Category Archives: Butchers

Etherley Farm

Etherley Farm, Leith Hill Lane, Ockley, Surrey, RH5 5PA

The upside: Ethically reared poultry and meat from a well run rural business with provenance.

The downside: Don’t expect a picturesque arrival this is a working farm.

The flipside: You can buy direct from the farm shop or from any of the markets they attend and several independent food retailers.

Driving to Etherley Farm near Dorking in the Surrey Hills is an adventure through some of the most beautiful countryside this county has to offer. As you arrive on the farm you can see open fields that are home to chicken, ducks, geese, turkey and sheep. There is nothing fancy here just a good old-fashioned farm slowly raising their stock in a healthy, natural environment. Sheep are a newer addition here and are the only animals not slaughtered on site for the butchery. Lamb, hogget and mutton are all available in season and much loved by their growing band of customers who love the quality and provenance of the products here. The fact that you can see the animals outside and how healthy they are is a big plus too.

I discovered Etherley farm through my friends over at Village Greens Farm Shop in Ockley. Just around the corner from their Coles Lane shop they directed me to Charlie (who heads up the team here) who not only sells direct to the public from the small butchery and produce shop, but also via a few retail outlets and farmers market (such as Ockley Farmer Market) in the county too. In addition they also supply some of the top restaurants in Surrey . At the time of writing Etherley Farm duck is on the menu at Michelin Star Chef, Steve Drakes new venture, Sorrel in Dorking.

Etherley Farm started life as a dairy farm in 1958 and continued to produce milk up until 2001. By that time membership of the EU and a common market policy saw a decline in the price paid for milk. In the years leading up to this, Richard (Charlie’s Husband) had already started producing poultry to supplement the farms dwindling income. Like many farmers they decided to pull out of milk production when the cost of producing it became higher than the price paid. Sadly they sold their dairy herd and started to get serious about rearing birds instead. It was around this time that Charlie and Richard got married and while he looks after the livestock Charlie runs the shop and does the markets. On the farm year round you will find chickens, ducks, geese and sheep. They have laying birds for eggs and birds destined for the table. In July 1,000 young turkeys arrive to live outside on the farm in a massive field to slowly mature for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

My first visit to Etherley Farm was around five years ago. At that time the farm shop was a shed with a couple of freezers in it. Not very appealing but because I had already sampled their chicken from Village Greens I knew it was really great quality with depth of flavour and texture. Thanks to a grant from Rural Surrey Leader they have been able to convert a derelict farm building into a new toilet and shower block for their campsite and add a new farm shop and on site butchery. This has allowed the farm to grow its core business and expand their range of products offered to the public. In addition to whole and jointed birds they offer a lovely range of prepared products such duck sausages, chicken , duck and turkey burgers. The duck sausages are apparently delicious with mash and sweet and sour red cabbage.

Their ethos is one of simplicity, with low intensity, low stocking rates and the minimal amount of additives to ensure healthy stock. Ducks (including laying ducks), turkeys and geese arrive as day old chicks and spend the first few weeks in their brooder and airy barns to develop and be strong enough to go outside. Both types of our chickens (laying and eating) arrive when they are a bit older. However, all the animals have the opportunity to roam around the fields. The turkey, geese and ducks here are really top end and its no wonder that they supply many local award winning butchers and restaurants too.

The newest addition to the farm, are sheep, a flock of 61 North of England Mules and two rams. Grass fed, they are outside all year round, apart from a short period during the lambing season when they need to be indoors for monitoring and extra food. Their aim is to finish the lambs on grass only which is always perceived to be the optimum process, however sometimes they may feed them for a short period of time to ensure a quality finish to the resulting meat. Some of the animals are kept beyond one year to produce hogget and mutton, which has seen a revival in the last few years. Cooked a little slower the meat is delicious and full flavoured.

All slaughter of poultry is done on the farm, which means the animals only have a short distance to travel, reducing the stress on the bird. All the butchery, plucking, preparation, making of sausages and burgers and packaging is also carried out onsite. Sheep however are taken to a local abattoir and then returned, to be butchered. One of the quality aspects of their turkeys, Charlie explained is that they dry pluck the birds which takes longer but extends the shelf life allowing the birds to be hung (like beef) for the flavour and texture to develop. Battery turkeys will be wet plucked (quicker) reducing shelf life and increasing water content making the meat dryer once its cooked.

Turkey’s Charlie says, make great pets, as they are very sweet and inquisitive birds. I asked her if she got attached to them and she laughed and said they have a built in death wish! Apparently they will eat anything that they see which could be bit of plastic, string or fabric, which often get blown onto the farm. The team have to diligently remove all items on a daily basis or run the risk of a fatality as they have an inability to deal with anything getting caught in their throats. So when it comes to doing the deed and getting them ready for Christmas Orders it’s a sigh of relief all round.

