Another Sunday farm shop sojourn

"Ahhhh aren't you lovely, who'd want to eat you?" I said to my new friend as I scratched his cheek.

I make friends with a bullock

"I would," chipped in Neil, licking his lips.

Sunday farm shop trips have become a regular feature in our routine since quitting the supermarkets, with our favourite being Highfield House Farm, about 10 minutes away from home.

But today, in the interests of gaining more blog fodder and trying something a bit different, we decided to explore further afield.

Marsh Green Farm, on the main road between Chesterfield and Matlock, is a brilliant example of how, with the right planning, farmers can create a business that will attract day-trippers.

Owners Lesley and Darren opened just under a year ago and have a beautifully laid out and airy farm shop with a wide range of produce and a cafe (aptly named The Ramblers' Rest) where visitors can enjoy coffee, breakfast or even a Sunday roast.

There is also an agricultural feed barn, plants and seeds, chickens and made-to-order coops for sale, and a chance for visitors to pet the animals. As well as the Longhorn cattle that I made friends with, Lesley told me there are plans to build a rabbit enclosure to entertain kids while their parents shop. And with public footpaths heading towards nearby Ashover from the car park, it's easy to imagine visitors going for a walk, returning to the farm for lunch and then doing a bit of shopping before heading home.

Breakfast with Hendos

Neil and I enjoyed a lovely breakfast in the cafe, and I was particularly delighted when a bottle of the hallowed Henderson's Relish was produced by the waitress for my scrambled eggs.

We came away with local produce including Woodthorpe Grange Derbyshire milk (made at a farm within spitting distance of Marsh Green) and a lovely veggie quiche made on site.

And the prices were really very reasonable. Neil got a steak from the butchers counter for less than £3. We also bought two different types of cheese, artisan pasta, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, rustic ham, garlic, passata, coke and oat biscuits and only spent £20 (which in farm shop terms is pretty good).

Our only quibble was that it would have been nice to see MORE locally-produced foods. Quite a few of the brands we saw were the kind of artisan, cottage brand names that you spot at touristy-type country shops up and down the country. But to give Marsh Green credit, they have only been open 11 months so no doubt are still building up contacts and sourcing their product range. You certainly couldn't fault them in terms of variety.

Deli counter

Pre-packaged meat available

The history of the farm

We will certainly be visiting Marsh Green again, especially in the summer when we can combine it with a walk and Sunday lunch.

The picture left was taken from the front of the cafe menu and explains the history of the farm.