Havens for fresh produce, while championing local producers and growers, farm shops help reduce our food miles and bring joy from all the growing seasons…here’s our pick of the Essex crop!
The main ethos here is supporting local farmers and producers, with more than 90 per cent of produce sourced from within a 30-mile radius. The butcher’s counter is fully stocked with traditional cuts of meat, roasting joints, and weekly changing specials and they dry-age beef for a minimum of 28 days for the very best of tenderness and flavour. A cheese counter, local wines and ales and homemade cakes are offered and looking ahead to Christmas, there’s free-range turkeys, free range geese and chickens.
What we love: Monthly butchery courses including sausage making are ideal for educational experience days and gifts.
Where: Herons Farm, Colne Road, Coggeshall. CO6 1TQ.
blackwellsfarmproduce.co.uk
Calcott Hall
When the farm size is described as the equivalent to about 70 football pitches, you know there’s going to be plenty of choice grown on the site! The McTurks have been farming here for more than 40 years and within the 120-acre plot a range of vegetables are grown throughout the year. The farm shop has grown and grown and while there’s local products, a staggering amount of other goodies are available, too.
What we love: Calcott’s Reward Card provides the opportunity to receive monthly offers and save money.
Where: Ongar Road, Brentwood. CM15 9HS.
calcotthall.com
The Manor Farm Shop
Starting out back in 1979, this family-run business is still in the capable hands of the Dobson family. There’s everything from the usual fresh fruit and vegetables to a selection of the more unusual, too. Wilkin and Sons famous jams and preserves are stocked, as are sausages, ham and bacon from Wicks Manor, and fresh fish can be bought Thursday to Saturday. In fact, there’s not much you can’t find!
What we love: Gluten and wheat-free products are available.
Where: Maldon Road, Great Baddow, Chelmsford. CM2 7DQ.
themanorfarmshopchelmsford.co.uk
Great Braxted Farm Shop.
Quality, local produce and ethically sourced is the motto of this family-run farm shop which have been supplying the public and trade with their 30 years of experience. There’s not much you can’t find here, from seasonal fruit and vegetables to other products, including original Brick Lane Salt Beef Beigels, but that’s part of the appeal… discovering different items to take home.
What we love: Braxted Seafood Hut pops up at the site on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Where: Maldon Road, Tiptree. CO5 0QA.
@greatbraxtedfarmshop
Coxs at Spencers Farm Shop.
For more than 30 years, the Cox family have worked day and night, 364 days a year, to deliver quality fruit and veg across the Essex/Suffolk border. They took over the farm shop in 2020 and have continually invested in new ranges and stocked products. Showcasing the best of local producers, it’s here where there’s everything from the speciality of their soft fruits to delicious homemade cakes and quiches.
What we love: Not just a farm shop…there’s a café and crazy golf course, too!
Where: Park Road, Wickham St Paul, Halstead. CO9 2PX.
spencersfarmshop.com
Mitchells Farm Shop.
Having farmed in Elmstead Market for 100 years, the Mitchell family have seen many changes throughout their tenure. The farm shop opened in 1995 and stocks a wide range of produce, including bread, milk, eggs, cheese, and the essentials such as fruit and vegetables (fresh and frozen) along with potatoes which are grown on the farm. Household essentials, of course, can also be found.
What we love: Sweet treats including delectable ice cream flavours, as well as puddings and patisserie options!
Where: School Road, Elmstead Market, Colchester. CO7 7EY.
mitchellsfarmshop.net
This award-winning spot, established in 1912, has more than 40 varieties of English apples from its very own orchards and it’s also built up a good reputation for its PYO. Expect to be amazed with the wide selection of produce from trusted, small and family businesses across the region. Fresh fish available from Wednesday to Saturday.
What we love: Get the aah factor from one of the animal experiences including alpaca trekking, meet and greets, as well as the junior farmer for the day!
Where: Beehive Lane, Galleywood, near Chelmsford. CM2 8LX
eapples.co.uk
Ashlyns Farm Shop.
Dedicated to stocking the best in fresh local produce, there’s everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to grass-fed beef and organic chicken from the onsite butcher, along with award-winning British and European cheese from the deli counter. Locally brewed craft beer, a wide selection of groceries, delicious chutneys, pies and pastries, and many other ingredients for the larder can also be found here.
What we love: With a restaurant onsite, enjoy an indulgent brunch or lunch in the wood-beamed spot overlooking the garden.
Where: Epping Road, North Weald. CM16 6RZ.
ashlynsfarmshop.co.uk