In addition to Village Greens you can also buy Etherley Farm birds from several award winning butchers in Surrey too, the list is on the website (details below).They also attend Ockley Farmers Market which started in March 2107 and is on the first Sunday of each month.

Why not support your local independent producer this Christmas by buying the main attraction of your celebration dinner directly from them. It’s a decision that has winners at both ends of the transaction.

Tel. 01306 621500

enquiries@etherleyfarm.co.uk

www.etherleyfarm.co.uk

Hunts Hill Farm and Farm Shop

Normandy Common Lane, Normandy, Guildford, GU3 2AP

The upside: Hand reared free-range meat on a Surrey Farm

The downside: Larger joints of meat must be ordered in advance

The flipside: You can buy direct from the farm shop if you miss a market

There is nothing quite as British or evocative as the aroma of freshly roasted pork or grilled sausages on the street. I moved to Guildford in 2005 after living abroad for ten years and had little time to do any research over getting my kids into school. One Tuesday shortly after arriving I was walking to the high street past the George Abbot Memorial and little by little the aroma of roasted pork and a BBQ intensified, this was my introduction to Guildford’s monthly Farmers Market. On arrival it was apparent that Hunts Hill Farm were responsible for the wonderful aroma.

In addition to selling rolls with freshly roasted pork and their award winning sausages they also sell prepared cuts of their home reared meat. I have been buying their poultry, goat, lamb, veal and sausages at markets they sell at ever since (full list on their website) The bulk of their business is at these markets and they are regulars at eight, BBQ’s however are only at some of these.

We are blessed in Surrey to have a few really good local meat producers with smallholdings who sell directly to the public via small shops or farmers markets and this is one. Based in Normandy, Hunts Hill Farm is owned by Georgina and John Emerson. Not as you would think from a family of farmers but an ex Interior Designer and Garage owner. Theirs is a story which could have been modeled on the seventies TV series the ‘Good Life’ and I imagine from meeting them with as much fun and comedy on the way.

Having decided to make a huge lifestyle change and a move to the country they bought a farm that had run into trouble and needed an injection of energy to get it back on its feet. First off John did an agricultural course at Merrist Wood to get himself on the right track. Georgina made their temporary mobile home comfortable while they planned their new farmhouse on the site. The small farm shop was built on site and this also houses the butchery and sausage production unit. Slowly they built up their livestock. In addition to saddleback pigs, goats and Aberdeen Angus and poultry they also have laying hens, geese and ducks. All free range and with lots of space, this is the home of happy animals.

Like many smallholders the best way to make a living is by selling via popular farmers markets. Georgina and John love meeting their customers and have built up a strong following. They take their meat to market, ready cut and vacuum packed with a good shelf life. Sadly the meat doesn’t look so great packed this way but its quality in eating that’s the real moniker here. I have never had a duff joint or sausage from Hunts Hill in fact the leg of goat I had from them was a dinner party centerpiece. It was only recently that I realized that Hunts Hill also had a small farm shop and bed and breakfast on site too.

I made a much overdue visit to the farm in late April. On a private road it’s signposted from the junction but caution here as the shop is only open from Wednesday – Saturday. At the end of the road you arrive at the farm and its arrival reminded me of the description in the ‘Darling Buds of May’. Rustic and ramshackle, but in a friendly welcoming way and like all the places I visit with its own distinct personality. The farm shop is small but with enough ingredients for shoppers to put a meal together. The butcher’s display is the main attraction here of course and meat is sold fresh and frozen. Choose from small joints ready to go or order larger joints in advance to avoid disappointment. The meat is all reared on the farm (apart from the rose veal which comes from a farm in Horsell Common) and the animals travel a short distance to an abattoir in Farnborough before returning to the farm where butcher Peter expertly prepares the meat for sale.

To compliment the meat, a small range of vegetables, sauces, chutney’s and of course freshly laid geese, duck and hens eggs are on offer here too. The ducks eggs looked so inviting, large, white and so freshly laid I bought half a dozen (see recipe). They came with a large white feather too! Strawberries in the shop were from Tuesley farm who grow berries on their 459 acre site in Godalming. They are famed for their fruit and Georgina ripped open a pack of strawberries to sample. New season they smell and taste sensational and its good to note that they also stock Meadow Cottage Farm raw untreated cream (an absolute delight) and ice cream too. Perfect with strawberries.

