Want to know where your nearest farm shop is? The Farm Shop Guide will Launch 21 October

The Farm Shop Guide, a new foodie guide, will be launching on 21 October 2024. It's from Printslinger, the innovative independent publisher behind The Extra Mile (Delicious Alternatives to Motorway Services), and The Coastal Café Guide, both Amazon #1 bestsellers in 2024.  

Founder of Riverford Organic and veg box pioneer, Guy Singh-Watson, said, “Proper farm shops, ones that actually grow, rear, or make most of their own produce with love, attention to detail, and a genuine connection to the land are genuinely a beautiful thing. This book will help you find them.”

Promoting Britain's homegrown food networks, The Farm Shop Guide features 165 independent (and often smaller and family-run) farm shops across England, Scotland, and Wales, plus their highly rated cafés and restaurants.

The guide has everything from shops that are bedecked with multiple awards to muddier, down-to-earth places where the person at the till has just come in from the fields. 

The guide also promotes 15 food and farming charities to raise awareness of their vital work, and 1% of its sales will go to the Sustainable Food Trust.

Book highlights

165 farm shops and their cafés and restaurants

Seasonal farm events including Easter, Halloween, and Christmas activities

Info on pick-your-own (PYO) crops, food festivals, and farmers' markets

Icons to help trip-planners, such as dog friendly, family friendly, EV charging, parking, etc.

Eight geographic sections, with separate chapters on Scotland and Wales

Nine striking full-colour maps

15 food-related charities are featured, including RSPB Fair to Nature, Nature Friendly Farming, Community Supported Agriculture, and Pasture for Life

264 full-colour pages with beautiful photography and maps throughout

As we previously mentioned a donation will be made to the Sustainable Food Trust for every book sold.

Learn about places with family-friendly farm activities.

Find out in advance which farm shops have EV charging for their customers

Halloween event round-ups and pick-your-own pumpkins (PYO)

A round up of places that offer PYO fruit, vegetables, Christmas trees, sunflowers, and more besides.

Farms with PYO flower fields. This would make a lovely Mother's Day activity

Award-winning farm shops (Farm Retail Awards winners and many more)

Farm shops near motorway junctions to break journeys in truly rural style

Farm shops by region: the book has chapters on Scotland; North; Midlands; Wales; East Anglia; South West (North); South West (South); South and South East

Praise for The Farm Shop Guide

The go-to guide for those seeking deliciously fresh local food when on their day trips, holidays and commutes, The Farm Shop Guide will also make everyday eating and food shopping more enjoyable and locally beneficial, too.

Helen Browning OBE is an organic farmer, farm shop owner, and CEO of the Soil Association. Helen said, “Nothing beats a good farm shop as a way of getting the freshest food possible, while directly supporting fantastic farmers.”

Jane Gray is Director of Broom House Farm, Durham, which features in the book. Jane said, “So many farm shops like ours are slightly off the beaten track, with holidaymakers stumbling across us just as they're going home. The Farm Shop Guide is going to be such a help.” 

The Series is edited by Alastair Sawday.

Printslinger is an independent publishing company owned by travel publisher Alastair Sawday, an environmental activist and longstanding campaigner for local food, low food miles, and sustainable travel.

Alastair said, “The farm shops, cafés, and restaurants in this book deserve our support and this comprehensive guide will give them a genuine boost. 

"Some of the places are rackety and delightfully chaotic; some are tiny places right on the farm; others have become quite huge. 

"But the thing is, they are all fun to shop in, with real human beings on hand to help and provide an unusual connection with the local land (and my goodness, we need our farms and farmers). Buying and using this book is a great way to support them.”

How to buy The Farm Shop Guide

ISBN: 9781738481811

RRP £17.99

Pre-order on Amazon

Buy direct from Printslinger https://theextramile.guide/shop

We at That's Food and Drink believe this will make a superb stocking filler this Christmas for the dedicated foodies in your life.

Exploring the British Countryside: A Guide to Finding Charming Farm Shops

Venturing into the verdant expanse of the British countryside is a journey brimming with picturesque landscapes, quaint villages, and, of course, charming farm shops. 

These hidden gems not only offer an authentic taste of rural life but also provide an opportunity to connect with local producers and indulge in fresh, seasonal delights. 

If you're eager to embark on a gastronomic adventure through the heart of Britain, here's a handy guide on how to uncover these delightful establishments.

1. Embrace the Wanderlust:

One of the joys of exploring the British countryside is the serendipity of discovery. While modern technology has its merits, sometimes the best experiences come from simply setting off on a leisurely drive or a meandering walk along country lanes. Keep an eye out for signs pointing towards farm shops, often adorned with rustic charm and inviting imagery of fresh produce.

2. Consult Local Directories:

In an age where information is at our fingertips, tapping into local directories can be immensely helpful in pinpointing nearby farm shops. Whether it's a printed guide, a community website, or a smartphone app, these resources often provide comprehensive listings of farm shops in specific regions. Additionally, they may include valuable insights such as opening hours, specialties, and customer reviews.

3. Engage with Locals:

The British countryside is renowned for its warm hospitality, and locals are often more than willing to share their insider knowledge. Strike up a conversation with villagers, innkeepers, or fellow travellers,  you never know what hidden gems they might unveil. Their recommendations could lead you to lesser-known farm shops cherished by the community, offering a truly authentic experience.

4. Explore Farmers' Markets:

Farmers' markets are vibrant hubs of culinary delights, showcasing the best of local produce and artisanal crafts. While not farm shops per se, they often feature stalls operated by nearby farms, providing an excellent opportunity to sample their offerings and gather information about their locations. Many farmers' markets operate on weekends and special occasions, making them a delightful addition to any countryside excursion. Some British market towns still operate their traditional markets, some having operated for 1,000 years or more.

5. Harness the Power of Social Media:

In today's interconnected world, social media platforms can serve as valuable tools for discovering hidden gems. Follow local farm shops, agricultural associations, and food enthusiasts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Not only will you stay updated on their latest offerings and events, but you may also stumble upon recommendations from fellow food lovers or announcements about pop-up markets and farm-to-table experiences.

6. Plan a Countryside Tour:

For those eager to delve deeper into the rural landscape, consider planning a dedicated countryside tour focused on farm shop exploration. Whether self-guided or organized through tour operators, these itineraries can take you on a curated journey through bucolic scenery, stopping at farm shops along the way to sample regional delicacies, meet local producers, and gain insights into traditional farming practices.

7. Let Your Senses Guide You:

Above all, allow your senses to guide you on your quest for farm shops in the British countryside. Keep an ear out for whispers of local markets or the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. Follow the winding lanes that beckon with promises of hidden treasures, and be prepared to be enchanted by the sights, sounds, and flavors that await around every corner.

In conclusion, exploring farm shops in the British countryside is not just about sourcing fresh produce; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of rural life, forge connections with local communities, and savour the simple pleasures of the land. So, lace up your walking boots, pack a picnic basket, and embark on a culinary adventure through the idyllic landscapes of Britain's green and pleasant land. Happy exploring!

Incidentally you may find the Farm Retail Association to be of help: https://farmretail.co.uk