Organic Produce in the Cotswolds
Organic September is a great opportunity to celebrate all thats good about organic produce in the Cotswolds. From supporting hard-working farmers to helping the environment, theres plenty of reasons to take part. The Cotswolds is a wonderful centre for organic produce with a wealth of renowned local suppliers to choose from. Whether youre a Cotswolds resident or youre just visiting, make sure you check out these great organic producers.
Godsells Cheese
Based at Church Farm in Gloucester, Godsells Cheese creates delicious, organic artisan cheese which is coveted near and far. A true family run business, this is a great example of organic produce in the Cotswolds. You certainly wont find your typical supermarket cheese here! All cheese varieties are made from pasteurised milk sourced from either the farms own cows, or from one other local farm and theyre all suitable for vegetarians. Each variety features a quirky name, so from Holy Smoked (a smoked version of Single Gloucester cheese) and Scary Mary (a blue cheese with a peppery taste), theres plenty to satisfy all palates. Additional Info: The Cockadilly Chilli is our favourite featuring a blend of cheeses mixed with chilli to give a delicious kick.
Simon Weaver Cotswold Organic Dairy
Another dairy merchant, Simon Weaver produces fine organic dairy products, with a history dating back as far as 1570. Focusing on happy cows, the hard working owners produce some fine organic produce in the Cotswolds, including some fabulous Brie varieties. These include a velvety Organic Cotswolds Brie, as well as a herb variety which is a must for you to take home. The cheese is sold at a variety of well-known local cheesemongers, and can also be bought online for when youre missing it back home. Additional Info: Cotswold Organic Dairy attend a number of farmers markets where you can buy the cheese directly from them. Take a look at the Market Diary for details of upcoming markets taking place during your Cotswolds visit.
The Organic Farm Shop at Abbey Home Farm
An entire shop dedicated to organic produce, the Organic Food Shop is set within the wonderful location of Abbey Home Farm in Cirencester. The store has some strong ethical policies behind its decision to go organic, believing that food production should be done to satisfy the local area. All products from external suppliers are carefully researched before being stocked in the store, though much of their produce is either grown or produced on the farm itself. This includes fruit, vegetables, milk, yoghurt, cheese as well as chicken and other meats, providing a great selection of organic produce in the Cotswolds. Additional Info: Theres also a restaurant on-site which includes some tasty vegetarian dishes. Buying from the Organic Farm Shop supports this growing social enterprise, the local area and the environment too.
The Cotswold Food Store
Another great organic food shop and cafe located near Longborough, The Cotswold Food Store is run by husband and wife team Joanne and Bernard Williams. They are passionate about both food and its origin, carefully selecting each and every one of the products sold in store. Selling fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, cheese, pies and more, stock comes from independent, local suppliers from a list which continues to grow each year. With a top TripAdvisor rating and numerous awards, theres no excuse not to pay the Food Store a visit and sample some of the very best organic produce in the Cotswolds. Additional Info: The caf offers some spectacular views of the countryside, perfect for enjoying some of the fresh goods brought into the store each day.
Daylesford Organic Farm Gloucestershire
Daylesford is very well-known to both visitors and residents, and is a great centre for organic produce in the Cotswolds. As well as stocking a wide-range of all things organic, there is also a renowned caf and restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Meanwhile the Cookery School offers some fantastic courses for those wishing to learn some new culinary skills, and makes for a great way to make the most of your Cotswolds visit. You can stay at our Kingham properties such as Little Garth, The Old Smithy or Grooms Cottage. Additional Info: As if there wasnt enough going on already, theres a spa offering treatments and the chance to relax, as well as plenty of special events taking place throughout the year.
