There is strong evidence to suggest that, as a nation, we are becoming increasingly conscious of where our food comes from.
For example, according to the Horticultural Trades Association, in 2024 food and farm shops at garden centres increased their sales by 12%.
To reinforce this, government statistics show strong growth in organic food sales, which further demonstrates a demand for premium and locally sourced food.
Farm shops are a celebration of local farming and other produce
We are living at a time when convenience tends to dominate our shopping habits, driven by time poverty, the decline of the high street, and the attraction of doorstep delivery.
However, as the data cited above suggests, a growing number of people are looking to support local traders by purchasing food grown and reared in their area, reducing their food miles.
One of the best ways to do this is by supporting local farm shops.
Over the years, they have become a celebration of local farming, rather than simply places to pick up fresh vegetables or a Sunday joint. Perhaps most importantly, they are offering produce that has travelled only a couple of miles, rather than coming from another part of the country or being flown in from abroad.
Cheshire has a rich agricultural heritage and is renowned for its dairy farming and award-winning meat and cheeses. Happily, this heritage now evidences itself in a range of farm shops and other outlets.
So, if you are looking to shop locally and support family-run businesses in our county, here are six of the best farm shops for you to visit.
1. The Lambing Shed Farm Shop & Kitchen, Knutsford
Many farm shops started as a simple outlet selling produce before expanding to provide a wider choice of food options.
The Lambing Shed is a great example of this.
Located on a working dairy farm with a herd of over 2,500 sheep near Knutsford, it has been run by the same family for six decades.
It offers a welcoming farm shop that specialises in locally sourced meat, dairy products, fresh vegetables, and artisan groceries. Alongside that, there is an excellent restaurant that makes the most of local seasonal ingredients sourced from Cheshire and neighbouring counties.
2. Riverside Organic Farm Shop, Davenham
If you are looking for high-quality organic produce, the Riverside Organic Farm Shop is well worth a visit.
Sited in Whatcroft, it is a family-run farm, wholesaler, and farm shop that has been running since 1966.
As well as providing carefully sourced organic food, it also has an excellent café that gives you the chance to taste the local produce before you take some home.
3. The Hollies Farm Shop, Little Budworth
In any list of Cheshire farm shops, The Hollies is likely to appear near the top.
It has a history that started in the late 1950s with a simple table at the side of the road where customers were encouraged to leave money in an honesty box!
Since those humble beginnings, it has grown into one of the food destinations that draws visitors to Cheshire.
Quality comes first at the Hollies, with top-quality meats and freshly baked breads alongside other produce like cheese, wines, olives, and flowers.
4. Lowe’s Farm Shop, Middlewich
Lowe’s Farm Shop is another example of a family-run business.
It is recognised for the excellent quality of the meat from its in-house butcher. It also offers a range of locally grown vegetables, making it an effective “one-stop shop” on a Sunday morning to provide the produce for your lunchtime roast!
Whatever meals you are planning, you will enjoy the range of ingredients on offer, with quality rather than quantity in mind.
They also offer a wide array of freshly baked goods and an ever-changing range of seasonal produce.
5. Brook House Farm Shop, Macclesfield
Because of the stunning location it enjoys, Brook House Farm Shop provides you with a slightly different experience to the other shops on this list.
The spectacular countryside views make it an ideal stop after a scenic walk, with the home produce in the café perfect for hungry hikers!
In addition to the café menu, the shelves are stocked with Cheshire cheeses, fresh vegetables, artisan breads, and a range of quality meats.
The whole experience is designed to make your food shopping an enjoyable outing rather than another item on the weekly to-do list.
6. Longmans Farm Shop, Nantwich
Thanks to its exceptional home-reared beef, lamb, and pork, alongside locally sourced produce from across Cheshire, Longmans Farm Shop has developed a devoted following.
The shop also stocks freshly baked goods, ready meals, and an impressive range of local cheeses. Its café is particularly popular for hearty breakfasts and homemade lunches.
As with other farm shops, it aims to provide an outlet for other local retailers to showcase their wares, alongside their own produce. As a result, the range of goods on offer runs from flower bouquets to gin from the local distillery.
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Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.