Blog - Fabulous Farm Shops

Product Review – Oat-So-Good

24/01/2019 | 0 Comments

We all strive for a healthy balanced diet right?
Well… the ‘Oat-So-Good‘ Company are a traditional, family owned company based in Swansea with MASSES of years of experience within the baking industry and their top quality, hand baked cereals are all designed with health in mind!

Not only is this award-winning granola cereal LOW in sugar but it’s HIGH in fibre and suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans! It can also aid in increasing energy levels and muscle fuel, helping keep hunger and snacking at bay.

Let’s be honest, it’s never too early to get your summer body into shape and what a great way to start your day with this toasted and ready to eat tasty cereal?

Choose ‘The Original Granola‘ and experience a delicious combination of jumbo rolled oats, mixed chopped nuts and healthy seeds including walnuts, peanuts & almonds.

Or the ‘Sultana & Raisin Granola‘ is a tasty and classic combination with succulent sultanas and juicy raisins.

And ‘Cranberry & Apricot Granola‘ is a seriously lively and zingy combination of delicious cranberries and apricots.

But this hi-fibre granola isn’t JUST for breakfast, oh no!
Why not add fibre to your summer pudding by topping it with a sprinkling of Oat-So-Good granola or even use it as a healthy added ingredient to your baking day?

Find all the inspiration you need on ‘Oat-so-Good’s recipe page.

Fancy a product review? Get in touch with…
theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Product Review – Beebombs

18/01/2019 | 0 Comments

Did you know that 97% (no that’s not a typo, NINETY SEVEN PERCENT) of our lovely bees & butterfly’s natural habitat has been lost in the UK since WW2?
I didn’t, until today….but thankfully Ben Davidson did, and he’s already doing something about it.

Driven by his love of nature, Ben wanted to find a way to help restore our once
wonderful meadows and thus created Beebombs!

Handmade in Dorset, Beebombs are wildflower seed-balls, made from sheltering clay & sifted top soil, packed with 1000’s of seeds from 18 native wildflower species, designated by the Royal Horticultural Society as ‘Perfect for Pollinators’.

Being green-fingered is not a requirement as these little beauties can be scattered onto open ground at any time of year.
Once scattered, there’s no need to water or tend to your Beebombs, simply let nature take its course. The soil will help your Beebombs germinate & the clay will protect them from predators as they dissipate.

Sun & rain is important, of course, but these wildflowers are hardy & very adaptable and as time passes you can eagerly await the blossom of beautiful colours from flowers such as Cornflowers, Poppies & Oxeye Daisies and celebrate the return of our bees & butterfly’s.

With Beebombs help, we can start to restore the lost wildflower habitat and make an important contribution to the biodiversity of Great Britain and #bringthebeesback

If you love our planet, Beebombs have to be the most thoughtful, ethical, organic AND educational gift with the longest term of pleasure.

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

Featured Farm Shop – McCready J & Son

28/12/2018 | 0 Comments

J.McCready & son is a family business based at Jacobs Farm, Goldhanger Road in Heybridge & Daymens Hill Orchard, Tolleshunt Major.

Growing a wide range of vegetables in season, including purple sprouting and white sprouting broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, curly kale, cavelo Nero, brussel sprouts, khol rabi, onions, leeks and carrots. Homegrown potatoes – Maris Piper, Desiree and earlies (in season) along with tomatoes, aubergines and cucumbers from the glasshouse in the summer,

Apples in season-cox’s orange pippin, D’Arcy spice, Ida red.
Other varieties available from August 2019 include Discovery, Katy, Laxton fortune, Early Tydemans Worcester, Merton Worcester, Jonagold, Sunset, Ashmead kernel, Spartan, Queen, Bramley, Howgate Wonder, Beurre Hardy pear, Conference, Comice & Quince.
Daymens Hill orchard opens for pick your own apples and pears in Sept/October.

Hay and straw bales (barley). Local honey, logs, coal and kindling.

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 9- 5.30pm
Sun – 10- 2.00pm

Featured Farm Shop – Court Farm & Leisure

27/12/2018 | 0 Comments

This family run farm shop & PYO is a great place to bring the whole family. Not only can you pick your own seasonal fruit, there’s a play area, a tea shop, a picnic area, two fishing lakes, farm animals to view & even the chance of trying your hand at mountain boarding!

The farm shop itself stocks a great range of fresh home grown produce, including meats, wine, cider, cakes, eggs & wine. Let it be known that Court Farm has been awarded ‘Small Food Producer of the Year’.
The Blueberry Tea Shop offers, locally sourced, home made meals…

The little people have their very own play area (you can picnic here in wonderful surroundings too!) they can also collect their own eggs right from the hen houses & meet the goats, pigs & ducks.

Browse at your leisure at the excellent selection of garden plants for sale. Or do a little fishing in the two well stocked fishing lakes in beautiful, relaxing surroundings.

