Featured Farm Shop – Spencer’s Farm Shop

Based on a fruit farm in a village called Wickham St Pauls on the Essex/Suffolk border you’ll find us…Spencer’s Farm Shop. Once a fruit farm with a shed selling our wares now a 3,000 sq ft barn with a Farm Shop & Coffee Shop.
​We sell a huge range of locally sourced produce as well as seasonal home-grown fruit and vegetables. 
The shop stocks everything from local wine & beer, homemade cakes & ready-meals to gifts & art again, locally produced where possible.
Fresh meat & game from a range of quality local farmers is in stock at all times and there is a deli counter with over 40 cheeses as well as fresh pies, sausage rolls and quiches made in our farm shop kitchen.
​There is an emphasis on supporting small regional suppliers and this ethos is evident throughout the shop.
The fact that we are located within a fruit farm is a big draw for our customers who can buy fresh fruit and vegetables virtually all year round knowing they are grown in the field’s at the back of the shop!
​Our home grown crops start in May with Asparagus & Strawberries and goes throughout the summer with a huge variety of soft fruits right through to autumn/winter with pumpkins, sweetcorn & apples.
The product selection has been carefully considered, which is reflected in the quality and range of stock available.
​Prices are good and most definitely comparable to the major supermarkets.
​With almost all bases covered, the farm shop is a great convenience to Wickham St. Pauls and the surrounding villages and towns.

In recent years the shop has been transformed and modernised and extended to create a new Gift Shop selling lots of local handmade crafts and gift ideas as well as home accessories.

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​​​We also have a campsite – so even if you’re not local to us you can come and visit. Pitches start from £9/night but get booked up so for more information or to book visit our website www.spencersfarmshop.com


Our Pick Your Own season is hugely popular and people come from miles around to indulge in this great British tradition.
​The fields are well laid-out, with table-top strawberry plants, making strawberry picking accessible to people who would not have the opportunity to pick fruit in the traditional style. We grow virtually all soft fruits so there is a huge variety to choose from between June and September when our pick your own is open.
It is reassuring to know that such produce is fresh from the fields and hasn’t travelled hundreds of miles to the shop shelves.
​Spencer’s is a great place to shop if you want to know where your food has come from and to be assured that produce is of the highest quality and freshness.
​What’s more we have created a great space at the back of the shop for children and families to come and spend time.
​We have a children’s play area and a number of animals that’ll keep the little one’s entertained for hours!

To find out more about Spencer’s Farm Shop visit: www.spencersfarmshop.com

Find Spencer’s Farm Shop on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

If you would like your farm shop featured, contact theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Featured Farm Shop – Yew Tree Farm Shop

​Located in the countryside between Widnes and Liverpool, this family-run farm shops’ aim is to provide local produce wherever possible. You can enjoy a bite to eat in the coffee shop after a leisurely shop, there’s also free-range animals for the children to enjoy!
​At Yew Tree Farm Shop there is a huge range of seasonal produce at reasonable prices. There’s fresh, locally grown fruits & vegetables, frozen foods including ready meals, preserves, sauces, dairy produce,  pickles, sweets, meats, fish & ice cream!

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​The fresh meat (finest sausages, bacon, black & white puddings, free range chicken to name a few) is prepared on site and sold in the shop Thursday through to Sunday.


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​​If you’re looking for that perfect gift, there’s plenty of inspiration here! 
Not only is there a wide range of household ornaments and gifts, there’s also a fab selection of plants and shrubs along with other garden/outdoor products.


The Yew Tree Coffee Barn provides a freshly made menu.  All the ingredients used in the menu are available to purchase in the farm shop.  Meals on offer range from soups, grilled goats cheese salad, breakfast choices and a good range of sandwiches. Relax in front of the  log fire or kick back with an ice cream in the outside seating area and watch the hens and sheep roam!

To locate Yew Tree Farm Shop and other farm shops in Merseyside click HERE

Opening Hours:
Mon: CLOSED
Tues-Sat 9.00am-5.30pm
Sun        10.00am–4.00pm

If you would like your farm shop reviewed, email theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Reviewed Farm Shop – Berry’s Farm Shop

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      We’ve been out and about in
                Lincolnshire…

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​Nestled in the middle of the village of Burton-le-Coggles in Lincolnshire is where you will find the award winning Berry’s Farm Shop, on part of the 8,000 acres of the Easton Estate.
It’s a fabulous addition to the incredibly popular Cholmeley Arms pub.
Owners Lesley and John Berry took over the pub in 2009 and after some research decided, in 2010, to convert the old coal house into a farm shop and they haven’t looked back!

