Destination farm shops

From humble beginnings as stalls selling own-grown veg, farm shops have flourished into day-trip destinations featuring produce-packed foodhalls, must-visit restaurants and other attractions. Here’s our pick of the South West’s best destination farm shops

Teals, Somerset

Teals only opened in December 2020, but the destination farm shop on the A303 at South Cadbury has already won over a loyal following of foodies. Local produce and community values are at the heart of the operation and, in addition to a food market brimming with Somerset fruit, veg, meat and dairy, it houses a relaxed restaurant where locals and visitors pause for speciality-grade coffee and wholesome homemade fodder.

Sustainability was one of the founding pillars of Teals: the whole south-facing side of the roof is fitted with high-performance solar panels which generate over 85 per cent of the energy required to run the building. If you stop for food and coffee to-go you can take your own reusables – but if you forget, nearly all the takeaway packaging is fully recyclable.

Padstow Farm Shop, Cornwall

The team at Padstow Farm Shop talk in food meters, not miles, as much of the produce filling the shelves and butchery counter is sourced from the fields surrounding the shop. It’s based on Trethillick Farm near Padstow and was established by farmer Charlie Watson Smyth in 2006 as a way to share the family farm’s produce with locals and visitors, while simultaneously championing fantastic Cornish artisan producers.

From Cornish Yarg and Trevethan Gin to Cornish Sea Salt and Da Bara Bakery’s hero cinnamon buns, Padstow Farm Shop is a great spot in which to pick up the new faves from your time in Cornwall to enjoy at home. There’s also an online shop so you can get the goods delivered to your door when holiday blues kick in.

Greendale Farm Shop, Devon

It’s worth making the short drive from Exeter to this farm shop on the A3052 as there’s so much more than just fresh produce on offer. In addition to a store selling the best of the South West larder, visitors will find a cafe and restaurant serving delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners, a proper fish and chip shop frying up the local catch, and a farm trail where kids can meet Greendale’s herd of Highland cows and Oscar the ostrich (among other farmyard residents).

If you’re spending a long weekend or week in Devon, this is a great find for stocking up on top-notch West Country ingredients. Treat yourself to local lobster caught by Greendale’s own boats, rump steaks from the Greendale herd and hand-trimmed by its master butchers, and a bottle of fizz from a local vineyard.

Flourish, Somerset

For a preview of the future of farm shops, make a trip to this new venue on the A4 between Bristol and Somerset. Flourish opened in June 2021 and has already made a big impression thanks to its sustainable initiatives and community focus. The BCorp’s eco credentials include a heat recovery system for hot water and heating, harvesting rainwater (to flush the loos) and zero-waste refill stations.

Start off with a wander around the foodhall to fill your canvas shopper with ethically sourced veggies, cheeses, meats and deli items, before dropping into the Kitchen for breakfast or lunch. Crowd-pleasing dishes are crafted with fresh produce plucked from the foodhall shelves each morning.

The Cotswold Foodstore & Cafe, Gloucestershire

Pick up provisions for your countryside escape at this family-run farm shop near Stow-on-the-Wold. From rustic crackers and local cheeses for your Cotswolds cheeseboard to a bottle of bubbles to toast your staycation, you’ll find the best of Gloucestershire’s artisan producers at The Cotswold Foodstore & Cafe.

If you’ve time to stick around, take a seat in the cafe for a hearty Cotswolds breakfast or comforting homemade lunch. Alfresco and inside seating make it a great brunch spot all year round.

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