Opening Times:
May – 9.30am-4pm
June/July/Aug -9.30am-5.30pm
Sept/Oct – 9.30am – 4.00pm

To locate Court Farm & Leisure Farm Shop & all other Herefordshire farm shops, click HERE

Featured Farm Shop – The Dovecote Farm Shop & Buttery

2/12/2018 | 0 Comments

Situated near Kettering, award-winning Dovecote Farm offers a range of services including
a farm shop, a restaurant, a tea room and fabulous function rooms for business & private
hire.

Dovecote stock mainly speciality food & drink products, but they also offer home essentials
– freshly baked bread, handmade cakes, eggs, jams and preserves, all of which are locally
sourced.

Within the gift shop there’s a great range of gift items for all occasions, including candles, pictures, confectionery, smellies, clocks and china all at very affordable prices.

Dovecote grow seasonal soft fruit and retail through their farm shop selling fresh local
produce and speciality food products. However, if you don’t have the time to PYO, you will
find all Dovecotes freshly picked soft fruits on offer in the farm shop.

“The Dovecote Buttery” is a family friendly restaurant offering traditional, wholesome,
home-cooked food, freshly made to order. This fantastic barn conversion has a relaxed
atmosphere and during the summer months, the restaurant opens its doors onto a outdoor
eating area & a beautiful lawned garden.
There’s also a children’s play area and baby changing facilities.

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

Product Review – Spice Kitchen UK

22/11/2018 | 0 Comments

We’ve heard a lot of good things about this company recently, so decided we should investigate further as to why The Spice Kitchen are a highly regarded, family run, artisan producer, who specialise in freshly ground, authentic spice blends and offer the most wonderful range of high quality, loose teas.

If you tend to churn out the same old, boring meals (guilty!), then The Spice Kitchen have the answer to your (my) lack of inspiration & dull dishes. Say hello to over 50 different spices all available online and all delivered in resealable foil lined bags, helping keep them super-fresh for years of creative cooking moments!

I decided to try out this beautifully presented spice tin, wrapped in authentic sari fabric and filled with every spice you need to make the most delicious of curries. Known in India as ‘Masala Dabba’s’, these tins contain 7 separate containers for the myriad of premium quality & essential indian spices that you need to create perfectly blended dishes. I thoroughly enjoyed experimenting, even attempting a few of Spice Kitchen’s great recipes and loved that every spice has its very own little compartment keeping things organised.
The aroma from these spices is immense….It’s no wonder it’s been crowned ‘Gift of the Year 2018!’

Spice Kitchen also offer some unusual gift ideas too, such as cookery lessons, wedding favours, cookbooks and traditional cookware. By partnering with best selling author Maunika Gowardhan, Spice Kitchen have created a fabulous gift package of Maunika’s book ‘Indian Kitchen’ along with their best selling Spice Tin…this will make someone’s Christmas, I’m sure!
Spice Kitchen claim they blend with love and I’m inclined to believe them.
My kitchen/life is complete.

If you have a farm shop product you’d like us to review, contact:
theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Product Review – Rana’s Bakery

8/11/2018 | 0 Comments

After being diagnosed with Coeliac Disease back in 2012, the one thing Rana couldn’t find ANYWHERE was delicious gluten-free, crusty bread!
So, she set out on a mission to solve this problem….and thank goodness she did!
Today, Rana’s Bakery provides a wide selection of gluten-free, artisan sourdough products. By employing traditional fermentation techniques, using the finest ancient grains, Rana’s breads are packed with nutrients which is far easier to digest.

You can order freshly baked, gluten free breads, bagels, burger buns, rolls & sourdough direct from Rana’s Bakery. The choice is AMAZING and as well as everyday breads and loaves, there’s some fantastic and unusual limited editions such as Winter Spiced Sourdough.
All bread is hand made to order and is baked AND posted the same day for next day delivery…How brilliant is THAT?

If that’s not enough, you can always make your own gluten-free bread at home with one of Rana’s ingenious, Bake at Home kits.
These easy to use bread kits make delicious breads in minutes.
Each kit includes the sourdough mix, a baking bag and parchment sheet…you just add the water! (Lordy, even I can do that!)

This super-duper Sourdough bread mix is simple, REAL bread & not only does it taste great, but it’s also kinder on our tummies. It’s really no surprise it’s won awards.
Thanks to Rana’s Bakery, we don’t have to go without great tasting, gluten-free breads, ever again!

If you have a farm shop product & fancy a review,
email theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Product Review – Yare Valley Oils Natural Lip Balm

17/10/2018 | 0 Comments

We’re loving Yare Valley Oils BRAND NEW cosmetics range!
Yare are known for producing cold-pressed oils and dressings (AND a farm shop!)
and have recently launched this luxurious, albeit natural range.

