Buying local at our local fantastic award-winning farm shops

In my last blog about buying local I promised to tell you more about our local award-winning farm shops in Norfolk. These businesses are strongly passionate about supporting others and continue to grow in size and popularity. They are filled with the best regional produce.

Many of Norfolk’s farm shops have their own butchers, bakers and deli counters and provide an important one-stop experience for regular customers. Most have their own specialities. And many have an in-house café or restaurant where you can enjoy their menus and share their investment in quality food.

Firstly Algy’s, at Bintree, which is on a circular cycle route from our site. Algy Garrod’s family has farmed here for three generations. Homegrown vegetables include asparagus, pumpkins, lettuce, leeks, sweetcorn, sprouts, cabbages and cauliflowers. The title of Best Food and Drink Retailer went to Algy’s in the Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2024. This year it has expanded to stock a wider range of products from Norfolk and East Anglia. Their recently opened cafe is serving quality simple, local food along with their own blend of coffee.

Nestled in the nearby countryside at Mattishall is the Goat Shed. This family-run business began in 2009 and is full of local artisan products along with a ‘Goat Shed Prepared’ range, all created, baked and made on-site. . It also offers deli, bakery and butchery counters. Winner of the 2023 Farm Shop and Deli Retailer Awards , seasonal menus are served in their Kitchen restaurant.

The Goat Shed also produces a range of kind-to-your-skin natural lotions. Made from goat’s milk, the Hand & Body lotion is available in our Huddle for you to try.

Eves Hill Farm Shop is based on a regenerative farm rearing 100% grass-fed beef cattle and free-range rare breed pigs. Their own produce is on offer along with 100% grass-fed lamb and free-range chicken from other local farmers. The shop is also a collection point for raw dairy products plus bakes and coffee and the very best produce from other local producers. Eves Hill also hosts regular farmers’ markets, with local producers and crafters from around Norfolk. It can be reached by bike from our site, passing through rural countryside.

Housed in a historic former grain store Walsingham Farm Shop in Little Walsingham offers quality produce from their farm and others. For example their well hung aged Walsingham beef is available in their full butchery counter. Local cheeses, wines, fresh vegetables and milk are always in stock, celebrating Norfolk food. Daily needs are met with their in-house range of products with tempting Ready-to-heat Soups and homemade pies. If you’re short on time you can make use of their comprehensive On-line shop.

Many of our guests visit the quaint Georgian town of Holt during their stay, passing Back to the Garden, at Letheringsett, on the way. This is a multi-award-winning farm shop for the Astley Estate, who farm organically and regeneratively. A butchery sells their own home-bred organic beef and lamb and an impressive delicatessen is stocked with food from the farm’s own kitchens. You’ll also find a huge choice of organic fruit and vegetables, including produce from Thornage Hall, which provides supported living for adults with learning disabilities. The popular cafe adjoins the shop in a stunning barn built over 200 years ago. There is outdoor seating in a beautiful garden during the summer months. It is now run by Jarrolds, who are one of Norfolk’s longest established family businesses.

Finally, if you’re one of our summer visitor, local strawberries and other top fruit are sold within a stone’s throw of the site. Available daily, the Sharrington Strawberry stall also offers other fresh seasonal produce.

To summarize, all the thriving farm shops mentioned are either within a short walk, bike ride or 30 minute drive away. By driving a few minutes further you will have other fabulous shops to explore. Black Barn Farm Shop in Salhouse has an upstairs cafe with amazing countryside views. Also it’s own butchery and deli with home-made produce. A G Meale & Sons farm shop is based within Wayford Nurseries at Stalham. This is a family-run business with a plant centre and a pick-your-own fruit and veg operation. A real treat, within an hour’s drive, is Old Hall Farm Shop, Woodton. Winner of the Best Norfolk Producer in the Norfolk magazine Food and Drink Awards 2024. The farm’s own Jersey cows produce raw milk along with other products like butter, yoghurt, cream, ice cream, ghee and fudge.

Wishing you fun as you explore the gastronomic delights and products produced within this region. Not forgetting the regular farmer’s markets and food fairs . . but more about those later!