Chedworth Farm Shop
Chedworths website boasts of growing cows since 1928 and their produce certainly shows it. Chedworth hosts a renowned butchers who always go the extra mile to provide both Cotswold visitors and residents with the best quality meat. It's definitely worth a visit if you're planning on serving up some delicious meals as part of your Jigsaw stay. The farm shop sells a great range of charcuterie, bread, pastries, fruit, veg and more. Foodies beware - it's very easy to get lost taking in all the wonderful goods on offer! If you fancy sampling their organic produce onsite, The Trough Caf features tasty dishes in a relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to take full advantage of your time at Chedworth. Theres also some great events taking place throughout the year, so do keep an eye on their website. Additional Info: Chedworth Farm Shop has plenty going on for children, with an indoor play area and a really good kids menu in the caf too.
Upton Smokery
Another wonderful family business, the Upton Smokery specialises in producing smoked meat, game and fish, as well as stocking a wide range of wines and other foods to compliment your smoked choices. From cheese and vinegars to soups and sweet goods, theres plenty to choose from at this wonderful, charming shop. The location at Upton Downs Farm is fantastic, and is a must for people visiting Burford. It's also an excellent location for Jigsaw Holiday properties, with plenty nearby to choose from including Bay Tree Cottage, Berry Cottage and Cleeveley Cottage. Any one is a great choice for either relaxing after a day of sampling tasty treats, or cooking up your own smoky suppers! Additional Info: The Upton Smokery also sells some excellent Christmas hampers and packages, so if you are heading to the Cotswolds this autumn, it could be a good time to indulge in a spot of festive shopping.
Todenham Manor Farm
Todenham Manor Farm is well-known for its high quality beef and pork produce. It's located around three miles out of Moreton in Marsh, and observes ethical practices to ensure all animals are well cared for throughout their lives. Theres a great selection of meats available that you can either prepare during your Jigsaw stay or take back home, as well as some delicious meat hampers - a perfect gift for the meat lovers in your life! Additional Info: You can order meat from Todenham online, allowing you to carry on your love affair after you leave!
Peach Croft Farm
The beautiful Peach Croft Farm is a very well-known organic food supplier in the Cotswolds, particularly for their Christmas roasting meats. Their Breed Heritage Bourbon Red Turkeys are sold by Fortnum & Mason, and have even been awarded the best chefs rating (5/5) by The Times newspaper. The welfare of their geese and turkeys is of particular importance, and many of the birds can be seen roaming the fields around the farm. As well as birds, Peach Croft Farm also sells cooked ham, smoked salmon and other goods, and even sells high quality goose feather pillows! Additional Info: As well as meats and fish, the shop stocks plenty of other products including artisan cheeses, deli foods, vegetables and fresh bread. You can stock up on the essentials necessary for your Jigsaw stay, or buy as gifts to take back with you.
Over Farm Market
The Over Farm Market is another fantastic farm shop which has been around since 1982. They sell a wide range of organic produce in the Cotswolds, which is produced on the farm. Their fruit and vegetables are really good, whilst local artisan producers create a wonderful selection of honeys, jams and chutneys. They even sell a range of locally produced beers, wines and spirits including some delicious products from the Muddy Wellies brewery and gin from Cheltenham-based experts Brennen & Brown. Additional Info: Theres a wide range of events held at Over Farm each year, with strawberry picking in the later summer, special Halloween events and of course, plenty of festive fun at Christmas.
Market Days & Farmers Markets
Life in the Cotswolds encompasses many foodie events. Cotswold market days and farmers markets are particularly popular, with regular markets taking place all over the Cotswolds. With so many to choose from, theres sure to be something within easy reach of your Jigsaw home from home. Many of the suppliers mentioned above are present at these events, providing a great opportunity to visit many of them in one go. With plenty of fresh, organic and local produce available to buy, you can support the local farmers as well as enjoy high quality food too. Additional Info: You can find a market on any day of the week in the Cotswolds, although some of the most popular days are Wednesdays and Saturdays where you are sure to find something on most weeks of the month. With so many places to celebrate and indulge in great organic produce in the Cotswolds, it really is the perfect destination to enjoy Organic September. Our wide choice of self-catering cottages provide great locations to explore local treasures, as well as cook some delicious homemade meals for friends and family. Why not take a more detailed look at our Jigsaw Holidays cottages and book your stay?