In January 2014 Sam and I approached the Director of the Stansted Park Foundation with proposals for a larger farm shop. Last Friday, 942 days later, we finally opened the new Farm Shop.
We now have a fabulous space to showcase all the wonderful produce that can be found on our doorstep. A butchery counter, cutting room and cold store means that our skilled master butchers, Lee and Ray, can provide most cuts of meat and game 7 days a week. From wild fallow venison to acorn-fed pork, aged ribeye steaks to South Downs Lamb, all from local farms with high welfare, and hung and prepared to your requirements.
Our new deli counter is packed with award-winning Sussex and Hampshire cheeses, including Tunworth, Isle of Wight Blue, Weald Dairy, Lyburn as well as regional Stiltons, cheddars and many more. We have Beal’s Sussex Charcuterie, with Coppa, Salami and other dried delicacies, smoked salmon, trout, kippers, chicken and cod’s roe from Spring’s Smokery, olives, marinated veg, smoked almonds and beer sticks. Ask Ruth for a taste!
Gavin is back from his holiday and raring to go. The kitchen will be open this weekend for lunch and our first seasonal supper will be on Thursday 21st September. The full menu is below….
Our Fresh Fish counter will be run by Chantelle (Pete the fisherman’s wife) from Fresh From The Boat. You will not get better fish, directly from the fisherman. There will be a wide selection, so come and see what’s available. We have sourdough loaves from Bread Addiction which look and taste like bread should taste – combined with some Longman’s salted butter and a poached duck egg and breakfast will be a happy one.
We have a proper beer, wine and spirits display – with some fantastic new producers including Twisted Nose Gin, Wild Beer and Hawkins Bros Sparkling. Jamie has done some research on the beers and we are working through the rest in order to give you an informed opinion.
There are some very exciting new products and a whole shopful to explore – however, keep an eye out for the Kimchi made by Arnold’s Condiments in Petworth. It is unbelievably good, just ask Sam’s wife, Debs, who has snarfed her way through 4 pots in as many days. With over 400 products made within 30 miles of the shop, we offer a special, South Downs taste experience.
Thank you all for your patience with the building works and the old shop, we hope that you find it was worth it.
Best wishes,
Fred and Sam
Good luck to you all on your new venture – it looks amazing. Haven’t been able to get there yet – don’t drive – but all of my kids are looking to drive over at some time with me in tow.
We look forward to seeing you and your family soon. Many thanks