The Udder Farm Shop
Nestled on the fringe of the Blackmore Vale near Gillingham, The Udder Farm Shop is a cherished family-run, award-winning farm shop and restaurant. Established in 2005 by farmers Jane and Brian Down, it has been a bastion of fresh, local food, emanating the charm of agrarian tradition carried through four generations since 1938.
Restaurant and Coffee Shop
In 2019, the coffee shop was expanded to include a more spacious dining area and a wrap-around bar, thereby providing patrons with more room and a variety of seating options to relish their meals. The restaurant continues to evolve, retaining its relaxed and independent shopping ambiance while enhancing customer service.
Butchery
The butchery at The Udder Farm Shop is a haven for meat enthusiasts. Offering home-reared beef and lamb, along with pork and seasonal game from neighbouring farms and chicken from the West Country, the butchery embodies a ‘pasture to plate’ ethos. Whether you’re looking to sizzle a rib-eye steak or slow cook a leg of lamb, the expert team of butchers is on hand to provide advice on various cuts of meat and their preparation.
Fishmongers
The fishmongers section stocks a range of locally caught fresh, frozen, and prepared fish. With the fresh fish counter replenished from Tuesday to Saturday in line with trawler landings, customers can find traditional favourites like cod, haddock, and salmon, along with scallops, squid, and mussels. The staff is also happy to offer advice on preparation and cooking, ensuring a delightful seafood shopping experience.
Deli
The deli counter is a treasure trove of home-cooked meats, pies, quiches, and a wide range of local cheeses. For those with a sweet or savoury tooth, the deli also offers a delightful range of snacks including scotch eggs, pork pies, sausage rolls, vegetable samosas, onion bhajis, brownies, cookies, and cupcakes. It’s a perfect place to put together a picnic to enjoy in their lawned gardens.
Store Cupboard Essentials
From milk, bread, butter, and eggs to cooking sauces, baking ingredients, fresh vegetables, and more, the store cupboard section has everything needed for a ‘big shop’. Moreover, they offer a large range of gluten-free products and have expanded their range of essential groceries, toiletries, and household cleaning products for those preferring to avoid supermarket visits.
Hampers & Gifts
Ideal for presents or self-indulgence, this section boasts a wide range of gifts, books, and toiletries, along with toys, games, and decorations. They also offer the option to create custom gift hampers with selections from their wines, cheeses, chutneys, teas, biscuits, confectionery, jams, toiletries, and toys.
Frozen Foods
For those days when cooking is off the table but a tasty, “homemade” meal is still desired, the frozen foods section offers a range of handmade frozen ready meals and desserts. The choice extends to traditional favourites and contemporary dishes for individuals or the whole family, along with loose fruit and vegetables perfect for stocking up the freezer.
Wines, Beers & Spirits
Proudly stocking a range of local Dorset and English wines, beers, ciders, and spirits, this section also features global classics. With an array of red, white, rose, organic, and sparkling wines, artisan spirits and liqueurs, and flavoursome ales and ciders, there’s something to suit every palate. They also offer fabulous alcohol-free alternatives including pressés and juices.