We know what Old Macdonald kept on the farm, but what about those in Kent? Plates at the ready as we’re heading out to say hay there to some local farm shops that are truly outstanding in their field!
A well-hatched plan, this fully automated farm shop is open 24/7. It’s the perfect way to purchase eggs and other local produce at your utmost convenience. It was first installed in January 2019, as the previous honesty shop had to close, in all ironies, due to people being less and less honest! It wasn’t until Covid hit, however, that everything boiled over!
‘The machine went from having a few customers a day to queues of cars blocking the local roads,’ shares owner Douglas Wanstall. ‘Fast forward to today and we’re principally selling products grown, picked, packed and graded on the farm and we have a full-time butcher and chef who are continually updating the range of products on offer.’
The farm now produces chicken and pork due to customer demand, though perhaps unsurprisingly their clientele remains total egg heads, with eggs continuing to be the top seller. Some other must-tries, however, include their homemade chicken and wild garlic kievs, sausages and locally grown strawberries. For Douglas, the best part of working at the farm shop is interacting with customers and making them aware of the items they sell and how each one is produced. ‘Farm shops play an important role in Kent’s community. From our perspective, it’s been an important part of our business to help consumers reconnect with the food system and discover how local food produced to the standards we do here is much better for our health and that of the planet too! It’s led to a complete change in direction for us.’ theeggmachine.com
‘The Alexander family have been farming in the Darenth Valley since 1892 when James Alexander, my great, great grandfather, brought down 17 milking cows on the train from Ayrshire in Scotland,’ shares director Lorna Roberts. ‘Over the years a large variety of crops have been grown on this land and today the mixed arable approach still stands strong with wheat, barley, pumpkins, apples, wildflowers and of course, lavender and more being grown here.’
The farm shop was founded in 1988 by Lorna’s parents when they recognised the demand for hops as interior decoration, not just for beer! By 1990, the farm was a major producer of dried flowers, growing over 70 different varieties, and received many awards, including five consecutive gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Today, Castle Farm Shop is filled with gifts, local foods, decorations, and seasonal produce. They also have the Coffee Cart serving up barista-made hot drinks. The farm is open year-round, but during lavender season, they open their fields for summer events including BYO picnics and guided tours. ‘For me, the best part of working in the shop is the variety,’ Lorna says. ‘I love how the seasons change what we offer from bountiful pumpkin displays in autumn to bright red PYO Norfolk Royal Apples in September.’
Their home-grown lavender toiletries and gifts are always a hit and the Lavender Gin they developed alongside Maidstone Distillery is incredibly popular. Lorna also recommends trying their dreamy Sleepy Scent Pillow Spray. The soothing oils help you drift into a deep, restful sleep. ‘In a world where we’re surrounded by big business the topic of local provenance is becoming increasingly important,’ Lorna shares. ‘Supporting local businesses and providing visitors with seasonal produce is vital to us. In turn, we can invest back into the landscape and countryside in which we farm to uphold our long-term commitment to conservation and environmental improvement.’ castlefarmkent.co.uk
Beginning as a small asparagus stall at the side of the road in 2001, Groombridge Farm Shop has vastly grown over time, winning Muddy Stiletto’s Best Farm Shop in Kent 2023 and being awarded Silver in the Taste of Kent Awards for the Kent Independent Retailer of the Year. As well as selling everything they grow at New Park Farm down the road, they provide a broad variety of fruit and vegetables, baked goods, dairy products, meat, fish and deli treats.
‘Now asparagus season is over, our most popular items are our seasonal fruit including strawberries, raspberries and cherries. We’ll soon have blueberries too,’ shares shop manager Samantha Green. ‘I recommend sampling the artisan sourdough from The Bread Smith in Tunbridge Wells. Our salted caramel brownies, cakes and pastries are also some of the customers’ favourites.’ Samantha adores working at the shop and being part of the local community. ‘Our location enables customers the convenience of shopping frequently, rather than doing one big weekly food shop, which can be a driver of food waste,’ Sam explains. ‘This way people can buy what they need and know where it’s from. Seasonal food is cheaper and fresher. It also minimises peoples’ carbon footprint by lowering food miles and packaging use.’
As part of Amplifi, a local initiative which encourages environmentally conscious business, Groombridge is dedicated to improving its impact on the planet. For Sam, the other important role of farm shops is the level of support they can provide for individuals. During lockdown, the shop launched a collection and local delivery service to make food shopping easier. It’s a service they continue to offer through their website. ‘We’re grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received over the years that enables us to continue serving residents,’ Sam says. ‘We’re members of Produced in Kent who are invaluable for promoting farm shops, farmers markets and their like and are also part of The Farm Retail Association, a national organisation dedicated to helping farm shops like us. It’s an amazing community to be part of and it’s incredible how it can help bring people together.’ groombridgefarmshop.co.uk
