There’s nothing to beat farm fresh and Bleadon Farm Shop has a reputation which precedes it as the shop which does everything fresh and local. From ham to jam on a thick slice of warm bread to one of their famous scotch eggs, crunchy coleslaw or homemade pasties, it’s worth the drive to picturesque Bleadon Village which is less than an hour from Bristol.
Heading down past Weston-super-Mare, the turn-off to Bleadon takes you straight down to the popular farm shop and café. Owners, Charlotte and Alistair House are proudly local and the first sign as you enter is for ‘home baked real ham’ which reads “once you taste this ham, you won’t want any other kind.”
When we get there at lunchtime, the famous scotch eggs are a popular order, as are the freshly baked pasties - of course, all home made and the restaurant area is busy. Charlotte is busy at the counter which holds an array of mouth-watering baked goodies from a soft traditional Victorian Sponge to chunky rock buns.
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The farm shop is only closed for four days a year, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday, otherwise it’s bustling as Charlotte says: "Our speciality is that we do everything." Cold drinks include Victorian Lemonade, Dandelion and Burdock, Lemon Shandy and Charlotte adds that there’s a house gin.
There is also a wide range available of gluten free foods and other allergens and it’s a popular ‘get-together’ venue which can also cater to larger groups, such as special birthdays, bridal showers or simply a family reunion. It is also a hub for the parish council and once a week, a council representative is at the farm shop and locals can drop in for a coffee and chat about…well...anything.
The shop also sells fresh flowers and on Thursdays, fresh fish is up for grabs. There are local duck eggs at £2,10 for six and farm fresh milk is self-service - bring a bottle and simply fill up. Local artists have designed an array of greeting cards, while the conserves and chutney range straight from the local Rose Farm includes jars of ‘Chutney for Anything’ to Rhubarb and Ginger or Peach and Prosecco jams.
The delicatessen and café are open seven days a week with the barista coffee popular with locals and cyclists from miles around. The local farms also provide the fresh vegetables and meat
Right opposite the farm shop is the Croquet Club and for the bank holiday this weekend, there are plenty of country walks and meadows which are already profusion of spring blooms Remember to pack wellies if clouds are around.
For the bank holiday weekend, the village will be holding a May Day Fayre with traditional Chalice Morris music and games. Leading up the King's coronation, there is also a special Coronation Platter, which includes the traditional Coronation Chicken.
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