If our larder was as lovely as The Larder in Lymington, we’d probably never leave the house! Tucked away in Earley Court, the popular café and deli was taken over by husband-and-wife team Karl and Esther-Kate Cheshire who moved to the New Forest in 2022 from Hartley Wintney.

As the old adage goes – “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. And with a loyal following, the foodie duo have kept the coffee, cake and sweet pastries offer here largely the same, along with fresh fruit and veg-packed brekkies and lunches. But since taking the helm, Karl and Esther-Kate have enhanced the offer, making The Larder more family-friendly with a new children’s menu, along with family-friendly chalkboard tables.

Chef Karl has introduced some new daytime signature staples like homemade scotch eggs and sausage rolls made using meat from the local butcher. Not surprisingly, they’re going down a treat with regulars and visitors to the coastal town making a beeline for the foodie cafe.

The cosy seating area has had a stylish makeover. Outside, a covered heated courtyard with glass screens means plenty more space to sit and an ambient setting for new tapas suppers, with an evening tapas menu on 6 – 9pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer, featuring fried maroma almonds with rosemary, spider crab and saffron croquettes, Spanish omelette, and jamon iberico on toasted sourdough served with mandarin oil, plus sharing platters and Spanish stews served with warm baguettes. Yum.

Inside the deli, the duo have also added more foodie products for sale – you can pick up some fab Spanish meats and olive oils, hand-picked Lyburn cheeses and the Tomato Stall sauces and condiments, all used in the tasty dishes made here.

Getting locals right into the weekend vibe, there’s also a much-expanded wine list and regular events now too. Follow The Larder on Facebook and Insta and don’t miss out!