Created by blending Yares famous AND award-winning rapeseed oil, local (Norfolk) honey & beeswax, not forgetting a dash of lime essence, Yares Honey and Lime lip balms, are not only protecting, they’re lip smackingly soothing & sweet smelling too!

ALL of Yares natural Lip Balms and Soaps contain vitamins, nutrients and natural ingredients and are handmade in small batches in Norfolk.

So far, in this brand new, ingenious, all natural range, you can choose from a lip balm tin, a lip balm stick and soaps, with fragrances such as Honey & Lime and Grapefruit & Mandarin…

Relieve those dry & cracked lips and pucker up with these fabulously natural lip balms by either popping into Yare Valley Farm Shop OR you can always check out the range and buy online, right HERE.
An absolute MUST HAVE to keep your lips protected & moisturised this winter!

If you would like a farm shop product review, email:
theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Product Review – Happy Butter Ghee

4/10/2018 | 0 Comments

Did you know…the benefits of Ghee range from building stronger bones to enhancing weight loss AND if you’re lactose intolerant, have a dairy sensitivity, or just choose to limit your dairy intake, ghee is a practical alternative to butter?

It’s fashionable too as Kourtney Kardashian drinks Ghee straight-up first thing in the morning but thankfully, there’s no need to jet off to Arizona to find your supply.

Meet Happy Butter!
A small Devon based artisan company producing delicious, organic homemade Ghee the traditional way. This fabulous little company source the best organic ingredients and hand churn their Ghee to the highest standards. So high in fact, that they’re now multi award winners and recently (2018) bagged themselves a GOLD award for BOTH of their products from The Great Taste Awards!

Ghee is known in Indian cooking, but you can add Happy Butter’s grass-fed Ghee to stir fry’s, dressings, soups and even stews. You can use this rich & creamy Ghee as a substitute for coconut oil when baking. Alternatively, simply use as a spread for your toast. A little bit of fat goes a long way in boosting your energy and keeping hunger at bay.

Happy Butter’s Ghee is a deliciously natural alternative to butter (with a much longer shelf life to boot) with both Organic Ghee and Turmeric infused Ghee available to buy online, both being suitable for Keto, Paleo, Fodmap, Ayurvedic and Banting Diets.

If you have a farm shop product & fancy a review, please email
theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Featured Farm Shop – Churston Farm Shop

23/09/2018 | 0 Comments

Churston Traditional Farm Shop has been named one of the BEST independent food retailers in Devon but it’s NOT just a farm shop, oh no, you’ll find a fabulous restaurant and a garden centre here too!
Open from 9-5 (Mon-Sat) 10-4 on Sundays with ample parking (there’s even a car valeting service!) this child friendly farm shop offers you locally sourced meats, locally-grown fruit, vegetables, cream and dairy products and they also stock a fantastic range of speciality foods & locally-produced beers, ales and ciders.

The farm shop offers high quality, homemade meats, a deli and artisan products with on-site chefs who prepare a fabulous range of ready meals either fresh or frozen.
So if you don’t fancy cooking yourself…

The famous Churston breakfast is SO popular that you may well need to book…and the same goes for the popular Sunday lunches too!

The well stocked garden centre offers a wide selection of shrubs, climbers, roses, tools and garden sundries, along with a range of horse feeds, wild bird foods and feeders, and pet foods.

To locate Churston Farm Shop & all other Devon farm shops, click HERE

If you would like to see YOUR farm shop featured, contact
theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Product Review – Dorset Sea Salt Co

22/08/2018 | 0 Comments

Founded in 2017, The Dorset Sea Salt Company have not only retained traditional methods and hand harvest their sea salt from Dorset’s Jurassic coastline, they have also added an ethical and ecological ethos to the process.

The Dorset Sea Salt Co use an on-site wind turbine & solar pv array (Biomass, Wind & Solar) which helps ensure their carbon footprint is as low impact as they can possibly make it and a unique filtering system which helps to preserve all the goodness.
Great stuff huh?

Each batch of sea salt created takes devotion, care and love.
It’s clean, pure and fresh with no anti clumping agents and NO nasty chemicals added.

This extra special sea salt, packs a punch and is rich in vital minerals which makes it a healthy alternative to table salt.
There’s a great selection of gourmet salts to choose from, ranging from the ‘every day’ natural sea salt, to the delicious, infused garlic, the lively chilli, right down to the organic pure beetroot juice & organic pure apple juice salt.

There’s some fabulous gift sets available (you can BUY online) and there’s even a useful
RECIPE page to help inspire you.

Yep! Cooking just got a whole lot tastier with The Dorset Sea Salt Company!

Fancy a product review? Get in touch with theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Featured Farm Shop – Syston Park Farm Shop & Cafe

1/08/2018 | 0 Comments

Located in beautiful parkland near Grantham, Syston Park Farm Shop pride themselves on selling their own fresh fruits, vegetables, locally sourced meat, game and cheeses.