This fabulous award winning farm shop might be small but it’s very well stocked with pretty much everything you need.
There’s fresh bread supplied by the local Bloomsbury bakery, local honey, eggs, homemade cakes and fresh fruit & veg. In the summer months there’s a fabulous selection of plants and flowers.
​Berry’s Farm Shop also supply logs and offer a home delivery service too!
John Berry himself is Berry’s Farm in-house craftsman butcher and you’ll find an extensive range of pork (John’s own & highly recommended) along with his best selling sausages & burgers.
There’s game (when in season) and the lamb and venison are bred on the Easton Estate. 
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited in 2011 and were so impressed with the high quality of foods that HRH grabbed a pork pie to take with him!

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​The Cholmeley Arms pub offers a combination of superb food at a good price. With a children’s menu and a fabulous range of gluten free & vegetarian dishes. There’s something for every taste here, from soups and steaks to Ploughman’s & pasta dishes.  Not only is The Cholmeley Arms a popular resort for the local community but an ideal stopping off point for those travelling up and down the country & the perfect place to stop if you’re exploring the local area.
​Booking is advisable as it can get very busy, especially towards the weekend. Dogs are allowed in designated areas and there’s also baby changing facilities.

​The question is…do you visit the farm shop and THEN stop for lunch in the pub OR do you go for a delicious lunch and then pop into the farm shop for fresh supplies? 
Decisions, decisions…
The icing on the cake is that The Cholmeley Arms also offers bed and breakfast. Within a separate barn conversion overlooking the gardens, you’ll find self contained modern, dog friendly, comfortable rooms with en-suite and a veranda overlooking the colourful garden. There’s also complimentary WiFi, Free-view TV & fridge etc. Add a terrific breakfast & this accommodation is absolutely perfect if you’re exploring the local area.  

Farm Shop Opening Hours:
Monday      CLOSED
Tues – Sat  10.00am-10.00pm
Sunday       10.00am-5.00pm 

Cholmeley Arms Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri   12 noon – 3.00pm then 5.00pm – 11.00pm
Saturday    12 noon – 11.00pm
Sunday      12 noon – 10.30pm

If you and your farm shop would like a visit & a review, please contact theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Product Review – Ajar Of

On my travels, I came across this…

​There’s no better snack than good old fashioned cheese ‘n crackers, right?
Being a bit of an old stick in the mud, I’ve always spread & stuck with the usual ‘high street’ brand of chutney. I’m not easily swayed and I like what I like. I mean, who’s ever heard of apricots & dates in their jar of chutney?  
Chutters for Cheese had to prove itself and I can honestly say…
… I’m converted.
This jar of yumminess is handmade with love by the wonderful (and already multi award winning) company Ajar Of.
Based deep in the heart of Dorset, in a converted cowshed, Ajar Of pride themselves on the quality, integrity & originality of their products and being inspired by nature, use only natural and locally sourced ingredients. Yep, they certainly are ‘keeping it real’…
The combination of dried dates, prunes, apricots, figs, sultanas and raisins makes this the perfect chutney for cheese!
​Chutters is deliciously & delicately spiced. It goes hand in hand with the fresh ‘n fruity, zingy taste.
​Chutters for cheese is just one of the many Ajar Of products. They have created some truly wonderful and unusual jams, marmalade’s, mustard’s and sauces. You should check them out HERE.  
How does Red Plum and Cinnamon Jam sound? Or maybe Dorset Sea Salted Caramel Sauce? 
There’s a great range of both sweet & savoury & all sauces contain little or no added sugar, preservatives, colouring’s or any of that other unnatural stuff.
​The only negative point I have to write is that I’m all out…..Chutters is no longer with me. I’m sorry to say, Chutters only survived 3 days in my nest  (I even tried to hide it, too)
​Still, on the upside, I can buy online AND get free delivery if I select 5 or more jars and that’s no hard task, I can tell you!

If you have a farm shop product you would like us to review, get in touch! theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Product Review – Manor Farm Pork, Cranberry & Prosecco Sausages

On my travels, I came across this…

​The creative in-house butcher at Manor Farm Shops has obviously been given a free rein,
​as when I recently made a flying visit, I picked up these (out of pure curiosity)…Pork, Cranberry and PROSECCO sausages. 
No, that’s not a typo.
​The butchers counter at Manor Farm Shops in Leasingham ​is, quite frankly, darn excellent. There’s lots of ‘mix & match offers making their meats really good value.
As I’m always on the lookout for something a little different, I was intrigued to find not only pork, cranberry & Prosecco sausages but Christmas pudding, toffee apple and pork & stuffing flavoured sausages too!
Once I got these beauts home and before I had even started cooking, I smelt a gorgeous sweet aroma, almost fruity. ​These are ‘proper’ sausages, thick n’ chunky and nicely seasoned with a coarse texture…100 % meat here with no gristle whatsoever!

