Back in sunnier times, two brothers opened Crow Spotter - a pop-up coffee shop in The Saxon Bar, Christchurch. George and Will built up a faithful clientele who flocked to them for their incredible coffee, cakes and friendly banter. They even started a walking and photography group.

When lockdown 2.0 hit, the boys took the decision not to open for takeaway, as it’s the sitting down and chatting part of coffee that they like. They were feeling a bit glum but Karma was working its magic, as a chance meeting led to the boys being offered a cafe space at The Retreat in the New Forest (and wow, what a space).

I headed down the A35 (only 6 mins drive from Highcliffe) and checked out Crow Spotter’s palatial new gaff. The sprawling country house has lawns, formal gardens, a secret walled garden, parkland and woods. The perfect place for spotting crows! The boys are only just settling in, but have already created a perfect hygge vibe…cushions, sofa, plants, twinkly lights, books and the cutest window seat. I can see it being a popular spot both with passersby and people visiting The Retreat for classes.

As with their pop-up in the Saxon Bar, the boys are serving locally roasted coffee from Wimborne Coffee Roasters and Forest Edge Roasting Co. and cakes from Bakehouse 24. My oat flat white was smooth perfection. And very excitingly, they are starting to develop a food menu for the new year, so let’s hope that 2021 is kinder to us all.

Open 9am-3pm every day from Thursday 3rd December