Within the farm shop you’ll find freshly baked breads, presses, seasonal game pies, free range & organic eggs including goose, duck and quail, traditional Lincolnshire plum bread and a unique hand-picked selection of food, drink, ice-cream and confectionery.

The light and welcoming cafe serves breakfasts, lunches, morning coffee and afternoon teas along with a daily specials menu, a gluten free range and homemade cakes and treats. There’s plenty of outdoor seating and a children’s outdoor play area too!

There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked fruits & you can pick your own strawberries, raspberries, tayberries, blackberries, gooseberries, currents, rhubarb and asparagus (when in season, of course!)

To locate Syston Park Farm Shop & Cafe & all other Lincolnshire farm shops, click HERE

Farm Shop Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 9.30-4.30
Sun 10.00-4.00

Cafe Opening Times:
Mon closed
Tues-Sun 10.00-4.00

If you would like to feature your farm shop, please contact
theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Reviewed Farm Shop – Allington Farm Shop

29/07/2018 | 0 Comments

We’ve been out and about in

Wiltshire…

Located near Chippenham in Wiltshire, you’ll find this family run & award winning farm shop. Allington Farm Shop pride themselves in their fabulous range of quality and locally grown produce & boast an in house butcher, a deli and a fully licensed cafe!

The farm shop is well laid out and has a lovely rustic feel. There’s an incredible selection of produce, ranging from local fruit & veg to honey, preserves, organic milk, chutneys, pickles, cream, pastries and freshly squeezed orange juice. There’s also a fab selection of locally produced kitchen cupboard essentials, handmade hampers, beers, wines, ciders & spirits and a great gluten free range of products too!

Allington cafe serves a wide choice of freshly made, home cooked meals and snacks. You can choose from a wide range of dishes including lunches (gluten-free & vegetarian options available) hearty breakfasts or afternoon tea & cakes.
If the weather’s on your side, then why not relax outside in the lovely seating area?

This fab farm shop stocks pretty much EVERYTHING you need for a weekly shop. We were lucky enough to visit on a Tuesday, where Ken’s fresh fish stall is in situ from 1-4.30. Customers come for miles to buy his best selling Organic Shetlands Salmon.
Whilst visiting, we recommend you check out the gift section, the local ciders and wonderfully tasty and natural heritage carrots!

FARM SHOP OPENING HOURS
Mon-Sat: 9.00am-6.00pm
Sun-9.30am-5.00pm
Bank Holidays-10.00am-4.00pm

CAFE OPENING HOURS
Mon – Friday – 9.00am – 4.30pm
Saturday – 9.00am – 4.30pm
Sunday – 9.30am – 4.00pm
Bank Holiday – 10.00am – 3.45pm

If you fancy a farm shop review, please contact:
theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Product Review – Yare Valley Oils

17/07/2018 | 0 Comments

Got myself in a right old flap this week when these fabulous looking, little bottles from the award winning Yare Valley Oils, landed at HQ. My difficulty was trying to decide which flavour to try first…
The oak smoked or perhaps the garlic & rosemary infusion or maybe the vinaigrette or honey and mustard dressing…?

Yes, it was a tough call, but someone had to do it so I decided to play it safe and plumped for Yare’s Original Rapeseed Oil.
This is Yare’s flag ship (hero) product & this pure award winning oil is used in making all their dressings and infusions.
As this is grown & cold pressed on their very own farm in the Yare Valley, it retains all its nutritional benefits but still a delicate enough oil for dressing, dipping, frying & roasting. making it perfect for everyday use in the kitchen.

Throwing caution to the wind I decided to sample the handmade, Firery Chilli
dressing.
Make no mistake, this’ll liven up any salad, it certainly added a flash of fire to my grub and you could see me shake my tail feathers.
This hot little beauty is gluten free, dairy free, vegan AND has 50% less saturated fat than extra virgin olive oil.
You can’t get better than that, can you?

You can buy on line, there’s some fab gift packs & special offers available.
A pretty perfect gift for many a culinary occasion if you ask me, BUT! if you’re stuck for ideas then Yare offer a brilliant recipe page to help inspire you!

If you have a farm shop product you would like me to review,
contact theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Product Review – Dirty Old Goat Soap Company

8/07/2018 | 0 Comments

I stumbled across this company whilst visiting the Devon County Show and boy….what luck that was!
Dirty Old Goat Soaps are handmade in Devon using raw milk from Myrtle (head goat) who is hand milked every day the good ole’ fashioned way by Tracy the general dogsbody to the herd.

You may ask yourself, why buy goats milk soap?
Well, yes, you can always buy a cheap, mass produced bar of soap BUT these contain horribles, such as synthetic additives. This acts like a detergent and strips your skins protective layer and causes dryness & irritation.