Their free-range pork is also the star of their award winning sausages. They currently have over thirty recipes in their repertoire, which they make on a rolling basis. Expect at least eight of these on offer at any one time. Mary  (pictured above) in in charge of sausage production and has been working with the Emerson’s for seventeen years. She told me that some of their prize winners include pork, apple and maple syrup, apple and black pudding, beef and guiness and beef chilli and chocolate. I decided on a pack of hot Spanish with smoked paprika. I enjoyed these with my family that evening. They were succulent, spicy and soft textured, perfect.

Georgina kindly took me into their farmhouse, which is also home to the two rooms they let out for their bed and breakfast business. Here is a glimmer into the previous world of interior design that the lady of the house inhabited. Rich colours, large comfortable sofas it’s a really fabulous space. The bedrooms for guests are off the main reception area and have their own private bathroom. Comfortable and well furnished they also look over the back garden with rolling hills in the backdrop.

 

As I was leaving we went to see the pigs who were in a field next to the house. There were two pregnant sows and a very satisfied looking boar. Taking my leave a farm helper handed Georgina a goose egg that had just been laid. I got a chance to hold this warm perfectly formed giant egg, it was a touching moment for a city girl like me.

This is a classic example of a small producer bringing high quality produce to the market and selling directly to the public. If you like me are interested in the provenance of the food you eat it doesn’t get much better than this.

www.huntshillfarm.com

I bought half a dozen ducks eggs on my visit. Find out what I did with them here.

 

 

My Christmas Food and Gift Top 20 for 2015

I felt like a judge on a reality show choosing my top 20 without leaving anyone out. There are so many fabulous producers I have met since doing this blog and you all deserve a space here but I had to set a limit.

So, in no particular order!

  1. Local free-range turkey reared on Etherley farm near Leith Hill Surrey

Available from directly from the Etherley Farm or from Village Greens (Ockley and Dorking) or Kilfeather & Dumbrill (Guildford North Street Market or Bramley). If you buy directly from the farm they will even bone and roll your turkey for you. I have done this many times when oven space is an issue and it’s a great way to roast a large bird. Geese and duck also available.

etherley farm turkey

 

Kilfeather and Dumbrill

Etherleyfarm.co.uk

Village Greens

 

  1. Ethical Coffee by Post

Coffee subscription from ethical coffee importers and roaster – various packages for gorgeous ground or whole coffee beans from single estate coffee growers around the globe. You get different coffee with each delivery, which comes with detailed information about its origins.

 

Green beans ready to be roasted to yield their best flavour profile

www.coffeereal.co.uk

 

  1. Christmas Cake

Sumptuous brandy drenched Christmas Cakes from The Cake House. Emma Fuller is a former food critic turned cake maker who interned at Mich Turners Little Venice Cake Company. Emma combines her busy life food styling for companies such as Lakeland and creating her own gorgeous cakes and baked treats for us to enjoy. Her attention to detail in her baking and designs are stunning. With new designs each year there are three to choose from! Buy from Christmas events or direct from her website.

emmas-xmas-cakes-2015

www.emmascakehouse.co.uk

 

  1. Ildiko’s Chocolate

An artisan chocolate company making all their products by hand in Walton-on-Thames. Chocolate slabs, thins, pralines, caramel sauces and other treats from Hungarian chocolatiers, Ildiko and Tamas. Deliciously different and experimental; expect unusual combinations that tickle the taste buds. You’ll find them at various farmers markets and fairs in Surrey and across the borders but you can also buy online.

To meet them in person check out their events page for markets

Ildiko's chocolate_trio

 

www.ildikoschocolate.co.uk

  1. Wild at Heart Foods

A great company which who produce their products just over the border in Kent. These are sold in good delis and farm shops in Surrey and branches of COOK. Many of their products are perfect for festive eating such as hedgerow mincemeat and sloe gin butter. Fruit cheeses (damson, crab apple or quince) partner cheese for a truly local cheeseboard. Indulging in game? Medlar jelly is a must. At many delis, Cook Stores or order online.

wild at heart

www.wildatheartfoods.co

 

  1. Norbury Blue and Dirty Vicar Cheese

Since blue cheese is a must for Christmas it’s just as well that Surrey’s only cheese makers Michaela and Neil Allum produce a rather good one. Pair this with a fruit cheese from Wild at Heart for the ultimate festive cheeseboard. Buy at good delis and online direct. List of stockists on the website. If you are not a blue cheese fan go for Dirty Vicar a soft white cheese with a full flavour and texture (soft outer and firmer centre). Buy from good independent deli’s and farm shop or online.

From left; Norbury blue maturing, Norbury blue packed for retailers and Dirty Vicar maturing

www.norburyblue.co.uk

  1. Cocoa Bombon

Delicious chocolate handcrafted in Surrey from 100% Belgian chocolate by Hanna. I love her crushed caramel range, which features unusual combinations such as Earl Grey (read shards of subtle flavoured brittle caramel coated in chocolate. Sea salt comes a close second but you’ll also find a range of other formats on her site. At good deli’s and direct from Hanna’s Etsy Shop.