There’s very little fat as I grill (always a good sign don’t you think?) and I have to be honest, I’m pleasantly surprised.  I can taste all the wonderful flavours stated on the pack, not overpoweringly so,  just a tasty, subtle sensation. 


Best of all, I LOVE the slightly ‘boozy’ aftertaste and I’m kicking myself for not treating myself to the Christmas Pudding flavoured sausages earlier…
Simply put, what I thought would be just a novelty sausage, isn’t. 

I want more and I’m keen to see what this creative butcher will come up with next! 
Chop! Chop! 🙂 

If you have a farm shop product & would like a review, get in touch with theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Featured Farm Shop – Northfield Farm Shop

​Northfield Farm is an award winning active farming & butchery business on the Rutland Leicestershire borders. This is a small family working farm and you’ll see herds of pedigree cattle and sheep roaming.
​Northfield Farm Shop lies within the original brick built farm yard and forms a quadrangle around a pretty lawn, it’s truly a lovely setting, where visitors can sit out when weather permits.
The farm shop includes a butchery counter, a deli counter and stocks a range of kitchen cupboard daily essentials.  This is an oasis of first-class steaks, cheeses, award-winning pies & sausages, free range eggs, fresh breads, local ales and tonnes of rural charm!
​The excellent butchery is one of the very few to have won a three-star Great Taste Award. Much of the meat sold here is raised in surrounding fields and butchered on site, such as beef, turkey and lamb. Northfield make their own multi-award-winning burgers and sausages and also cure & cook their award-winning salt beef and dry cured bacon.
​This sustainable farm provides only the highest of quality and offers weekly special DEALS
You can place a telephone order and arrange to collect OR buy on line HERE (delivery is usually 1-2 days) 
To locate Northfield Farm Shop & all other Rutland farm shops, click HERE
If you would like to see your farm shop featured, email
theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Sun/Mon         CLOSED
Tues-Thurs      9.00am-4.00pm
Fri                      8.00am-5.00pm
Sat                     8.00am-4.00pm

Featured Farm Shop – Chadbury Farm Shop

​Opening in 2011 and with every intent on keeping it local, Chadbury Farm Shop was built by employing local tradesmen using locally produced fixtures and fittings!
Found in the heart of the vale of Evesham, this family-run farm shop is passionate about locally sourced and seasonal food and stocks a fab range of mouth-watering food, drink and fresh produce.

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​Offering deliciously homemade chutneys and pickles, natural sweet honey, freshly baked bread, traditionally farmed beef and lamb, including award winning Herefordshire Hop Cheese, seasonal vegetables and fresh fruit bought in daily from Evesham Market.


​With a deli counter offering fresh fish, olives & pate, a craft corner including gifts and cards, logs, coal and locally brewed wines and real ales, it’s certainly worth a visit.

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If you’re short on time, Chadbury Farm Shop offer an online ordering service & you can collect in store.

​Open 7 days a week:
9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday
10am till 4pm on Sunday.

To locate Chadbury Farm Shop & all other Worcestershire farm shops, click HERE.
If you would like see your farm shop featured, please email
theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk


Featured Farm Shop – Church Farm

In the center of Ardeley village, you’ll find this little gem, Church Farm.
 ‘A Farm to Produce Food for People’ (and, it has to be said, a lot more besides)
Church Farm Store offers a wide range of wonderfully fresh fruit and veg (the meat is from their traditional on-site butchery) fresh bread, eggs, jams and ready meals. In fact, Church Farm boasts over 100 different vegetables, fruits and herbs all grown here! 
 
Church Farm Café (open every day 9-5) serves a popular all-day breakfast, offers a children’s menu, seasonal dishes, coffees & Fair-Trade teas.  A take away service is also available.
​Also on site you’ll find the ancient ‘The Jolly Waggoners’ pub serving, freshly cooked meals, local ales including organic & artisan wines.  Dogs and children are welcome here!  Open from 12-11.30
Every cut of meat in the Farm Shop, the Café & the Jolly Waggoner’s Pub comes from free range Church Farm animals. You can order your Christmas meat online or within the farm shop itself.