Purchase a bar of Myrtle’s soap and you’ll find that it contains alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic acid (nice one Myrtle) which helps remove dead skin cells, leaving soft and smoother skin. With its soothing qualities, it’s particularly good for sensitive & dry skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema & psoriasis…

…and being high in vitamin A, goat soap will maintain healthy skin & even help repair damaged skin and with its high fat content, it’s easily absorbed and helps moisturise the skin.

Bit of a no brainer really…

The best selling, original unscented Dirty Old Goat Soap is perfect for those with allergies and sensitive skin. Other soaps within the range have added olive, grapeseed, coconut or essential oils such as Lemongrass & Ginger, Rose Geranium, Lemon Myrtle, Orange & Patchouli to name but a few and each and every bar contains properties to help with all skin types or complaints.

Here’s the thing…I don’t just like this soap, I love it.
I love the sweet smelling & natural quality of the soap.
I love the fact that Myrtle and her buddies are PETS.
I love that Myrtle has her own Twitter page.
I love the branding.
I love the whole Britishness of this company.
Yep, as a consumer, I’m buying into this and I’m keeping a beady eye on dear old Myrtle, this girl is going places!

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

Reviewed Farm Shop – The Organic Farm Shop

4/07/2018 | 0 Comments

We’ve been out and about in
Gloucestershire…

Firstly, forget relying on Sat Nav, use Google Maps when trying to locate this farm shop BUT once you find The Organic Farm Shop, you sure are in for a treat.
This farm shop does what it says on the tin – EVERYTHING available here is organic.

Not only does the shop itself offer fresh organic produce, including over 100 (that’s no typo) vegetables, lamb, beef, pork, chicken, soft cheeses, milk & honey, you can stock up on alcohol, skincare, books, silver jewellery & textiles. You’ll find lots of Fairtrade and ethical gifts. I honestly think I could have spent a whole day here!
After browsing the shop, work up an appetite by walking along the well thought out farm trail, taking in the animals and the surrounding countryside. If that sounds a little too strenuous, how about a trailer ride?

The child friendly café has an excellent choice of coffee, herb teas, healthy lunches & snacks, including vegan & vegetarian options throughout the week or you could enjoy a traditional roast available (from the farm) on Sundays.
The Sunday Times quoted this café is ‘laid back & rustic’.

The Organic Farm Shop is a MUST VISIT farm shop and although nestled in the peaceful countryside, there’s lots going on.
You can spend an eco/romantic weekend here in either the cottage, a yurt or the shepherd’s hut or you could camp in their Green Field ‘Leave No Trace’ family campsite?

There’s designated walks & trails, numerous workshops are also on offer, Deliciously Vegan or Gluten Free Cooking sound good to me… AND a fantastic, environmentally friendly, eco-venue available for conferences, team building and organic weddings!

Shop & Café Opening Times:
Tue-Sat 9am-5pm
Sunday 11am-4pm
The perfect shop for people who care about animal welfare & ethical business.

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

Product Review – Fruity Foods

27/06/2018 | 0 Comments

On my travels, I came across this…

Got my feathers all in a flap with excitement today when I stumbled across this risotto range from the award winning Fruity Foods!

Gary from fruity foods, is a professionally trained chef & has created some amazing recipes, not ONLY easy to cook risotto’s, but jams, chutneys, marmalade’s and other wonderfully tasty, edible delights.

I decided to sample the Pumpkin & Courgette Risotto and wow!
All that I was required to do was to tip the contents into a saucepan, add 600 ml of water, simmer for 20 mins, stir occasionally and hey presto! Even I can do that and being a somewhat lazy cook & to save on the washing up, I measured the 600ml of water using the tub itself (twice).

As these tubs are made for two, there’s enough to share (if your inclined to, that is) & I served mine with a tasty fillet of salmon. TBH, I could happily eat this on its own, with grated Parmesan & butter or with grilled chicken or pork steaks. The blend of pumpkin & courgette with roasted onions & Rosemary was pretty darn delicious & I felt I was eating healthily even though I’d put in practically no effort whatsoever!

This creative food company have come up with a healthy, quick and easy meal with the added bonus of being very tasty, seriously, whats not to love?

There’s more in this fabulous range including, Tomato, Basil & Roasted Garlic & Garden Vegetable & you can even buy online.

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

Afternoon Delights!

25/06/2018 | 0 Comments

By Jane Malyon
The English Cream Tea Company

Do you serve English Cream Tea?

I spend much of my life discussing the niceties of English Cream Tea with the public or the press.
Can you guess the question I get asked most often? Yes, it’s about the pronunciation of the word Scone (of course!)…..and the next most asked question? Cream or Jam first. Go on, have one more guess for the 3rd most popular question: well that one is all about milk or tea first!!

