Nowadays, ‘farm shops’ are synonymous with Oxfordshire due to the high celebrity profile of Jeremy Clarkson and his Diddly Squat Farm, which features on Amazon Prime’s Clarkson’s Farm.
It is arguably the most famous farm shop in the UK, but is it among the best? Sadly for the former Grand Tour presenter, not just yet.
Farmers. I know that you have been shafted today. But please don’t despair. Just look after yourselves for five short years and this shower will be gone.
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) October 30, 2024
The Times recently published a list of ‘the 35 best farm shops in Britain’ and looked at all manners of different agricultural staples.
From family-run butchers to fancy microbreweries, they left no stone unturned and found that two hail from Oxfordshire.
Oxfordshire Farm among the ‘best farm shops in Britain’
Blue Tin Farm Shop, Ipsden, Oxfordshire
The Times said: “Blue Tin is a family-run shop with views over the chalky Chilterns. Here, Gloucester’s old spot pigs snuffle in the mud, grass-fed Dexter cattle chew in the pasture, and its word-of-mouth reputation brings plenty of custom to keep the smokehouse fires roaring.
“The farm shop’s cheeses are delicious and the meat is home-reared. Outside, the café is festooned with fairy lights and warmed by fire pits in winter. They also host buzzing barbecue and smokehouse nights.”
Details bluetinproduce.co.uk, 01491 681145
Oxfordshire Farm among the ‘smartest farm shops’
Daylesford farm shop, near Kingham, Oxfordshire
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The Times said: “The original high-end farm shop, regularly frequented by local celebrities from David Beckham to Kate Moss, Daylesford is a treasure trove of organic produce, posh ready meals and a bakery piled high with sourdough loaves and pastries.
“Pick up freshly baked pies and a selection of the finest cheeses at the deli, or browse their range of hampers stocked with chocolates, wine and Bamford bath products and candles. Cookery and floristry workshops run on site, and should you want to spend the night, there are five self-catering cottages (from £394 per night) as well as a spa.”
Details: 01608 692871, daylesford.com