insideKENT Magazine Issue 113 - September 2021 | Page 63

TAYWELL FARM SHOP
Taywell Farm Shop
Perhaps the most picturesque of all our favourite farm shops is Taywell Farm Shop in Cranbrook . The charming shop is decked out in green flowering hops dripping from the traditional beamed ceiling . Re-opened in 2018 , the new management took the shop to another level so that now when you walk through the doorway it feels like stepping into a fairytale cottage , that just happens to be stocked to the rafters with fantastic , fresh , locally sourced food and drink !
With the firm belief that local is king , Taywell ’ s focus on produce , food , drinks , and gifts from Kent and the surrounding counties is a commendable step in the direction of healthy , sustainable and communityled business . There ’ s crusty loaves ready to be tucked into , oils , jams and chutneys , pies , plums , and even a huge selection of Kentish ice-cream , quite literally the perfect accompaniment to a hot September day .
Alongside small nick nacks and postcards , that are perfect to send to non Kentish friends and family to make them extra jealous of our exquisite farm shops , there ' s a dedicated alcohol corner which will be music to the ears of anyone who enjoys a little tipple . Quite literally stocked from floor to ceiling , this is a bottle wall of dreams ; most of which have been sourced locally , like the famous Anno Gin , independent microbrewery Cellar Head , and premium wines by Westwell Wine Estates . There is also an abundance of friendly staff that are more than happy to help with any recommendations you may need whether it be great wine pairings , or simply suggesting a fantastic spirit you may not have heard of . If you are looking for not just a farm shop but a wholesome day out surrounded by lovely people and gorgeous countryside , then Taywell Farm Shop should definitely be on your bucket list .
taywellfarm . co . uk
Little Farthingloe Farm
Just minutes from Dover town centre but resplendent in its rural setting , Little Farthingloe Farm aims to offer something for the whole family , and they certainly deliver !
With a firm focus on offering customers a complete range of fresh food from fruit and vegetables to meat and bread all under one roof , Little Farthingloe combines the convenience of a supermarket with a much more traditional and personal shopping experience , made possible from its established farm shop which is heaving with Kentish produce ; onsite butchers ; it ' s bakery where all bakery goods are baked from scratch and all cakes are homemade ; and its newly opened cider shop with the added allure of a children ’ s gift shop – all housed in beautiful , original , flint Victorian farm buildings .
Shopping complete , there is still much more to do here … Set in the old grain store , the farm ’ s 64-seat licensed restaurant prides itself on using the quality ingredients from it ’ s shops to serve fabulous homemade dishes including deep-filled pies , doorstep sandwiches , heaving breakfasts and even huge roast dinners . Those looking for a quick snack can cross the courtyard to visit the café , where you can choose from fresh bacon rolls , soups , the legendary Fathingloe burger , or be tempted by one of the bakery ’ s fresh cakes or pastries .
And of course no trip here would be complete without meeting Fred the donkey and Dudley and Oscar the resident Shetland ponies ! There is also an ancient woodland trail , natural play area , and a small Women ’ s Land Army museum to explore too !
www . littlefarthingloefarm . co . uk Badgers Hill Farm & Cidery
Located on a winding country road in Chilham , Badgers Hill Farm combines the wonderful allure of its resident miniature donkeys , sheep , Billy goats , chickens , geese , rhea , mara , peacocks and even wallaby with a fabulous children ’ s playground , onsite 2-acre garden centre , a newly refurbished cafe and tearoom , and even its own cidery !
So whether you aim to stock up on a bounty of perennials , bedding plants , trees , shrubs , roses , climbers or hedging ; learn about the animals and tire out your own in the process ; wish to while away the day with Badgers Hill ’ s renown Ploughman ’ s from a table with amazing views across the farm ; or simply reward your farm visit endeavours with a chilled glass of homemade cider … there ’ s something for you at this welcoming and accessible farm .
www . badgershill . co . uk
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