Since setting up The English Cream Tea Company in 2011 and gaining the Guinness World Record for the largest English Cream Tea ever that year, I must have discussed these aspects over 3000 times.
The BBC have interviewed me over and over as have TV crews from abroad, The Times, The Guardian, Woman and Home and lots more….but it was only the TV crew from Russia who surprised me. Their first question (in a thick Russian accent) was: “Jane…what is builder’s tea?”. Caught completely on the hop I said something about it being tea so strong you could stand your spoon up in it…and the interviewer said back with surprise: “You can stand your spoon up in your tea?”.
Haha. That taught me to keep it literal and not to use metaphors in such interviews!

Well I help to run @CreamTeaHour on Twitter (Thursdays at 8pm), have a mailing list of 20,000 and also have hundreds of thousands of viewers to our etiquette videos. So I’ve taken the opportunity to run a survey on what qualities people want to see in a nice tea room. The order of popularity of pleas and requests to those running tea rooms, is slightly surprising:

8th favourite answer was to do with the staff being presented nicely, preferably with old fashioned aprons!
7th highest response was about choices of gluten free, vegetarian options and so on.
6th highest answer was to have a nice range of teas from which to choose.
5th most popular viewpoint was all about the viewpoint! A nice view when possible with countryside or seaside preferred.
4th top answer emphasised about fresh fresh fresh. No dry sandwiches, no dry cakes and a freshly made selection please!
3rd highest was to do with the china – pretty cups and saucers, would you believe. People referred to loving the tinkling noise of silver spoons on the bone china!
2nd most popular answer was cleanliness. Lots of people commented on how important this was to them, including the table linen. One person also said that if she picked up the menu and it was icky-sticky to begin with, it would put her off the whole treat!

And the top number one answer? That was to receive a nice warm welcome and have lovely friendly, smiling service!

No one mentioned the words ‘must be cheap’ by the way – so that’s quite interesting in itself!

In the Autumn, my book, ‘Scone or Scon’ will be published, containing the history of tea and afternoon tea in Great Britain and top recipes too – but also with a full etiquette quiz to see if we’re all Palace ready! However, regardless of whether we hold our little pinky finger out when drinking tea or not (and by the way, the answer is ‘not’), the importance is to treasure our wonderful tea time traditions.
We supply farm shops and retailers with gift tins and jam sets pertaining to afternoon tea (eg Home Bake Scone Kits) and we must all keep the tradition going. Teatime treats are loved by Brits and visitors from abroad alike and Nelson Mandela even said that afternoon tea was Britain’s greatest export.
For those of you offering these treats in your establishment, keep up the good work. I heartily approve and I believe Nelson would too! 😀

Product Review – Black Bee Honey

7/06/2018 | 0 Comments

On my travels, I came across this…

Black Bee’s raw (or unprocessed) honey is not only ridiculously finger lickin’ good, it’s a super food that packs a long, long list of health benefits. With its high level of antibacterial properties, raw honey contains antioxidants which can help with digestive issues, reduce the intensity of acne, soothe a sore throat and even help heal wounds! (oh & did I mention it’s finger lickin’ good?)

The name Black Bee comes from the original British honey bee which very nearly died out a century ago but is now having a resurgence. The Black Bee Company work closely with local beekeepers to create 3 great products, all jarred in batches straight from the hive.
Excellent stuff!

This really is a taste of summer in a jar, in fact, it takes me right back to my childhood! Summer Honey is created by bees from a wonderful mix of wildflowers & this honey has a rich golden colour and a heady, floral flavour.
There’s nothing added & nothing taken away from this delicious jar of loveliness…no additives, no preservatives, dairy and gluten free. This, combined with the floral aroma & flavour makes it a great addition to your morning cuppa or pouring on your porridge.
A healthy source of natural sugars and vitamins to boot!

The delicious British Heather honey is made by the bees in Exmoor National Park.
Known as the British Manuka, it’s bold and pretty darn beautiful & I can taste the sweet
heather subtly coming through in the background whilst pondering, if there are any other foods that tastes THIS good that’s also GOOD for you?
You’ll struggle to go back to mass-produced honey after you discover this, “the nectar of the Gods”.
Just the best tasting, raw British honey. Simple as that and I quite agree with Black Bee’s mantra……..when it comes to honey, the bees know best!

You can buy online here OR find your nearest stockist here

If you have a British product & fancy a review, get in touch!
theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Devon County Show Review

31/05/2018 | 0 Comments

Fabulous farm shops had a cheeky day off this month (sort of) and paid a visit to the Devon County Show, yes, it was a bit of a busman’s holiday really…
After being directed to fields with ample parking we were guided to the entrance and told to remember where we had parked (something I always forget to do!)
Scanning our map, deciding where to venture first, we were approached by another member of staff offering their help and direction. Where else does that happen apart from Disney, I ask you?

