Special time of year in country

Apr 3 2009 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

MANY farm shops across the North East have been picking up awards – and customers are invited to visit this spring to find out why.

The internationally acclaimed Blagdon Farm Shop is inviting customers new and old to visit over the Easter period to see for themselves what a special place it is at this time of year.

The butchery has just gained four international awards for its produce. Its meat not only comes from Blagdon home farm, but is also prepared by hand in the shop by a team of experienced butchers.

To complement the delicious meat and poultry, there is a wonderful range of cakes, pastries and puddings all made in small batches by their team of dedicated chefs.

The setting of the farm shop makes it an ideal destination for people and families wanting an easy, hassle-free time with the chance to browse the other shops in the centre and maybe relax over a coffee or pick up a gift or two.

Shop manager Jo Celerier said: “This time of year is really special, what with the clocks going forward and the daffs coming out. Spring is our favourite season because everything is starting to grow.”

The Blagdon Farm Shop is at 16-18 the Milkhope Centre, Berwick Hill Road, Blagdon, NE13 6DA. Tel: (01670) 789924. Opening hours: Open Good Friday 11am-4pm, Easter Monday 11am-4pm, closed Easter Sunday.

For the second year running Hugh Annett and Sarah Oakey of The Country Barn won an award from the Countryside Alliance for Best Rural Diversification in the North.

The superb beef and lamb displayed in the vast butchery counter is from Widdrington Farm itself. The rare-breed pork comes from Hunting Hall Farm at Beale near Holy Island and the free-range chickens are from the Blagdon Estate in Northumberland.

All the sausages are made using the rare-breed pork which gives them amazing flavour is second to none.

The Country Barn Sizzler is a particular favourite using Shropshire blue cheese and peaches. Children and adults alike love this unique combination.

Homemade pease pudding is another popular line and in the past year sales of tripe and pigs trotters have rocketed, a knock-on effect of TV celebrity chefs highlighting the traditional cooking ingredients many had forgotten.

The rest of the farm shop stocks a vast range including local bread, cream, ice cream, milk, puddings and fruit and veg. There’s also alcohol including Alnwick Rum, Coquet Whisky and sloe gin and ales from local breweries. Next door the coffee shop and gift shop boast spectacular views of the North East coastline.

Homemade treats are on hand whether it’s a light lunch, cream tea or a really hearty lunch special.

The Country Barn is at Widdrington Farm, Widdrington Village, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 5EA. Tel (01670) 760181 or visit www.thecountrybarn.co.uk

The farm shop is open Tuesday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday to Saturday 9am-5.30pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.

The coffee shop is open Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday 10am-4pm, Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 9.30am- 5pm.