COCOABOMBON

ww.cocoabombon.com

  1. Kokoh Chocolate

A former buyer and product developer for Marks and Sparks Joanna Marshall is famous for her chocolate in Surrey. One of the first producers to use pink Himalayan salt for her small bars and tonka beans in her much loved truffles. A recent launch is hot chocolate with Himalayan salt. Joanna is a regular at many farmers markets including Guildford and Ripley.

 

Mayberry bar, natural flavour oils, salted caramel

Facebook Kokoh-Chocolate

  1. Silent Pool Gin

A fantastic craft gin using 24 botanicals to create its unique flavour profile from local company Silent Pool based on the Duke of Northumberlands Albury Estate. Other products include strawberry and blackberry gin cordial and plum and apricot Eau De Vie a clear brandy, stock of these is limited as it’s a seasonal product. They also make Albury Limited Release gin in 38cl bottles.

From good wine merchants, online or in person at Silent Pool.

silentpoolgintrip

 

www.silentpooldistillers.com

 

  1. Four Gables Food Academy

Buy a gift voucher for someone you love who could do with some kitchen inspiration. A great range of courses on offer from talented and charismatic Chef David Gilliat. Super informative and hands on lessons. Choose from Fusion, Asian, Fish and Spanish more on the website.

www.fourgablesfoodacademy.com

 

  1. Black Barn Butchers

Not only is this a top-notch award winning butcher but they also offer hands on butchery Classes. Based at Secretts they have just moved to a bigger unit. They sell a superb selection of free range meat and poultry including a feature rare breed beef each week.

Join the expert team at Black Barn to learn butchery skills. Jointing lamb and pork or try your hand at sausage making. A perfect gift for someone who loves meat isn’t squeamish and has more than enough socks. Let David and his expert team show you the ropes.

black barn butchers

www.blackbarnbutchers.co.uk

 

  1. Secretts Farm and Farm Shop

Based at Hurst Farm in Godalming enjoy their home grown carrots, cabbage and beetroot. Create wonderful side dishes for your festive dining from a field near you. Picked fresh everyday they are delicious and local. Just pray the ground doesn’t get too frozen but currently harvesting carrots, beet, kale, savoy cabbage, parsnips, cavolo nero, chard, sprouts, celeriac and Jerusalem artichokes. They are currently stocking the shop with fabulous Christmas treats and drinks too.

image-slider-farm_3_8x375

 

www.secretts.co.uk

  1. Butter and Cream Cakes

An artisan bakery in Milford nr Godalming making cupcakes, brownies and celebration cakes that look and taste brilliant. You’ll find them at North Street Market in Guildford on a Friday and Saturday or you can visit their shop. Read my review for full details. If you ever visit Secretts they also run Eliza’s  Tea Room at Secretts serving their lovely cakes and delicious home made food.

Chocolate chilli cup cakes, hand crafted rose buds and assorted cupcakes

 

www.butterandcream.co.uk

 

  1. Silent Pool Gin Experience

A great present for anyone interested in how gin is made particularly as this award winning brand that opened at the beginning of the year. So far they have enjoyed huge success and a large following of local gin lovers. They’ll take your around the distillery and the incredibly knowledgeable staff will tell all! Not only this the gorgeous historic setting adds to the affair makes this a perfect gift for the gin and country lover in your life.

silent-pool-trio-my-top-20-tour-

www.silentpooldistillers.com

  1. The Gourmet Cheesecake Company

If you are not a big fan of Christmas pudding (my kids hate it) then how about investing in a delicious slow baked white chocolate and vanilla cheesecake. Large small or individual cakes are available. The mini cakes are perfect for entertaining and look as good as they taste. Emma will deliver within 3 miles of her home in Woking or you can arrange to collect. Top with fresh berries and a sprinkle of icing sugar for a alternative pud!

emmas cheesecake

www.thegourmetcheesecakecompany.co.uk

  1. The Grange Cookery Book

The Grange Centre in Bookham do fantastic work with adults with learning and physical disabilities. Running workshops in crafting, cooking and gardening to develop residents skills by creating products to sell via their shop ‘Inspirations’ in Dorking. You can go and have a cream tea on a Tuesday afternoon at the centre in their Victorian Conservatory (you must book in advance) at Simply Scones pop up tea room. Just recently they published a cookery book written and developed by the residents with the help of staff. Get into the Christmas Spirit and buy a gift that helps this centre. With simple family favourites and some original creations from Simply Scones such as Rhubarb and Custard Scones it’s a treat to read. Buy online or in person at reception. You can also buy packs of Christmas fudge at reception or their core range from their online shop.

grange trio top 20

Buy the cookbook by following this link

Find out more about Inspirations gift shop here

  1. Pinch of This (Gluten Free Bakery)

Delicious gluten free goodies from Mark who started his company just over a year ago. Choose from his delicious savoury pasties, peanut butter brownies and his legendary macaroons. His gluten free treats have received rave reviews and he is constantly adding new products to his range. Give the gluten free person in your life a sweet treat this Christmas.