Devon County Show is one of the biggest events in the South West of England and attracts a huge amount of visitors, luckily for us the weather was on our side and we arrived early to a very well organised event.

We decided to meander towards the Children’s Farm area where children are encouraged to get involved, be it petting the farm animals or learning to make cheese and we were pleasantly sidetracked along the way. Children could easily spend hours in this area and there’s a detailed itinerary of what’s on throughout the day.

The Bee tent was an education, not only for us but for everyone who stepped inside this tent. The passion and enthusiasm for bee keeping and the effect on the environment was obvious and it was fascinating to watch the bee keeper & hive demonstration. We also thoroughly enjoyed meeting the goat enthusiasts with their innovative goat milk products.

Apart from the hundreds of agricultural and commercial exhibits and trade stands, not to mention the non-stop entertainment and judging in the six rings, we came across talented tradesmen namely the wood turner, sampled WAY too much honey, purchased handmade pupcakes and met some fabulous local food producers with many offering samples of their wares. Yes, this really is a huge, family-friendly event bursting with farming, food and rural delights!

The star of the show (for me) was Lifton Farm Shop’s fantastic display. Their Peter Rabbit creation truly was a show stopper & it wasn’t just the children that stood, opened mouthed in awe I can tell you…Lifton Farm Shop rightly won the platinum award for best overall exhibit.

If you’re visiting or even passing through the South West on 16, 17 or 18th May 2019, we strongly recommend visiting the Devon County Show.
The Westpoint show ground is just off J30 of the M5, a mile to the East of Exeter.

Featured Farm Shop – Bury Lane Farm Shop

31/05/2018 | 0 Comments

Set on the edge of their own farm and surrounded by fields, strawberry tunnels and glasshouses, Bury Lane Farm Shop offers a warm and friendly atmosphere brought to you by a family-run team, who are knowledgeable and passionate about every product.

Having started off as a small fruit and veg stall they have grown over nearly 30 years into an East Anglian destination. Their focus on local producers, freshness and fun for all the family gives you a unique shopping experience.

With a fine foods shop, large specialist alcohol selection containing a range of fine wines, spirits, local ciders and beers, butchers, fishmongers, delicatessen, gift shop, garden shop, cafe and farm-themed kids’ Fun Barn there is something special for everyone at Bury Lane.

Seasonal features include, homegrown Asparagus, homegrown flowers, Pick Your Own strawberries, Christmas shop and their very own fishing lake!
Please always check Bury Lanes website, Facebook or Twitter for the latest details.

OPENING HOURS:
Monday–Saturday 9.00am – 6.00pm
Sunday- 10.30am – 4.30pm

Product Review – Char Coal Cheddar Cheese

27/05/2018 | 0 Comments

On my travels, I came across THIS…

I’m always on the hunt for something ‘a little bit quirky’ and whilst perusing Manor Farm Shops cheese counter a little black shiny boulder caught my eye…I’d stumbled upon the first to market, completely black cheddar cheese!

Produced by Michael Lees fine cheese in Yorkshire, these novel little black waxed cheeses certainly are quirky and are actually made using charcoal from the mines in Yorkshire, mixed with a creamy mature wax coated cheddar.

On returning home, I’m keen to have a closer inspection and I soon realise that this cheese is playing with my mind. It really DOES look like a lump of charcoal & I feel as though I shouldn’t really be eating it & I’m pretty certain that I won’t enjoy it, but once I get around that mental barrier and actually taste it, it fills my mouth with a deliciously creamy, smooth, mature cheddar. I bought this for the novelty, but this is way more than that. This is delicious!

I immediately started thinking (wickedly) of all the fun dishes I could create with black cheese. It sure would be a unexpected twist at the dinner table or an amusing addition to the cheese board. I’m already thinking of Halloween and cheese on toast for tea..

This semi hard mature cheddar challenges your perception & has rightly won itself awards.
I guarantee, you’ll be pleasantly surprised as to just how good it tastes!

If you have a farm shop product you would like us to review, please email:
theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

Reviewed Farm Shop – Farleigh Road Farm Shop

24/05/2018 | 0 Comments

Driving through Somerset en route to Bath on a very drizzly & miserable day, I came by Farleigh Road Farm Shop. Well I couldn’t really miss it, it has very large signs letting you know it’s there and excellent directions on how to find it. This gets a big tick from me. It’s always a bonus when signs lead you straight to your destination.
So glad I dropped in too. Though not a traditional working farm, Farleigh Road make every effort to stock locally produced goods wherever possible helping give local producers an outlet to sell their wonderful wares.

Within this farm shop expect to find a great range of award winning homemade cakes, ready meals, pies, fresh fruit and vegetables, local cheeses, gluten free & vegan products, jams and fresh fruit along with fresh bread & local milk.

Farleigh Road produce their very own sausages, burgers and pies which are showcased within their butchery counter along with bacon’s, gammon’s, chicken, seasonal game & some of the finest produce selected only from local farmers, ensuring full traceability.

