Wellington Farm Shop in Hook and West Lea Farm Shop in Alresford were featured alongside 33 others in an article from The Times.
Discussing the creation of the list, the publication wrote: “What do you think of when it comes to British farm shops?
“Besides homemade pies, freshly-picked veg and family-run butcher counters and creameries, many have delis, smokehouses and cosy cafés attached.
“Some fancier farms have their own microbreweries or private swimming lakes to make the journey even more worth it. So, here’s where to head with your basket (or reusable tote bag) — empty stomachs recommended.”
The full list of the best farm shops in the UK can be found on The Times website here.
What was said about the Hampshire farm shops?
Wellington Farm Shop
Wellington Farm Shop, which is just inside the Hampshire border with Berkshire, was praised for its quality produce including its artisan cheeses, lamb and honey.
The Times wrote: “At the Wellington Estate, this shop was formerly a cattle shed for the estate’s Guernsey herd and now sells the area’s best produce, including honey from estate hives, artisan cheeses (don’t miss the Village Maid cheese, made a mile down the road), and lamb or Hereford beef.
“In winter there’s a cosy fire in the café where you can warm up with a hot chocolate. Or if you can’t visit in person, try a grazing or butcher’s box from the online shop.”
The shop has been well-received by customers, with a score of 4.4/5 on Google Reviews from 1,369 ratings whilst its farm shop restaurant has a 3.5/5 score on Tripadvisor from 419 reviews.
West Lea Farm Shop
West Lea Farm Shop is commended as a place where you can “cram your basket” with loads of produce, from venison steaks to homemade pesto.
The Times wrote: “Alresford is the Britain’s watercress heartland. The peppery bunches in this farm shop are handpicked and cut from the shop’s watercress beds, which date back to 1890.
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“The team are on first-name terms with most of their growers and producers. Cram your basket with hollandaise sauce, rhubarb, venison steaks, homemade pesto and watercress and cheese scones.
“The gift range includes sparkling wine, herb-scented body lotion, flowers and block-printed tea towels.”
It has been well-received by customers, with a score of 4.4/5 from 49 reviews.
