Monday, December 23, 2024

We visited farm shop that’s been in the same family for 100 years

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Everything they sell is carefully selected, traceable, and simply delicious

Fresh produce on sale in the shop(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)

The coronavirus pandemic has significantly altered the UK’s consumer spending habits. Once, we were confined to our homes, only venturing out for essential supermarket trips, with a red and green traffic light system dictating our movements.

Now, even though we’re free to roam, some habits have stuck around. One such habit is buying locally. According to the Government, there’s been a noticeable shift towards more ‘local’ food purchasing behaviour, as indicated by the Food Standards Agency’s Covid-19 Consumer Tracker.

In fact, 35 per cent of people say they shop locally more often, with many also reporting increased purchases from local suppliers like farm shops and veg box schemes. I’m a big fan of buying local and love visiting my nearest farm shop, stocked with fresh produce grown or delivered from just a few miles away. We all have our favourite spots, but recently I discovered one that I’ll certainly be returning to.

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Taylors Farm Shop in Lathom, West Lancs, has been part of the Webster family for over a century. Currently managed by Bernie and Roger Webster, along with their two sons Andrew and Joe, it’s a business with a big heart, reports Lancs Live.

Everything they sell is carefully selected, traceable, and simply delicious.

From the outside, the shop looks inviting with its contemporary signage set against a backdrop of bucolic bliss – Lathom is renowned for its collection of longstanding farms. Step inside the farm shop and it’s even more impressive; you’re immediately immersed in a world of local produce and fresh food that makes you question why you’d ever go elsewhere.

I couldn’t help but succumb to the allure of the fresh orange juice station positioned near the entrance, where I filled up a bottle with what might just be the tastiest juice you’ll ever try. Pleased with my initial discovery, I took in the surroundings, admiring how neatly everything was arranged on the shelves under bright lights, showcasing the tempting products.

The range of goods, from condiments to ready meals, are all locally sourced, as Bernie Webster, the family matriarch, explained to me that they aim to source everything within a 15-mile radius. She shared: “Farm shops support local farmers and we aim to source everything from a 15-mile radius.”

Mince pies and Tasty Lancashire cheese purchased from Taylors Farm Shop
Mince pies and Tasty Lancashire cheese purchased from Taylors Farm Shop

She added: “You have to adhere to that to be called a farm shop. We get all our meat locally and the beef is our own, that is important. A lot of stuff is being imported and saying it’s been labelled and packaged in this country and under the Red Tractor scheme.”

Bernie also highlighted the traceability of their produce: “We could give you a full history of where our beef comes from, every cow comes with its own passport so there’s traceability.”

As everything is locally sourced, you can feel good about supporting local businesses while enjoying something tasty. With the festive season upon us, I was drawn to the Christmas products and immediately fell for the Taylors-branded mince pies.

These bite-sized treats are perfect with a hot brew, which is exactly how I enjoyed them when I got home. The buttery pastry perfectly complemented the rich, spicy mincemeat filling.

Inside Taylors Farm Shop
Inside Taylors Farm Shop(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)

While shopping, I decided to pick up another festive favourite – cheese. When in a Lancashire shop, there are three main options: Lancashire crumbly, tasty or creamy.

For me, it has to be tasty. After picking up a wedge, I decided to taste test it well before Christmas to ensure it would be a staple on my cheeseboard this festive season.

Usually, I opt for other local products like Dewlays or Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses, so I was eager to see how Taylors would compare. It did not disappoint.

The cheese was indeed tasty, with a smooth texture and rich flavour. After my trip, I’m confident that anything you buy from here will be delicious.

Next time, I’ll have to try their local meats.

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