Food at Crow Spotter, The Retreat

I’ve written about the Crow Spotter boys - brothers George and Will - a couple of times already. First about their pop-up coffee shop in The Saxon Bar in Christchurch (read the post here) and then about their pop-up at The Retreat in the New Forest (read that post here). But they warrant another post, as they have started serving very noteworthy food from Friday-Sunday at the Retreat, 11am-2pm.

With The Saxon Bar closed, and The Retreat otherwise closed, the boys have used the enforced quiet time to hatch plans and test things out. They are working hard to get their offering just right for their clientele, with the emphasis on local, organic and seasonal foods.

The small but perfectly formed plant-based menu has been thoughtfully put together and showcases local produce wonderfully. There is a soup of the day, a sandwich of the day, a couple of seasonal specials, plus toast and spreads. Everything comes with a side of BH24 sourdough. They get amazing microgreens that pack a punch from Lightsfoot’s Farm and veg from Sopley Farm, both just down the road.

I had a mushroom bap that was cooked fresh and served hot. The combination of meaty New Forest mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, homemade walnut and sunflower seed pesto and local watercress on a sourdough roll was quite honestly, perfection.

I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Crow Spotter, and to see all the boys’ hard work pay off once the customers come flooding back.