Fordingbridge farm shop finds new family through Vail Williams

Fordingbridge farm shop, a family-run shop on the western edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, is being opened with new occupiers. 

The shop is being taken over by husband-and-wife owners Neil and Corinna Rogers, who signed a lease in a transaction organized by property consultancy Vail Williams. 

Previously vacant, the 3,656 sq ft site is getting a new chance at life with occupiers who are looking to turn Fordingbridge farm shop into a thriving retail and entertainment hub for the country side town. 

Neil left behind a job in the aeronautical engineering industry to put all of his focus into making the shop a success. The shop opens today (May 10th) and has already created seven new jobs. 

Discussing plans Neil said: “We have a lot of plans for the shop, café and Mediterranean-style courtyard, with calendar events, music sessions, street food markets, barbecue burger nights, a Friday and Saturday evening bar, cooked breakfasts, locally sourced food, award-winning pies, freshly baked bread and high-quality butchers.

“Customers can be assured of a warm welcome, with reasonable prices in keeping with the budget expectations of families here in Fordingbridge and the countryside villages beyond.”

The shop is covering all bases, with a secured outdoor children’s play area also being built. 

Neil continued: “Fordingbridge, which has a population of just under 5,000, has been crying out for a something like this on the north side of the settlement, away from the high street and catering for all ages at different times of the day.

“Along with working families, including school-run parents, there are retirees who will enjoy the courtyard experience and the convenience of a shop with daily essentials without having to trek or drive into town.”

Nearby rural rides also mean that the shop can cater to the bustling cycling community in the area as well.

Old Village Signpost by the A3078, Ringwood Road, Fordingbridge Credit Milestone Society

Corinna said: ”During the pandemic we used to walk past the farm shop as it was being constructed, and always remarked wouldn’t it be amazing if we could be in there one day?

“Neil didn’t hang around when he saw a Vail Williams advert two months ago about the premises being available to let – he arranged a viewing in double-quick time and here we are with the lease signed.

“We are incredibly grateful to Vail Williams for making the lease deal such a smooth process – there were no hiccups, allowing us to focus on stocking the farm shop and kitting out the courtyard; we are expecting the courtyard festoon lights any day now, making great memories as customers chat, eat, drink and dance evenings away.”