​You can purchase a day pass which will enable you and the ‘little people’ use of the indoor play area (you can order food & drinks from the Café & enjoy your lunch here whilst they let off some steam) With this same pass, you can access the farm trail, the woodland play area AND collect free range eggs from the church Farm hens, there’s plenty to keep them amused for an afternoon.  With free parking, great food, wifi facilities, camping (including log cabin breaks) Church Farm truly is a free range experience.
To locate Church Farm and all other Hertfordshire farm shops, click HERE

Open 7 days a week 9-6
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Featured Farm Shop – Pamphill Dairy

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Located just 1 1/2 miles from Wimborne Town Centre, Pamphill Dairy is well worth a visit. Not only is this establishment a super-duper, traditional country, FABULOUS Farm Shop but Pamphill offers a fantastic range of country crafts, antiques & gifts galore. 
There really IS something for every one...

The farm shop stocks a vast array of locally sourced fresh produce, including wonderfully fresh bread, plants, gift hampers, pet food, fresh fruit & vegetables, with an excellent range of frozen, luxury ready meals, eggs, chutneys, cheeses, milk AND ice cream.

​Pamphill’s very own high class, family butchers is visibly popular.  Don’t miss out on their locally sourced Turkeys and traditional hand made sausages & faggots.   
Pamphill’s Parlour Cafe serves until 5pm, 7 days a week & will certainly get your taste buds going with their utterly fabulous range of homemade cakes.  They boast an extensive range of locally sourced fresh food & beverages, including a locally sourced full English breakfast!
With the emphasis on Fair Trade, Pamphill’s retail outlet shop ‘The Nest’ is stuffed with an abundance of interesting gifts, including clothing, soft furnishings & jewellery.  
​Pamphills opening hours:
Mon- Sat: 8:30am – 5.00pm
Sun-          9:00am – 5.00pm

To locate Pamphill Dairy & all other Dorset Farm Shops, click HERE

Reviewed Farm Shop – Manor Farm Shops & Garden Centre

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What a super duper little farm shop…. Well, I say little (we couldn’t quite believe the size of this place once we began to roam around!) but Manor Farm Shop holds absolutely everything you could possibly expect to find in a farm shop and much, much more!

This isn’t just a farm shop of course, oh no…THIS Lincolnshire based farm shop has been supplying point-of-lay pullets since 1933 and still does to this day! In fact Manor Farm will happily advise and supply you with coops, huts, runs, feed, just about everything you will need to get started.

In 1964 Manor Farm added potatoes and then onions & eggs to their produce and the rest, as they say, is history. Manor Farm Shop is now in its 3rd AND 4th generation (is this the oldest family run farm shop I wonder?)  

​Within the farm shop itself you can find a fabulous range of fresh produce at very reasonable prices with flour from the local mill, Manor Farm’s own seasonal fruit & veg, local honey, cheeses, breads, cakes and free range eggs (obviously) incredibly selling approximately 250 dozen each week!
You would be hard pressed not to buy all your weekly shopping from this fabulous farm shop, the variety and freshness are second to none.

Manor Farm Shop boasts its very own resident butcher who provides high quality, locally produced beef, pork, lamb and chicken.  This award winning butcher also produces his own amazing flavoured sausages (we, of course, grabbed some prosecco sausages to review) a variety of hand made pies and great tasting burgers.

There’s an excellent range of healthy, vibrant plants & trees stocked in the garden centre nursery from the exotic to the everyday plants
You can purchase ready made hanging baskets throughout the summer months or even have yours made to order.
Claiming to have the largest range of bedding plants in Lincolnshire, Manor Farm’s nursery even supplies Interflora!   

Manor Farm hosts an unusual collection of animals, many of which have been rescued. 
Donkeys, sheep, goats, giant rabbits, guinea pigs and a fabulous duck filled pond! 
And here’s something I’ve not come across before…Manor Farm offer bed & breakfast boarding for your pet guinea pig!
You can obtain ALL your animal needs and feeds in their pet store and all your heating needs (wood, coal, bottled gas etc) in the fuel store. A delivery service is also offered.

This little gem of a farm shop is a definite ‘must visit’, if only to buy those prosecco sausages!