 

macarons_pinchofthis

www.pinchofthis.co.uk

 

  1. The Cookie Bar Cookie Subscription Service

A great way to say thanks to companies you work with by supporting this charity.

Set up by the COINS Foundation to support and provide work experience for pupils from the Stepping Stones School The Cookie Bar  gives young people with mild to moderate disabilities a valid safe environment in which to gain proper work experience. It boosts self-esteem, develops skills and helps pupils engage in their local community. Pupils work with team of part time staff and volunteers who guide them through the day-to-day workings of a proper food business. All pupils age 8 and up who are able, come to the café to gain experience.

In order to raise essential funds Cookie Bar runs a cookie subscription service. Companies can buy a one-year package and have fresh cookies delivered each month to a business of their choice. It’s a great way to support this charity, provide useful work for pupils and raise awareness of their work.

cookie bar collage2

 

www.thecookiebar.co.uk

  1. Farretti Bakery

If you are entertaining around Christmas and New Year this bakery makes really good Focaccia and Ciabatta. Ciabatta dough is also made into rolls. This is proper slow fermented bread (12- 24hrs) which, has, a soft crust. Sold with a six day life (slow fermented breads rarely go mouldy) it freezes perfectly and perks up a treat with 5 minutes in a hot oven or toasted. The rolls are perfect for leftover turkey and ham sandwiches or with cheese. Black olive ciabatta has a lovely salty edge for making bruschetta. Available at Secretts and other farm shops in Surrey and Sussex. If you need bread for a party order in advance for pick up at your nearest stockist. Support this lovely craft baker it’s the smallest bake-house I have ever been too and this bread made by a native Italian is really made with love.

faretti-ciabatta

www.farretti.co.uk

 

  1. Little Spice

Sarah Lazell makes lovely spice mixes in Reigate. These unassuming little packs of hers really pack a punch. I have tried the complete range and was very taken by the amount of flavour they add to dishes. Try her whimsically named English Country Garden on pan fried chicken fillets or a Pinch of This on roast potatoes – delicious. One of my favourites surprisingly, is Awesome Pepper; a blend of three different peppers that gives an elevated peppery edge to dishes. Perfect for foodies to pop into Christmas stockings or as table gifts. Read my review here to find out more.

Buy On Line or at Xmas fairs around Surrey.

spice range little spice9x7

www.little-spice.co.uk

Happy Christmas Shopping!

 

new logo and signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secretts Farm Shop

secretts derek cheese_6x9Hurst Farm, Chapel Lane, Milford, GU8 5HU

Upside: Fabulous seasonal produce complimented by a staggering array of culinary ingredients, top notch meat and the best stocked cheese counter for miles

Downside: There is only one Secretts in Surrey but even if it’s a hike its worth a visit!

Flipside: The farm shop is also home to Black Barn Butchers, Eliza’s Tea Room and an ethical clothing and accessory shop Jo’s unLTD.

Today Secretts in run by father and son team Charles and Greg Secrett but they partly owe their success to their fascinating heritage.  The story starts with Charles’s grandfather who chose horticulture from the range of options open to a young man in the early 1900’s. Starting his first growing venture in 1908 he was, by the time he died a legendary figure known for his innovative growing techniques, irrigation inventions and mobile glasshouses. In addition he was passionate about training and education and responsible for igniting a passion for horticulture to those he came into contact with. His great grandson Greg has carried on his tradition for growing and as well as supplying Secretts famous salad leaves to virtually every restaurant in the South East of England he also grows a huge range of speciality vegetables for many top London restaurants. On direct dial to many of London’s most feted chefs (I wouldn’t say no to his contacts list) his veg portfolio has true street credibility. The 100 acre farm whilst having a thriving wholesale business also grows for their own farm shop so while supply is seasonal; its food metres not miles here.

secretts_greg_kale

Entry into the EU in the 1970’s, industrial farming methods and supermarket buying methods all impacted on their original business model. The farm shop opened in 1979 as the family had to diversify their business. In the few years following they added a pick your own service where raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, peas, beans and other English garden classics are available throughout the summer. Recent innovations include poly-tunnels with table top strawberries making them disabled friendly and wheelchair accessible, plus able bodied folk also find this more back friendly too.

