The Farm Shop

It seems to be a well-known fact that the English cannot cook.  They can pie it, potato it, or gravy it, but it’s been said that the best thing the English can do is stay out of the kitchen and just head to the pub where they do what they do best: put down the pints. I’m very happy to report that this is actually an old wives tale.  Not only can the English cook but a large majority cook with gorgeous, fresh, seasonal, and wonderfully pure ingredients.  Enter the farm store. 

 Once you exit the big bustling metropolis of London, you enter into the green and rolling hills this part of the world is so famous for.  There are cows, sheep, and fields a plenty, and occasionally, a farm store!  A farm store is exactly what it sounds like – a store that sells the products it makes or harvests right there, on site.  Be it fresh cream, milk, ice cream!, eggs, produce, cheese, meats, or even fresh baked breads and cakes, every single thing you might need for a solid day’s meals are there glistening and fresh. 

Not sure if I agree with that...but I get what they're sayin...note - this section is next to the cakes (we bought a few...)

 One particular farm store, Kitridding Farm Shop in Cumbria really had me at hello.  When you walk into the front entrance, you look directly into a stall full of milk cows.  They stare out at you as you walk into their store and send out a few casual “moos” into the atmosphere.  Chicken houses are in the backyard set among the rolling green hills of the countryside.  Yes, it may seem a bit staged (the whole thing brought Cracker Barrel to mind), but I really loved shopping there.  Every single thing we bought was delicious, and has resulted in the complete abandonment of restaurants and cafes in exchange for making our own meals with farm store finds.

Another fantastic shop we’ve come across - Chatsworth Farm Shop, made just about the best pie I’ve ever had.  (I’ve had maybe 3 in my life so…I’m not exactly sure how amazing it was)…but that’s neither here nor there. 

Next time you come to the UK, make sure to check out these gems – they’re the best!

Look out!  Rotary's in the house.  Love this wishing well!