Local Produce near Cosham

Hampshire food and drink on the doorstep

Cosham sits at the junction of the city and the countryside, and while the district itself is urban, the Hampshire farmland, the Meon Valley and the South Downs are all within a short drive. This gives Cosham residents access to a range of local produce that city dwellers further south on Portsea Island might find less convenient.

Hampshire is strong on local food production. The county's farms produce beef, lamb, pork, poultry, dairy products, eggs, fruit and vegetables. The Meon Valley and the Hamble Valley are particularly productive agricultural areas, and the villages along these valleys have farm shops and farm gates selling direct to the public. Seasonal produce includes Hampshire asparagus in spring, strawberries and soft fruit in summer, apples and pears in autumn, and root vegetables through the winter months.

Local breweries are well represented in the pubs around Cosham. Hampshire has a strong tradition of real ale brewing, and breweries across the county supply pubs, farm shops and specialist retailers. The pubs on Portsdown Hill and in Cosham itself often stock ales from local producers alongside national brands.

The Solent coast provides fresh fish and shellfish. Langstone Harbour, just to the east of Cosham, has a long history of fishing and oyster cultivation. Portsmouth's fish market and the fish counters at the larger supermarkets stock locally caught fish in season.

Farmers' markets are held periodically in various locations around Portsmouth and the surrounding area, bringing local producers together in one place. These markets are a good way to discover new producers and to buy directly from the people who grow, rear or make the food.

Cosham's supermarkets provide convenient everyday shopping, but the local produce available from farm shops, markets and specialist suppliers adds variety, quality and a connection to the landscape that a supermarket cannot match.