Last week we had the pleasure of meeting the owners of the farm shops picked by our judges as the very best in the Chilterns. It was a joyous occasion, hosted by Peterley Manor Farm in Prestwood, our overall winners, who provided a fabulous array of refreshments from their own café.
This year our team placed greater emphasis on sustainability and green initiatives such as local sourcing, so crucial to reducing our food miles, availability of eco products such as re-usable bags, water bottles and coffee cups and encouraging customers to bring their own containers to take advantage of instore re-fill initiatives. Other criteria included range of products, presentation, friendly service and ambience.
Peterley Manor is deservedly the overall champion farm shop – praised for its excellent range of high quality products, large selection of home-produced items like their own meat and apple juice along with home grown fruit and veg.
P E Mead & Sons of Tring is the North Chilterns winner based on a fantastic selection of locally sourced produce, focus on sustainability and lots of “extras” such as a pleasant café, pet food department, greeting cards and gifts.
The South Chilterns area winner is Blue Tin Produce of Ipsden where our judges loved the rustic ethos, extensive range of locally sourced items, many from Ipsden or nearby, and their great little café with an outside verandah.
Finally Laceys Family Farm Shop in Lane End receive a Best Newcomer Award.
Hearty congratulations to these 4 exceptional Chiltern farm shops!
