Autumn Foraging in Hampshire

Autumn in Hampshire carries a particular charm. Walks through the South Downs National Park at this time of year are a sensory experience — leaves underfoot, cool air, and the quiet rhythm of the season. It’s the perfect setting for slower-paced autumn walks and even a little shinrin-yoku — Japanese forest bathing — where simply being among the trees restores calm and clarity.

This year, we’ve been especially lucky. Ceps* — often called the king of mushrooms — have been abundant across Hampshire, alongside the more delicate birch boletes* that thrive near birch trees. Their nutty depth and subtle flavours make them a real treasure! Foraging is a tradition that blends knowledge with patience: knowing where to look, harvesting responsibly, and appreciating that not every find makes its way to the basket.

For us, it is also personal. As a family with Polish roots, foraging is in our blood — our autumnal days off are usually spent with the kids at 'competitive mushrooming' (Winner of Mushrooming is an important title for our 5- and 8-year-old! ) It’s a ritual we love to keep alive here in Hampshire when the season allows.

*Wild mushrooms can be difficult to identify, and some are dangerous.

Please don’t pick or eat mushrooms unless you’re an expert or guided by one.*

At 36 On The Quay, these autumn flavours are a natural inspiration. The cep, with its rich character, or the birch bolete, with its gentler notes, are reminders of the season’s abundance and the way nature rewards those who look closely. Our seasonal dishes celebrate the best of autumn foraging, bringing the taste of Hampshire’s forests straight to the table.

Located just moments from the South Downs, 36 On The Quay is the perfect base for autumnal escapes — whether it’s a fine dining experience after a day’s South Downs walk, or an before heading out to explore the countryside. Here, by the harbour in Emsworth, the flavours of the season meet the comfort of a home by the sea.