If you stop for a spot of lunch in the award winning (& fully licensed) light & airy cafe you’ll be spoilt for choice!… a ridiculously appetising choice though!
There’s burgers, ploughman’s, breakfasts, dinners, gluten free dishes, stews, sandwiches, afternoon tea, soups, Sunday lunches, gluten & wheat free cakes and a children’s menu, all freshly made.
Seriously, even the pea & watercress soup has won awards!
There’s take away sandwiches, inc gluten free and your four legged friends are welcome with a lovely indoor (dog friendly) seating area
With complimentary newspapers and wifi…
Honestly, what more could you ask for?

Farleigh Road Farm Shop offer an event catering service too. So from a business lunch to a family party, they will be only to happy to cater for you.
Farleigh also regularly host their own special events including their popular Supper Club evenings. These themed supper clubs are held on the last Friday of the month and you can enjoy such themes as Greek night and Lebanese night. Space is limited though, so be sure to book your place HERE. Sounds awesome doesn’t it? I’m already looking forward to attending this myself one day!

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this fabulous farm shop, the staff are very attentive and the customer service is second to none, it’s no surprise their customers continue to return.

OPENING HOURS:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9.00am-5.30pm
Thursday, Friday, Saturday-9.00am-6.00pm
Sunday 9.00am-5.00pm

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

What makes a farm shop FABULOUS?

21/05/2018 | 0 Comments

By Jo O’Boyle
Owner of Spencer’s Farm Shop
Wickham St Paul’s, Essex

By definition a farm shop is a shop which sells produce from a farm directly to the public, but I would say it doesn’t just stop there.
A farm shop is a haven for all things special and different in the homogenised supermarket age where you can buy anything at any time of the year regardless of seasonality in the nearest store or at the click of a mouse.

In the time where convenience is what we all need
in our increasingly hectic lives; a farm shop offers
a more wholesome experience where the potatoes
still have mud on them, the veg isn’t shrouded
in plastic, the cakes are homemade and the
meat is locally sourced.

…But what makes them FABULOUS?

A fabulous farm shop doesn’t have to be a sprawling shed, many start from very humble beginnings often selling their home grown produce from a shed, growing organically due to customer demand.
A fabulous farm shop should champion fresh and support local producers & farmers offering the best produce from the county and region in a way that no supermarket can. What’s more a fabulous farm shop can offer a customer experience second to none. Passionate, knowledgeable staff deliver tastings, know their customers by name, pack their bags & if needed carry their shopping to their car.

Farm shops are particularly fabulous because of the local provenance that is guaranteed in its products. If what you’re buying wasn’t grown or reared or made on the farm itself the farm shop will likely source the produce direct from the farmer and understand how & where it was reared, grown & made. Particularly relevant during food scares that have affected nearly all UK supermarkets over the years.
At a farm shop there’s no middle man so to speak and the journey from ‘field to fork’ is a short one. What’s more shopping local helps to drive the local economy because local businesses invest locally so your money spent will stay in the community.

What’s not to love?

So this weekend if you’re at a loose end find your local farm shop, channel your inner foodie and be inspired by the delightful local produce on offer.

Discover your local Fabulous Farm Shop by clicking this LINK

Product Review – Driver’s Pickles

10/05/2018 | 0 Comments

On my travels, I came across THIS...

Driver’s Pickles have been synonymous with the great British Fish and Chip shop for over a hundred years but now they offer a full range of condiments after launching their brand new deli range!
Pickling from their Leicestershire kitchen, ALL of Driver’s products are free from artificial flavourings & additives….

The mini silverskin onions are pickled in honey & balsamic vinegar. They’ll make an ideal accompaniment as they’re crisp, crunchy and just sweet enough.
These little bulbs will pack an oniony punch into any dish you put them in. Dinky ‘lil pickled onions for the true connoisseur. …

The sweet little cornichons (cocktail gherkins to you and me) are pickled in a sweet white balsamic vinegar.

Don’t be fooled, this is a tart little pickle and these nubby little condiments might look cute but, MY WORD, their flavour is mighty!

The 1906 pickled onions are ‘hand peeled’ & pickled the traditional way using Driver’s very own top secret recipe! These HAVE to be the onion lover’s fav. Perfect partner for my ploughmans. There’s a genuine
‘homemadey’ taste with an unbeatable
crunch!
Yep, this is the ultimate pickled onion
experience!

Have a look at all the scrumptious pickles, relishes and chutneys Driver’s are now producing, you can buy online too!

If you would like a product review, contact theteam@fabulousfarmshops.co.uk

By Jo O’Boyle Owner of Spencer’s Farm Shop Wickham St Paul’s, Essex

By Jo O’Boyle
Owner of Spencer’s Farm Shop
Wickham St Paul’s, Essex