secretts cheese of the month 6x9Entering the farm shop you are hit by the cheese counter a visual eye candy moment and a taste of what’s to come when you pass into the inner sanctum of food excellence. With over 200 varieties of cheese it’s beautifully managed by knowledgeable staff – ask for a sample or take advantage of featured cheeses. Membrillo, cheese honey and other complimentary treats top the counter and head on you’ll see the cheese biscuit selection. Thick Stockarns oatcakes, my favourites Peter’s Yard, Millers Charcoal damsels and other cheeseboard must haves are represented here.  To arrive at the deli section you are taken teasingly past the stunning array of biscuits and chocolate products from independents, artisans and bigger brands. Himalayan pink salt, chilli and lime the variety is endless. Past the cake decoration stand where I discovered Uncle Roy’s Commestible Concoctions for the first time (edible flower petals, crystallised rose and violets, marigold and cornflower)

secretts Uncle Roys

my cakes have never been better dressed. The large deli counter is heaving with pies, unusual scotch eggs (I spied onion bhaji last visit) quiches made on site plus free-range ham or salamis. Hillyers of Farncombe supply traditional bread and artisan sour doughs come from The Hungry Guest in Chichester and Farretti in Lodsworth.  Cakes are from Crosbies and Farmhouse Cookery, gluten free options from Mrs Crimbles (plus a free-from section with pasta and other staples).

secretts cheese9x6

 

The back wall is home to sauces, mustards, pesto’s and pickles while further on olives, oils, vinegars can be found. Cous-cous, basmati & Thai rice plus top quality pasta is next while a central island is home to help yourself olives, chillies and other pickled treats. Vintage food tins, designer napkins, cards and other and other gift shop items are also for sale.

Different from other farm shops, Secretts has a huge selection of meat, jams, preserves, herbs, spices, baked goods, and frozen food. There is a help-yourself ethos so you can buy herbs and spices by the gram, frozen berries by the kilo, or even frozen croissants.  A great selection of pre-packed spices from the Seasoned Pioneer, superb Lebanese pomegranate molasses and lots more gourmet ingredients for those dabbling in secretts turnocks6x9world cuisine can be picked up here.

Dotted around the shop are also foodie items that will get the memories flooding back! Tunnock’s retro packs of caramel chocolate treats and oddballs like Fry’s chocolate cream.

Arriving at the final section of the shop holds fresh meat from Black Barn (who also have a retail outlet just outside the farm shop) and the fresh produce section. Fresh ginger, garlic (smoked and regular), lemon grass just hint at the exotics. Grown metres from the shop the salad leaf selection and season permitting golden and red beetroot and carrots, cabbage, salsify, kale, leeks, & parsnips. Dotted in-between are bought in items that supplement own grown. It’s a heady display of local and imported produce.

secretts veg collage

This is more than just a farm shop it’s a family run business with a soulful history. Charles and Greg Secrett have adjusted to the challenges of our political food system and kept the business thriving. The tea room Eliza’s recently taken over by Butter and Cream cakes is brighter with a tasty contemporary menu, the award-winning butcher on site sells rare breeds and free range meats. Even the boutique prides itself on sourcing fair trade jewellery and other items to its stock.

butchers and cheese

Although this review is really about the farm shop this venue has so much more to offer;  and if like me you want to support independents, you’ll find that’s what on offer here is hard to beat.

Tel 01483 520500

www.secretts.co.uk

 

Priory Farm sausages

Priory Farm Shop

Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill, RH1 4EJPriory Farm butchers

A bright, well-stocked farm shop with a loyal following.

Go there for: You can do your weekly shop here.

Avoid: Missing the delight of picking your own in summer.

Is it worth the calories?: Well-sourced fresh food – it’s worth it!

Tips: Try the café and garden centre across the road.

John Shinner bought Priory Farm in 1957 and its history maps the history of agriculture in the UK. First he raised sheep and grew barley, diversified into the new intensive chicken farming, was one of the first pick-your-own farms in the country, had pigs and gave them up to concentrate on the farm shop, café and garden centre.

Priory Farm fruit cart

Now run by his son, Priory Farm Shop sells their own soft fruit, beans, apples, plums and pumpkins. They augment this with produce from Secretts in Milford and also stock a great range of imported produce like bananas, pineapples and ginger. Prices are often cheaper than supermarkets for home-grown produce, everything is beautifully displayed, and you can help yourself to exactly the amount you want.

