the latest reviews and foodie adventures. Stay connected with us on social media for more delicious updates, mouth-watering photos, and engaging discussions. Your feedback and suggestions help us bring you the best dining experience!
The Taste Trekker 
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