Opening Hours: 
Mon-Fri      8.30am – 6.00pm
Sat                8.30am – 5.00pm
Sun              9.00am – 4.00pm

​If you and your farm shop would like a visit & a review, please contact theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Product Review – Fowey Valley Cider

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​​On my travels, I found THIS…


​Clever old Barrie Gibson began making cider 15 years ago purely for himself, his family and friends. Of course, word quickly spread about his delicious homemade tipple & he was suddenly inundated with apples, requests and potential paying customers all wanting more of his hand crafted, liquid gold.
​THAT, as they say, is history! 
​Today Fowey Valley Cider is produced in a small cidery in Cornwall, using traditional expertise & fresh apples from their very own orchard & nothing else…sounds idyllic doesn’t it, any jobs going Barrie?
​The current range includes Sparkling Vintage Brut Cider, Castledore Cider, Vodka, Gin, an apple digestif, a delicious Pommeau, cider chutney & even cider vinegar (to complement this Fowey Valley also imports & bottles Sicilian Extra Virgin olive oil)

​Being somewhat of a cider connoisseur myself, I believe I have a most excellent understanding on what is a good cider, or rather… a PROPER cider. This Castledore Cider sure has my feathers ruffled & I totally get why & how this scrumptious, light & refreshing, medium dry crafted cider (with just the perfect amount of fizz) has been awarded a ‘Taste of the West’ GOLD award..

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You all know the benefits of apple cider vinegar don’t you?
No? Well you should do…the antibacterial properties found in Fowey Valleys ‘top notch’ cider vinegar (made from their vintage cider btw) can be used to help with weight loss, can lower cholesterol, whiten teeth, keep acne under control,  can boost energy levels, relieve cramps & indigestion…you can even cook with it apparently!
​Fowey Valleys apple cider vinegar is unfiltered, unpasturised    and has no preservatives added, so you’re looking at the real                                                           McCoy here!


​You don’t have to go all the way to beautiful Cornwall (tho, it is a mighty good excuse) to get your supplies from Fowey Valley.  You can find Fowey Valleys products STOCKED in numerous farm shops, country stores and restaurants (told you they were good) you can also buy via their super-duper, user friendly online shop.

Featured Farm Shop – The Weyhill Farm Shop

​The multi award winning Weyhill Farm Shop is incredibly passionate about highlighting, supporting & supplying over 40 local, fresh produce suppliers.
​Based in Andover, Weyhill Farm shop & convenience store is packed with some of the best fresh produce from Hampshire & its surrounding areas. With fresh fruit, vegetables and groceries with a deli counter offering a fantastic range of local cheeses and hams, Weyhill believe that the food they stock should be tasty, great quality and traceable.
With an in-house Master Butcher with numerous years of experience, you can certainly be sure to get the best from the meat you buy here. All meat is locally sourced & traceable. Weyhill Butchery offers chops, steaks, rack of lamb, rib of beef, free range chicken and even homemade AWARD WINNING sausages and burgers!
​Sourced locally
Loved locally
Enjoyed locally
 
Opening Times
Tuesday to Friday 9am to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm
Sunday 9am to 12pm

To locate The Weyhill Farm Shop & all other Hampshire farm shops, click HERE.

Featured Farm Shop – Jesse Smith Farm Shop & Cafe

​Jesse’s Farm Shop can be found in Cirencester in the heart of the Cotswolds & was opened to compliment their butchers which has been established since 1808! Incredible!
​This family run business has a reputation for quality fresh meat and on entering , you can see & feel their passion for wonderfully fresh, local produce.
​The Farm Shop at Jesse Smith features the best in food and innovation from the Cotswolds and surrounding areas.  You’ll find artisan breads (baked in house) local cheeses, pies, scotch eggs, sausages, freezer supplies, local eggs, handmade preserves, chocolates and gifts.  There’s a great range of delicatessen goods, glazed hams and sauces too…
Winning Best Butchers in the South of England, Jesse Smith boasts an enviable bespoke fridge, designed to ensure the perfect, consistent environment is maintained throughout the beef aging process which enhances both texture and flavour.  On the butchers counter you’ll find the highest quality meats including Lamb, Pork, Beef, Game & Poultry.
Within the child friendly,  fully licensed coffee house you’ll find a mouth watering range of dishes made using fresh, quality ingredients.  Treat yourself to one of Jesse’s famous burgers, an all day breakfast or a lovely lunch?  Step outside & you’ll find seating for those who love to dine al fresco!

