April 2008: Farm Shops

Farm shops have been a saviour in helping cash-strapped farmers diversify. Please do support your local one or head for six of our favourites if you’re out and about.

HFG, Norwich, Norfolk
Not just one excellent outlet, the five owner-run farms in the Horstead Farming Group have three shops around the city and two PYO farms in Blofield and Sprowston.  Winner this year of the Countryside Alliance’s ‘Best Local Food Retailer’ for the whole of the UK. Even HRH Prince Charles stopped by last year…
On B1150 at Beeston St Andrew, on the A47 at Blofield and on the ring road at Notcutts
T: 01603 424608 W: h-f-g.co.uk  

La Hogue, Chippenham, Cambs
One of Rick Stein’s Food Heroes, the Reeks’ admirable oasis sits in open countryside just over the Suffolk border, north-east of Newmarket. Their latest addition is artisan organic breads from Cobs in Cambridge joining their interesting gourmet ‘ready meals’ hand-made on site, excellent butchery and well stocked delicatessen.
Local sushi anyone ?
Signposted from Chippenham, off the A11.
T: 01638 751128  W: lahogue.co.uk

Mitchells, Elmstead Market, Essex
Home to a renowned potato grower, they sell many sorts, maincrop, early and salad in season, such as the trendily healthy, lower carb Adora variety. Alongside their own earthy spuds and home-laid free range eggs, Essex produce includes salads and greens from Thorrington, Milligan’s honey and pork from Primrose at Bromley or Howie’s at Tolleshunt Major.
School Road, off A133 in Elmstead Market, East of Colchester
T: 01206 820110

Hollow Trees, Semer, Suffolk
As chairman of FARMA, the national farmshop association and our very own season produce columnist, Sally Bendall and her husband Robert find time to run a highly productive farm and shop, where they sell their flavoursome array of leafy foodstuffs and home-reared meats. Four legged diners won’t starve with an on-site pet food centre and the kids can learn about agriculture on the interesting farm trail.
A1141 South-West of Semer, between Hadleigh and Bildeston
T: 01449-741247 W: hollowtrees.co.uk

Goodies, Pulham Market, Norfolk
Famed for their own well bred well fed pork, customers can choose from a variety of old breeds and cuts, not just raised on the farm but also butchered here too. Other county specialities include Letheringsett Watermill stone-ground flours, Norwich based Philip Snowdon breads and Lakenham Creamery ice creams, and Wendy Baldwin’s cakes from just around the corner.
Wood Lane, turn off the A140 north of Pulham Market, near Diss
T: 01379 676880  W: goodiesfarmshop.co.uk

Back to the Garden, Letheringsett, Norfolk
A beautiful 18th century beamed barn selling the best organically produced foods, both meats and ‘fruit’n’veg’ from the Astley family farms. Besides the freshly harvested ‘properly dirty’ produce, other chic offerings include freshly rolled organic pasta, a trendy juice bar and of course lots of artisan food.
A148 west of Letheringsett near Holt
T: 01263 715996  W: back-to-the-garden.co.uk