‘We are chuffed’ Shropshire farm shop’s delight as they make list of best in UK alongside Diddly Squat

A Shropshire farm shop said they are “chuffed” to have been recognised alongside Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm as among the best farm shops in the country.

Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Shropshire Star’s free newsletter

The UK is home to more than 1,500 farm shops that serve and sell the best of local and organic produce. However, farm shops are more than just a place to purchase high-quality ingredients; they are also a great way to explore the UK countryside.

Now Country lifestyle experts at Welligogs, using rankings and reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, and Instagram, have revealed the top 10 rated farm shops in the UK and not only is the famous Diddly Squat Farm Shop on the list but also a Market Drayton business.

Fordhall Farm Shop in Market Drayton made the grade to be named the seventh best farm shop in the country, according to Welligogs.

The shop was established in 2004 by farmer Ben Hollins who was just 19 at the time.

Together with sister Charlotte the pair run Fordhall Organic Farm where the farm shop is located, which was England’s first community-owned organic farm, and this year celebrates 20 years.

Ben leases the shop from the community interest group that owns the farm and has grown it into a shop that supplies meat directly from the farm, as well as "the very best local and organic produce".

As well as meat, customers can buy Fordhall Farm meat and produce, Fordhall Farm honey, organic and free-range eggs, locally produced cheeses, organic fruit and vegetables, preserves, bread, sweet treats and much more.

It also stocks sausage rolls, pork pies, and pastries, handmade at the farm's on-site bakery using its free-range pork.

Ben said of making the list: “We are really chuffed. It is nice to be recognised. The team works so hard so it is nice to get this national recognition.

“This year the farm celebrates 20 years of going into community ownership and we had a big celebration a few weeks ago and we are now hoping to get another 1,000 community owners this year =- that’s the big drive.

The full list of best farm shops in the UK

10. Forage Farm Shop, Vale of Glamorgan

9. Redcliffe Farm Shop, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

8. Hartley Farm Shop and Kitchen, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire

7. Fordhall Farm Shop in Market Drayton

6. La Hogue Farm Shop and Café, Chippenham, Cambridgeshire

5. The Garlic Farm, Isle of Wight

4. Hockey’s Farm Shop

3. Broughgammon Farm, Ballycastle, County Antrim

2. Wright's Food, Carmarthenshire

1. Diddly Squat Farm Shop in Chipping Norton, UK