Opening Times:
Mon-Fri 8.00am–6.00pm
Sat-         8.00am-5.00pm
Sun-        9.00am-4.00pm

​To locate Jesse Smith Farm Shop & Coffee House & all other Gloucestershire farm shops, click HERE

Featured Farm Shop – Kingfisher Farm Shop

​The Kingfisher Farm Shop is famous for its home grown watercress.  This family business has been growing this uniquely English product at Abinger Hammer since 1854.  It is grown in natural spring water, which provides all the necessary nutrients without the aid of fertilisers or insecticides.
​The farm shop has become an important part of the business since the family started selling fruit and vegetables in 1971 & the watercress shed at Abinger Hammer became the present shop in 1999.  The shop provides high quality food, sourcing as much regional and local food that’s available.
​You’ll find an abundance of fresh fruit & vegetables as you enter the farm shop. There’s locally produced cakes, breads & pies along with jams and chutneys.  There’s fresh, local meat on offer and a great selection of local cider, English wines & beers. Kingfisher even offer local delivery too!
​Kingfisher Flower Shop, opened in 2003 as an accompaniment to the farm shop business.  Here you will find a wide range of fresh cut flowers, with an emphasis on seasonal British grown blooms. The flower shop caters for all occasions and styles including weddings, events, private parties and even funerals.
​To locate Kingfisher Farm Shop & all other Surrey farm shops, click HERE

Farm Shop Opening Times:
Mon-Sat: 9.00am – 6.00pm
Sun: 10.00am-4.00pm

Featured Farm Shop – The Burstead Farm Shop

​The Burstead Farm Shop prides itself on its excellent fruit & vegetables, offering the opportunity to buy local produce at competitive prices with a great range of carefully sourced fruit, vegetables, chutneys, sauces, meat and fish. 

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There’s freshly baked bread & locally produced milk on offer, ​along with take away sandwiches, salads and wraps.


​The Farm Shop specialises in the very best, 28-day aged home reared red poll beef, even suppling local restaurants and cafes…The Burstead Farm cattle are kept free range and can be seen from the farm entrance.

​If you’re stuck for a novel & thoughtful gift then Burstead Farm Shop offer a nationwide hamper delivery service. Select & order your hamper online AND choose your delivery date!  FAB!


​You can order your meats online (to collect in store) & you can even book a home delivery for your winter logs/coal and please, come winter, be sure to check out their Christmas Trees! (best I’ve seen!)
​Opening Times:
Mon-Fri 8.30am   –  6.00pm
Sat          9.00am  –   5.30pm
Sun        10.00am –  4.00pm
To locate Burstead Farm Shop & all other Essex farm shops, click HERE

Product Review – Surrey Spice

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​On my travels I came across this…

​This weekend I won the lottery, well not really, but close enough…I had a HUGE delivery from Surrey Spice arrive at my tree house.  Brilliantly packaged in a freezer cool box, full to the brim with award winning, delicious looking, home made curries. I considered gathering my feathery friends for a indulgent evening but decided this was a product review I was willing to take on alone…
​These authentic Indian meals are handmade in small batches using fresh produce, family recipes & lots of love.  There’s something for everyone’s taste, chicken and fish dishes, vegetarian and side dishes galore and they’re all gluten free.  Heat them up easily either in the microwave, in the oven or on the stove. I opted for the microwave (for speed & greed purposes) and once warming, the aroma was so spicily incredible and my mouth so watery, I’m ashamed to admit, I ate straight from the container.
Welll, saves on washing up, it’s a double whammy.
I tucked straight into the fish dish with its inviting rich red colour, it was full of flavour with just the right amount of spiciness. It’s called ‘Meen Moilee’ but I can assure you, there’s nothing mean about this dish!
Onto the ‘Chicken Xacuti’.  Yummmm, this was incredibly tasty too with a great texture. Loved the flavour of the roasted, freshly grated coconut! They say it originates from Goa. It sure was goa goa gone all too quickly. 
Loosening my belt & onto the ‘Chicken Biryani’, a tasty, boneless chicken rice dish. The hint of mint and rose water makes this the most wonderfully aromatic meal, which serves two.
​IF….. you like to share.
​All in all I had the most marvelous (albeit friendless) evening dipping in and out of an excellent selection of freshly made, home cooked, authentic creamy, mild  & spicy foods. 
If you fancy treating yourself (you so should) OR maybe planning a dinner party, you can hand pick your dishes and have your meal delivered freshly made, frozen & FOC to your door!
This surely is a brand new twist on ordering an Indian takeaway.

