Journey to the Centre of a Farm Shop: Part 2 – The Local Platform

The Pint Chasers are on the road again. In our last blog we took you on a tour of Goodies Food Hall, a farm shop at the very peak of its development. If you missed it, you can read it here. After a trundle down the winding and picturesque lanes of South Norfolk, passing old stone bridges, young woodlands and wide green commons, we arrived at our destination …

Place Farm Shop – A Hub for Local Producers

“There used to be, many years ago, lots of people selling things at the end of their drives or in little shacks or huts and sadly nowadays that’s diminished” says Tracey, the owner of Place Farm Shop (that’s Brit Stop EA29 on the app).

The second stop on our whirlwind tour as the Pint Chasers has taken us to a small complex of businesses gathered around the forecourt of a chicken farm. We parked up on the tarmac in one of two spots available for motorhomes, hopped out and spent a few minutes looking around. On the site we found an independent bakery, a wellness centre, interior design shop, kitchen and bathroom centre, and an independent coffee shop before arriving at our stop, Place Farm Shop, an independent farm shop and butchery.

Stepping inside, we’re greeted by a light and airy room, the fridges hum and jars of homemade marmalade stand atop the butchery counter. The shop is otherwise fit to burst with vegetables, cakes, jams, beers, wines, eggs, greetings cards and more … it feels as if we could be at a small village market for all the selection of handmade goodies. “We now support 56 local producers, whether it’s honey or asparagus or cocktails,” says Tracey, “it’s incredible what’s out there.”

Supporting Local – The Heart of Tracey’s Mission

“Places like our little farm shop have grown to support and be a platform for all these little local producers and I really enjoy what we do.” Tracey’s passion for the work she does is absolutely apparent. She spoke enthusiastically about the importance of British produce, “we owe it to our fabulous country to get out and look at what’s around us” she says.

“Rather than thinking we need to jump on a plane, we have some amazing sights and people that we need to look after and support.” And Place Farm Shop is just the place to start.

We spent a very enjoyable afternoon talking with Tracey and browsing her shop, customers would come in and Tracey would greet them all like friends. Making our purchases for our upcoming picnic was a tricky decision with so much choice, but eventually we departed six eggs, two cocktails and a jar of chutney heavier than when we arrived.

The Stories Behind the Shelves

Tracey inspired us with her talk of the importance of supporting the roots of production. This is the core of what we find so special about independent farm shops like Place – it’s about providing a space in the community where everyone from ‘amateur picklers’, to small distilleries and local farmers can sell their produce, and where customers can feel connected to what they’re buying and know that they’re supporting worthwhile ventures.

Tracey spoke about the people who make the effort to sell their produce at the end of their driveways. What truly intrigues us about this practise are the stories behind the products you see on the farm shop shelves — the passion, the dedication, and the journeys of the people who create them. It was this curiosity that led us to our next stop on our journey through the stages of a farm shop - a delightful discovery in the Fens.

In our next blog we’ll be taking you with us to a truly unique smallholding near Wisbech. There we’ll meet a couple who make it their business to share their jams, chutneys, hospitality and personality with everyone who passes through their small patch of paradise. See you there!

Cheers, Lois and Asa – The Pint Chasers