Hampshire Fare, the county food and drink group, is returning to Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market, taking over a chalet from December 5-22.

Hampshire Fare took over a chalet at Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market for the first time in 2019. The chalet proved a great success as it allowed smaller producers to have a presence at this Christmas Market which has a national profile.

This year the Hampshire Fare chalet will continue this format with a rota of 16 producers, each taking over the chalet on different days.

This will include local ales, gins and wines, artisan chocolates, homemade fudge and shortbread, locally roasted coffee, smoked trout and Hampshire charcuterie.

Tracy Nash, commercial manager of Hampshire Fare, said: “We are very excited that the Hampshire Hog is returning to Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market.

“We are confident that many are dreaming of a local Christmas this year and the Hampshire Fare Chalet is a great opportunity for visitors to buy quality individual gifts and stock up with delicious food and drink that’s perfect for celebrations.

“The past 18 months has seen a growing appreciation of local. Here at Hampshire Fare we are aware of a massive increase in interest in sourcing and supporting local.”

Owner and chocolatier Trevor Smith of Beaulieu Chocolate Studio said: “We love the atmospheric location of Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market, and we are looking forward to bringing our own Christmas cheer with our handmade chocolate bars and seasonal favourites such as dipped orange, mints, New Forest Bark and hot chocolate dippers.”

The Hampshire Fare team is manning the chalet on December 6 and 13, handing out free Local Produce Guides and advising visitors about finding local.

The Hampshire Fare chalet will be available from December 5-22, with opening hours from 10.00am-8.00pm Thursday to Saturday and 10.00am-6.30pm Sunday to Wednesday.