Fantastic farm shops
There’s much more to farm shops than just picking up delicious meats and cheese. Here are four faves
Loch Arthur Creamery & Farm Shop
Run by Camphill Trust, this is the genuine article and a Thoroughly Good Thing, with many folk who work the fields and the farm, a strong organic agenda, and a destination for south-west foodies and anyone who cares about what they eat. Since the new building, it’s a real honeypot! Great bakery (the best bread, cakes and pies), famous organic veg, highly regarded cheeses and the UK’S tastiest granola. Meats and eggs. From Beeswing, Kirkcudbrightshire, take New Abbey road.
Finzean Farm Shop & Tearoom
On the south side of the river on B976 between Banchory and Aboyne on the Finzean Estate. A foodie haven, a showcase for local suppliers, in glorious open countryside with views to the hills from the terrace. Local and carefully sourced produce beautifully presented fresh and frozen. Meat and game from the estate. Walks, river-swimming and an old kirk nearby.
Balgove Larder
On the main road south from St Andrews, a perfectly placed, provisioned and well-run farm shop/home store/café/flower shop and Steak Barn developed with passion from Strathtyrum Farm, which provides the beef, lamb, pork not only for here but also for many top restaurants in the area. A celebration of all things East Neuk: Luvians ice cream, Darnley’s Gin, the oatcakes. Café goes like a fair – 40,000 scones are baked each year!
The Woodhouse
Contemporary farm shop/deli and airy café, with outside terrace on the Lamb family farm, easily found on the long, straight A811 Stirling to Loch Lomond road at the first (Stirling-side) crossroads to Kippen and Thornhill. Big on sustainables. Cheese counter and Kippen butchers (many sausages), local bread. The caff with salads, tortes and a roast of the day. A busy little food and fuel stop!