Featured Farm Shop – The Bushel Box Farm Shop

​Situated 10 miles north of Cambridge, The Bushel Box Farm Shop is dedicated to bringing you the finest of local produce. ​This family run, working farm offers wonderful seasonal fruit and asparagus. Open all year, selling produce at seasonal best, directly from their own land and also sourced from local farms.
​Along with their homegrown produce, the Bushel Box also stock a range of seasonal produce including vegetables, eggs, honey, ice cream and freshly made cakes. Freshly baked bread is available each Saturday.
The coffee shop is open on the weekends & serves a great range of coffee, including locally roasted coffee, loose leaf tea and hot chocolate along with fresh, home made cakes and biscuits baked in their very own kitchen.
To locate The Bushel Box Farm Shop & all other Cambridgeshire farm shops, click HERE

OPENING HOURS:
Closed Mondays
Tuesday       10 – 6
Wednesday  10 – 6
Thursday      10 – 6
Friday           10 – 6
Saturday       10- 6
Sunday         10 – 4

Featured Farm Shop – Farndon Fields

Farndon Fields Farm Shop is an award winning, family run, farm shop believing in fresh, honest, real, local food with low food miles.
Farndons in-house, master butcher prepares local beef, smoked bacons, sausages, pork & lamb including a seasonal range of local game.
​Throughout the Farm Shop you’ll find a HUGE selection of local grocery items, including chutneys, pastas, frozen ready meals, puddings, sweet and savoury crackers, crisps  mayonnaise & oils. The wonderful deli counter is crammed with tasty treats! From home-baked pork pies, homemade sausage rolls, scotch eggs, meats and artisan hams and salamis featuring  range of specialty cheeses and check out the olives… (a massive range of over 15 flavours to choose from!)
​Breakfast is available all day in the Farmers Kitchen (licensed) also available is a mouth watering range of freshly made snacks, light bites, morning tea, lunches and caters for both gluten free diet and vegetarian.  

​To locate Farndon Fields along with all other Leicestershire farm shops, click HERE

OPENING HOURS
Mon – Sat: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Bank Holiday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Farmers Kitchen Opening Hours
Mon – Sat: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Bank Holidays: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Featured Farm Shop – Chegworth Notting Hill

​Chegworth Farm Shop is a family owned farm growing fruit, vegetables & salads, based in Kent with stores in Notting Hill, Borough Market, Tunbridge Wells & they’ve recently opened their 4th store in Boughton Monchelsea!  

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​Upstairs you’ll find a superb coffee bar with free wifi & ample seating,  serving coffee, Clipper Teas, sandwiches, cakes, fresh juices and lots more. 


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​You wouldn’t expect to find this little gem on the bustling streets of London, but the busy Notting Hill store offers all the produce you would expect to see in a traditional farm shop, a one-stop shop for all your foodie needs!  

​You can purchase fruits boxes, vegetables, salads & Chegworths award winning organic juices via the online shop.

Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 8am – 8pm
Sun   9am – 6pm 
To locate Chegworth Farm Shop & all other farm shops in London, click HERE

Featured Farm Shop – Farmer Jack’s

​Located right in the heart of the Island at Arreton Old Village makes this fabulous farm shop a convenient stop to experience one of the best selections of local and speciality foods. 
​Farmer Jack’s aim is to provide the best quality and variety of fresh local produce, so if you’re looking to do your regular grocery shop or seeking something a little bit special for a particular occasion, this farm shop offers all you need.
With an in house butcher, a deli AND a food hall, Farmer Jack’s certainly stocks a great choice and a variety of locally sourced, fresh produce.
The butchers offers an extensive range of locally reared meat, poultry and game.  The deli has an impressive array of local and regional cheeses, oils, olives & hams.
​Within the food hall there is a great range of award winning accompaniments from chutneys & jams, mustard’s & pickles to freshly baked bread, seasonal fruit, vegetables and dairy produce.
To locate Farmer Jack’s & all other farm shops on the Isle of Wight, click HERE 

Featured Farm Shop – Downingbury Farm

​The Downingbury Farm shop is a popular shop to visit for many necessities as well as luxuries & a great place to stock up on fresh produce from the farm itself, including a wide selection of carefully chosen food & drink products from the local area.
​Believing in good, honest, fresh, local produce you’ll find fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, cakes, preserves, apple juice, ales, wines, an extensive deli range and even chocolate here!
Meet your friends over a cuppa,  a slice of cake or a sandwich in their new café. During the summer months you can sit in the sunshine, enjoy the farm view whilst the little people play.
​Downingbury now offer the delivery of bespoke hampers to local customers.  You can choose a selection of fresh local produce here.
To make your life even easier you can place a direct order with Downingbury Farm Shop and have your weekly shop delivered. This includes local meat, wine, eggs, bread, deli items & all the fresh fruit and vegetables you could need. Find out more here 
​Nothing tastes better than a strawberry straight from the bush and Downingbury have a variety of PYO seasonal fruits including Raspberries, Apples, Plums, Gooseberries and Redcurrants.  
Why not take the whole family and finish up the day with a farm shop ice cream?
To locate Downingbury Farm Shop along with all other Kent farm shops, click HERE
​​Opening Times:
Mon-Sun 9.00am – 5.30pm

