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Our Favourite Local Farm Shops Worth Visiting To Keep Your Kent Kitchen Well Stocked

If you enjoy cooking and spending time in the kitchen, you probably already know how much of a difference using fresh, good quality produce can make to your meals. However, enjoying the delectable rewards of your purchases isn’t the only benefit of shopping local.

As independent retailers ourselves, we know first-hand just how much it means to local businesses to have your support. And if the popular TV series Clarkson’s Farm taught us anything, it’s that farmers need your support more than anyone. Stocking up your Kent kitchen at local farm shops cuts out the middleman, so to speak, meaning farmers get a better price for their produce. This, in turn, allows them to invest in making their farming practices more sustainable, which is essential if our farmers are going to reach the NFU’s net-zero target in 2040.

Awareness surrounding sustainability is growing, and lots of us are keen to find ways to do our bit. As well as helping farmers make more sustainable choices, shopping at local farm shops can help reduce waste by reducing the amount of plastic used. Purchasing fresher food without use-by dates also means we throw less away. And last but not least, you can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your food has come from (preferably not the other side of the world).

Here at Ream Interiors, we’re proud to have been a part of our community for over 40 years, and if there’s one thing we feel almost as passionately about as our exceptional kitchens, it’s great local food. Our wonderful team have clubbed together to share some of their favourite shopping spots, perfect for stocking up your new Kent kitchen.

In & Around Gillingham

The Farm Shop – Grange Road, Gillingham, ME7 2UD

This traditional little farm shop is the ideal place to stock up on fresh local fruit, veg and eggs. Don’t forget to wave hello to the cute resident donkeys!

Mierscourt Farm General Store – Mierscourt Road, Rainham, ME8 8PJ

Selling a range of local produce as well as everyday essentials, plants, flowers and more, Mierscourt Farm Store is a great place to stop if you need to pick up a few bits on your way home from work.

In & Around Rochester

Rochester Farmers’ Market – Blue Boar Lane Car Park, Rochester, ME1 1PD

Held on the third Sunday of each month, Rochester Farmers’ Market features a range of stalls selling lovely local produce, including cheese, meat, fish, veg, fruit, pickles and bread. This small market is fun to explore and discover some delicious treats.

Austen’s – High Street, Rochester, ME1 1EW

Austen’s award-winning farm shop combines a range of wonderful artisan foods alongside fresh local fruit, veg and meat. Their beautiful displays are a joy to browse, and all their products represent the highest quality. Their veg box service is very popular.

El Olivio – High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LN

Pairing fresh local produce with luxurious Mediterranean treats, El Olivio is well worth a visit, even if you only go to admire the stunning architecture and grab a coffee. Their freshly baked bread and pastries are delicious!

Naked Products Co. – High Street, Rochester, ME1 1DJ

Though not actually a farm shop, as a packaging-free store, Naked Products Co. is great for those wanting to shop more sustainably. As well as stocking all your dry ingredients like rice, pasta, pulses, nuts, sugar and flour, they also offer a range of delightful handmade natural toiletries.

Mockbeggar Farm Shop – Town Road, Rochester, ME3 8EU

Mockbeggar Farm Shop is a quaint spot to enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake before browsing the traditional farm produce, including bread, fruit, veg, eggs, juices, jams and pickles. They also have a wonderful florist on site.

Court Farm Butchery & Country Larder – Upper Halling, Rochester, ME2 1HR

The Lingham family have been farming here for over 150 years. They specialise in native outdoor bred lamb and beef. The award-winning Court Farm farm shop and butchers also sell a great selection of fruit, veg, eggs, cheese and homemade savoury pastries.

In & Around Sittingbourne

Featherbed Farm Shop – Featherbed Lane, Sittingbourne, ME9 8RA

The traditional farm shop off Featherbed Lane on the outskirts of Sittingbourne stocks plenty of fresh local fruit, veg, eggs and juices. Kids can also have fun looking at the pigs, goats, chickens and saying hello to the friendly cat.

Bredgar Farm Shop – Bredgar, Sittingbourne, ME9 8EX

Bredgar Farm Shop and Tea Rooms is set in a picturesque location. The shop has a great selection of local produce, as well as cakes, gifts and all the essentials. The farm shop and tea rooms offer a lovely place to start a country walk.

Chilton Manor Farm – Highsted Road, Sittingbourne, ME9 0AA

Picking your own is a great way to while away a warm and sunny summer afternoon, and there’s undoubtedly no better approach to encourage kids to enjoy fresh fruit than getting out there and hunting through the strawberry patch. As well as PYO, Chilton Manor Farm also has a farm shop selling fresh local produce.

In & Around Maidstone

Holtwood Farm Shop – London Road, Aylsford, ME20 7QA

Holtwood Farm Shop is a great store selling a range of seasonal fruit and veg and essentials alongside plants and gardening tools. And they even have a classic old school sweet shop!

Pympes Court Farm Shop – Busbridge Road, Maidstone, ME15 0HZ

Based out of a lovely little outbuilding, Pympes Court grow a lot of their produce themselves, including delicious apples and lamb. They have a great selection of fruit, veg, meat, jams and pickles.

Farmers’ Farm Shop – Teston, Maidstone, ME18 5BY

This spacious farm shop stocks produce from a wide range of local producers. They have everything from fresh fruits and veg to frozen food and freshly baked cakes and bread; they’ve even got gluten-free options too!

If you need further information about any of our favourite local farm shops, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 01634 799 909 or email [email protected]. Our friendly team are always happy to share their local knowledge. Alternatively, to book a kitchen design appointment, please click here.

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