Cheese counter with local and imported cheeses The cheese counter has been run by Sandra for the last 15 years and it’s a delight. There’s a good but not overwhelming selection of British cheeses, with an emphasis on local cheese producers like Norbury Blue and Lord of the Hundreds, an unpasteurised ewe’s milk cheese that has been compared to parmesan. And they keep the major continental cheeses you might expect to find. Everything is well kept and presented and you can sample anything you fancy.

The meat counter is similarly attractive. They sell mostly farm-assured meat. The pork comes from Scott’s farm in Storrington: their pigs are fed an additive-free diet and are free to roam and dig.

Butchers counter has a great selection of sausages and chops

Assistant manager Julie has been there for 14 years and knows what her customers want and works closely with manager Will Edwards. They make a careful balance between quality and price and stock a really good selection of local products. So alongside a good range of local beers that ‘fly off the shelf’, she has Deerview jam from West Sussex, Crosbies cakes, Stas chocolates and St Joan’s farm ice-cream. They also stock a few well-know brands of cereals and washing powder so you can complete your weekly shop here. She says staff are very happy in their work and that shows in their knowledge and helpful attitude.

Priory Farm cook shop, owner John and beer

Priory Farm runs events throughout the year, including cookery demonstration, farm walks and children’s events. They have three fishing lakes, a plant centre, café, cook shop and craft shop. And let’s not forget Chalk Hills Bakery is based here. You can buy their wonderful bread in the shop and have a tart in the café. It’s one of the best-organised concerns around. We bumped into founder John by the cheese counter doing his weekly shop:  he’s pleased his sons continue to develop the farm he bought with so much hope and expectation.

Tel 01737 822603

www.prioryfarm.co.uk

Iain a butchery expert

Rawlings of Cranleigh

Rawlings of Cranleigh, Devon House, 70 High Street, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8AG

One of the best free-range butchers in Surrey.

Go there for: Award-winning beef, sausages with history, perfect cured bacon and expertly prepared cuts of meat.

Avoid: Supermarket meat: support local traders like this one!

Is it worth the calories?: Ask Dr Atkins!

Tips: The pork and lamb noisettes are works of art, so prepare to be impressed.

Pork noisettesThis is a serious butcher’s shop. Not only does it have a loyal following in the community, it also supplies 35 Surrey restaurants. Innovative and competitive, last March they won a staggering 28 awards for their product development at a road show for butchers in the South of England. Not content with preparing traditional cuts of meat for their customers, they also make a fantastic selection of rolled, stuffed, wrapped and seasoned delights to cook at home. And don’t get me started on the fabulous sausages displayed . . .Rawlings sausages

Have a chat with the staff at Rawlings and you’ll get a quick education in butchery. Cured, corned, boned, sawn, filleted or rolled: nothing is too much trouble. They cure their own bacon: when I cooked a sample not a drop of water emerged, just the gentle sizzle of proper bacon in the pan. Crushed thyme leaves, black treacle, brown sugar and molasses can be found in their ‘secret bacon’ cure and those rashers made a cracking sandwich. Iain has been in the trade since he left school and Gary (a chef) joined the team more recently: his cooking authority has been essential to new product development and he offers expert culinary advice to customers.

The shop displays a huge range of products, including traditional cuts of meat for roasting, stewing and braising. Large free-range chickens (approx £12) make a substantial family meal, with plenty of leftovers for risotto or a creamy pie. We roasted ours: the meat was full of texture and flavour that I remember from childhood, before chicken was industrially farmed and lost its special status. You’ll also find the chicken and pork cushions that have been on the menu since 1999 and won many awards. Expertly trussed, these are a firm favourite on the Cranleigh dinner-party circuit. Iain also prepares cuts like Jacob’s Ladder, making good use of his skills and expertise in butchery.

Iain preparing jacobs ladder

On the deli side they produce a range of award-winning pies and sausage rolls. They also cook their home-cured hams on site. Free-range hen and duck eggs are offered, as is prepared rabbit, pheasant and other game in season.

Not always on the counter but available to those in the know is Blue-Cheese Beef Wellington. Iain cleverly makes a dried spinach paper to seal in the beef juices and protect the pastry from getting soggy during cooking. The man is a genius and his celebrity customers think so too. But they don’t just deal in top-price cuts:  Rawlings are famous for their faggots (a mixture of liver, pork, carrots, apples and onions with their special spice blend), which won a gold award at the British Pig executive recently. At 80p each they are an absolute bargain and perfect, Iain told me, with a pile of creamy mash and gravy – I believe him.

Rawlings shop front

Rawlings of Cranleigh

01483 274321

Text and Images Shirlee
Text and Images Shirlee

Tanhouse Farm Shop

Tanhouse Farm Shop, Rusper Road, Newdigate, Surrey, RH5 5BXOutdoor covered seating area

 A stylish little farm shop and café selling their own cakes and pies alongside select groceries.