Product Review – Seedball

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​On my travels, I found this…

​Launching in 2013 the Seedball founders were originally conservation scientists & researching on how to save the world!  Yep, conservation is well & truly embedded deep in heart of Seedball and they quite clearly want to fill the world with wildflowers and help save the bees and the butterflies…starting with your garden!
​The Seedball itself is made from seeds (obvs) but also peat, compost and chili powder, thus preventing the seeds from becoming tasty ‘lil snacks for the birdies and the insects. And not only that…the seed is responsibly sourced in the UK from accredited suppliers & they only EVER use peat-free compost.  Even the funky little steel tins are made in London with help from a solar farm!
There’s 20 balls in each tin and around 30 seeds per ball. Just throw the balls onto soil or compost in a garden bed or planter. The Seedball has everything it needs to grow. No expert knowledge needed, DEFINITELY my kind of gardening…
Winners of The Gift of the Year Award 2017 (well deserved, what a great gift!), Seedball has grown (s’cuse the pun) from strength to strength and has the most brilliant range of tins to suit pretty much anyone’s taste or outside space, including a Herb mix, Tea mix, Salad mix & a Poppy mix, to name but a few…

Featured Farm Shop – Rushfields Farm Shop

Rushfields Farm Shop has regularly been voted the best in Sussex for high quality, home-made & local produce. You’ll find find a huge variety of delicious goods here, from fresh fruit & vegetables to award-winning homemade pies. Wherever possible, Rushfields source locally, reducing food miles and ensuring traceability.
​The farm shop itself offers fresh, home-made, local and seasonal foods.  Not only will you find produce such as apples, asparagus and strawberries, you’ll find cheeses, pastas, quiches, sausage rolls, pork pies, freshly baked breads, cereals, organic ranges, gluten-free products, gifts, household goods and speciality groceries. Rushfields also boast an in-house butcher providing the best local lamb, pork, beef, chicken & game. 
​Food is served every day at Rushfields Café. From home-cooked breakfasts to lunches, teas and coffee and cakes. All meals & snacks are freshly prepared using local produce from the farm shop. Menus include gluten-free, organic and other free-from ranges to suit everyone’s tastes.  Start your day with a hearty farmer’s breakfast made using Rushfields award winning sausages.
​The plant centre stocks a brilliant range of annuals, fruit trees, compost, seeds, bulbs, containers, pots and garden clothing.  
To locate Rushfields Farm Shop & all other East Sussex farm shops, click HERE.
Opening Times:
Monday-Sunday
​9am-5.30pm

Featured Farm Shop – Edington Farm Shop

​This fantastic farm shop is located within the 3 daggers pub and brewery & packed with wonderfully fresh foods and local produce. 
​You’ll find an amazing deli counter which is stocked daily with fresh salads, sausage rolls, pies, tarts and cakes. Everything is freshly made by hand, in-house.
​Home to a happy brood of chickens & a swarm of bees producing lovely local honey, Edington Farm Shop run a pesticide and insecticide free system on all their home grown produce. 
​Enjoy a coffee made with freshly-ground beans or sample their own ales in front of the open fire, there’s also outdoor seating if the weather’s fine!
​All are welcome here (including dogs) from muddy wellies to city brogues.
To locate Edington Farm Shop & all other Wiltshire farm shops, click HERE

Farm Shop Opening Times:
Mon – Sun 8am – 6pm

Featured Farm Shop – Q Gardens Farm Shop

​The Q Gardens Farm Shop stock produce that’s been grown, reared or made locally which includes their own homegrown fruit and meat from their farm.
​You’ll find a wide range of meats within the traditional butchery area including Q’s own beef & lamb, local pork, free range chicken and handmade sausages.
​There’s a fabulous selection of British produce on the deli counter too.  Afterburn, Cropwell Bishop,  Oxford Blue & Montgomery Cheddar are just some of the cheese’s you can ‘try before you buy’.
Another part of the deli counter is taken up by a great range of homemade savouries – pies, scotch eggs, quiches, pasties, sausage rolls and steak slices.  Be sure to check out their homemade pies!  Jam packed with meaty or fruity filling & available either freshly baked or frozen.
​There’s lovely outside play area for the little people along with outside seating.
You can PYO fruit (when in season).
To locate Q Gardens Farm Shop and all other Oxfordshire farm shops, click HERE

Opening Hours: 
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm (Winter)
Sat/Sun 9am-5pm (Winter)
Bank Holiday Mon & Fri closing @ 4pm     
PYO 10am-5pm (in season only)