We’ve decided it’s time to shake things up in the New Forest food scene. No more white tablecloths and hushed whispers. We want clinking glasses, vibrant plates, and a vibe that’s as fresh as the ingredients on your fork. Nettle is our newest venture: a pop-up restaurant designed for those who crave something a little more “foraged and funky.”

Located at the stunning Lightfoot’s Farm on Silver Street, Hordle, Nettle is an extension of everything we love at New Forest Events. It’s trendy, it’s laid-back, and it’s about to become your new favourite monthly ritual.

The Concept: Rotating Chefs, Constant Vibes

Why settle for one menu when you can have a different culinary story every single month?

At Nettle, we’re handing over the keys to a different guest chef for every pop-up. One month you might be diving into fire-cooked forest feasts, and the next, you could be sampling sophisticated vegan plates that would tempt even the most dedicated carnivore (check out our tips on hosting a vegan wedding for a taste of how we handle plant-based magic).

What makes it different?

• Hyper-Local Focus: We aren’t just saying “farm-to-table”: we are literally sitting at the table on the farm.
• Intimate Seating: With a maximum of 30 covers, every evening feels like a private party with your closest friends (or people who are about to be!).
• Foraged & Funky: Expect ingredients you’ve never heard of, paired with flavours you’ll never forget.
• The Best Bar in the Forest: It wouldn’t be a New Forest Events production without a custom bar menu featuring local spirits and botanical infusions.

Meet the Neighbours: Lightfoot’s Farm

Nettle wouldn’t exist without the incredible grounds of Lightfoot’s Farm. Owned by Pete and Gracey How, this isn’t your average farm. Pete and Gracey are masters of the microgreen world, running a regenerative farm that focuses on sustainability and soul.

When you dine at Nettle, those tiny, flavour-packed greens on your plate likely travelled about fifty yards from the greenhouse to your fork. It’s fresh, it’s sustainable, and it supports the local ecosystem that makes the New Forest so special. Pete and Gracey have built a haven on Silver Street, and we are thrilled to call it the home of Nettle.

Your Private Playground

Got a milestone birthday coming up? Or perhaps you’re looking for a bespoke party venue that will actually impress your guests?

While our monthly pop-ups are open to the public, Nettle is also available for private hire. We’re talking “super special private parties” where you get the whole place to yourself.

Imagine having your own private chef, a curated bar service, and the backdrop of the New Forest’s wild beauty: all tucked away in Hordle. We handle all the details, from the initial event coordination to the final pour of the night. You just need to turn up and look fabulous.

The Vibe: Trendy But Laid-Back

If you’re looking for formal dress codes and stiff service, you might be in the wrong place. Nettle is where you come to kick back.

We’ve designed the space to feel like a refurbished industrial sanctuary in the middle of a hay meadow. Think exposed beams, local art that actually makes you look twice, and lighting so soft it makes everyone look like a movie star. It’s the kind of place where the conversation flows as easily as the wine.

What’s on the menu?
It changes every time, but you can always expect:

1. Captivating Flavours: Chefs who aren’t afraid to experiment with foraged finds and bold spices.
2. Sensory Drinks: Cocktails and mocktails that use the farm’s own herbs and microgreens (it’s amazing what a bit of pea shoots can do to a gin fizz!).
3. Dramatic Settings: Dining under the stars or inside our funky farm space, depending on what the British weather decides to do.

How to Get Your Seat at the Table

Because we keep things intimate with only 30 seats, our pop-ups tend to vanish faster than a tray of canapés at a wedding.

If you want to be the first to know who the next guest chef is, or if you’re itching to book Nettle for your own private bash, you’ll want to get in touch sooner rather than later. We’re currently taking bookings for our next few months of pop-ups and private celebrations.

Whether you’re a New Forest local or you’re planning a trip down to Sway and Hordle for something special, Nettle is waiting for you.

Are you ready to see what happens when the forest meets the fork?