Peoples shopping habits have slowly been changing as we start to become more aware of where our food comes from and becoming more conscious of food miles. Since Covid times I think these thoughts are even more prominent and the respect for our local farmers and local independent shops has grown immensely.
So if you are wanting the freshest fruit & veg, local produce and gifts where is your go-to place?
Here is our round up of our favourite local produce & farm shops in the Harrogate area..
Fodder
Opened in 2001 Fodder is possibly the most iconic name in the area. This farm shop and café offers everything you can think of and more, 85% of which comes from Yorkshire. I especially like their extensive gift range and their sausage butties!
Their deli offers a staggering 67 different Yorkshire cheeses as well as cold meats and super tasty sausage rolls. All the meat offered at the in store butchery is 100% Yorkshire too.
The café is always busy (no bookings taken, just walk in) which lead to the opening of Fodder on the Hoof, allowing people to get their coffee and butty fix on the go, without having to sit in.
You’ll find Fodder just behind Sainsburys on Wetherby Road next to the Yorkshire Showground (HG2 8NZ).
Weetons
As the new kid in town, Weetons have taken over the old Crimple site. With a huge garden centre, food hall, gift shop and café you can easily spend a whole morning here.
The food hall offers an onsite butchers, deli, bakery and juice bar. The deli has to be our go-to when we visit, the pork pies and hot sandwiches are family favourites.
In the restaurant you an get everything from tea and toast to a full Sunday lunch. I recently discovered their private and sunny outside seating area which is a must in the nicer weather.
On the A61 just before Pannal (HG3 1EW) its open 8am – 6pm Monday to Saturday and 9am – 4pm on Sundays.
Mackenzies
Another family owned and run farm shop, Mackenzies is in Blubberhouses so a great place to stop if you are venturing into the dales. Just off the A59 near Fewston Reservoir its clearly signposted (LS21 2PQ).
Mackenzies is also a smokehouse creating superb smoked and cured foods, some of which you’ll find stocked at other farm shops in the area. You’ll also find a cosy café as well as a florist and beautifully smelling wellbeing room full of candles, crystals and more.
I love that they have a frozen food section where you can get just the amount that you need to make anything from smoothies to roast dinners!
Minskip Farm Shop
This is definitely the place to explore if you have kids in tow!
Minskip is a real working free range egg farm and as much as possible of what they sell is grown on site. Just outside Boroughbridge (YO51 9HY). Opening 8.30am – 5pm Monday to Saturday with a late night on Fridays until 7pm. Sunday hours are 9am – 4pm.
Much more than just a farm shop, read all about it on our dedicated blog post.
Leathley Farm Shop & Café
Leathley is small but always busy which is great to see.
Probably more cafe than shop focussed in my opinion, they still offer an excellent range of local produce and gifts. I love them because they stock brownie snaps made by the local ‘Yummy Yank’ which I love.
You’ll find them on Harrogate Road if you head towards Otley (LS21 2PS) open 7.30am till 4.30pm Mon – Fri and 8.30am till 4pm at weekends.
Cooking Fantastic
I’m throwing Cooking Fantastic in as a little wild card!
We recently discovered this little Aladdin’s cave between Harrogate and Killinghall (HG3 2AU) but they are only open Wednesday to Saturday 11am – 5pm. They are next to The Cud Life which has a campsite and two holiday cottages to rent.
If you spend time in the kitchen, cooking and baking, then this little gem is a MUST visit. I can’t begin to tell you how much kitchenware they have to offer. They also offer sweet treats, gifts and Brymor ice cream.
Where is your favourite farm shop in the area?
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