 Go there for: Lovely savoury pies, cakes and soups made with local produce and their own free-range meat.

Avoid: Ignoring this venue: even if it’s off your beaten track this little gem won’t disappoint.

Is it worth the calories? Pies are a sensible size and salads generous so they have the balance just right.

Tips: The farm sells its own jams and honey: great for unique foodie gifts. Or call in for a takea-way pie and coffee.

What a treat to find this farm shop and café just as my internal lunch bell rang. The vibrant covered outdoor seating area overlooks over the playground so you can keep an eye on your brood while they play. Inside, you can peruse the shelves while enjoying a home-cooked treat or two from the kitchen. They are big on traditional cooked breakfasts here and serve delicious pies and pasties for lunch, complemented by a selection of salads.

Their chicken and wild mushroom pie (£6.50) is a world away from commercial imposters with pale gloopy middles. Here a handsome pastry encases free-range chicken chunks and flavour-packed mushrooms in a light creamy sauce. A portion of roasted Mediterranean vegetable salad and some green leaves turns the meal into a balanced plate. Home-made soup with bread (£4.85) also makes a delicious lunch.

Wild mushroom and chicken pie, play area and tea with florentine slice

The cakes were all saying ‘eat me’ but I was tempted by the lovely Florentine slice (£2.50), a layered affair of shortbread topped with caramel, fruit and nuts.

Sausage rolls and pasties, scotch eggs, meat from the freezer and carrot cakes

All the food served here is made by a team of chefs who also manage outside catering events such as weddings plus preparing hampers for those enjoying the local fishing.

Tanhouse honeyThey serve Higher Nature tea and single estate coffee from Coffee Real, craft roasters situated just behind the farm. Luckily you can buy their ethically sourced and expertly roasted coffee in the farm shop to take home too. They sell a small range of jams, chutneys and marmalade produced on site plus honey from their own hives. A bank of freezers house their free-range Aberdeen Angus beef, lamb and Gloucester Old Spot pork; I made a gutsy cottage pie from their minced beef (£5.13 for 750g). Potatoes and seasonal vegetables from the farm are on sale when in season. They also sell old-fashioned sweets in jars and a few really useful items like liners for food-waste bins.

Located in some of the prettiest Surrey countryside, it’s a joy to travel to this lovingly thought out little café.

01306 631 891

www.tanhousefarmshop.co.uk

 

Free range pigs at Joe's farm shop

Joe’s Farm Shop

Joe’s Farm Shop, Elm Nursery, Sutton Green Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7QDEntrance to the farm shop

A delightful family run business with delicious home-reared pork and local lamb and beef  

Go there for: Local beef, lamb, pork, sausages, milk and free-range eggs – and hanging baskets!

Avoid: High expectations: this is a small shop with a limited range of produce.

Is it worth the calories?:  Our rib of beef was heavenly and surely special treats don’t count!

Tips: This is a small farm shop with big plans: support them to make their expansion a reality.

It’s really all about the meat here. The story began 31 years ago when Emma and Kate’s mum wanted a bigger back garden: she acquired a small farm shop and continued to grow and sell their produce. When a large supermarket opened in Burpham they lost all their trade overnight. Forced to diversify, Rita Thorpe bought herself some books on growing plants and Elm Nursery was born. Thanks to Rita’s green fingers, it’s now a thriving business and they offer a friendly bespoke service you can’t get in bigger nurseries. Over filled hanging baskets start at just £20.

The alarm clock, freshly laid eggs and Emma with some free range pigs

Things were ticking over when Joe, a local farmer needing a retail outlet for his small supply of beef, pork and lamb, popped in for a chat, the timing was right so they went ahead. Animals are free-range and slaughtered as A selection of fresh meat for sale needed by a local abattoir using humane methods that don’t stress the animals prior to slaughter. Hung after slaughter for the optimum time, the meat is mouth-wateringly tender and flavourful. Fridges and freezers were installed and they now stock local milk and cheese (Norbury blue, Dirty Vicar and a selection from High Weald) and their own eggs. They grow a small selection of fresh produce on site – next year they want to grow more in their polytunnels.

To complement the core business Emma and Kate also sell a limited range of locally made cakes and preserves. Jams are made by a local lady Tina who gives 75% of her proceeds to a local hospice in Woking and they are keen to expand what they offer in the future.

Joe’s farm shop is a low-key operation, but there’s a lot to like. Maybe it’s the way the chickens wander in the shop, or that Rita, Emma and Kate always offer such an energetic welcome. There is also the added satisfaction that whatever you buy is helping the local economy stay afloat – at prices that are competitive.

Joe’s farm shop and Elm Nursery

01483 761748