By Sarah Hellen

I’m thrilled to present you with a list very close to my heart: my top 10 independent food shops in Britain.

Some, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting and relishing their beauty. Others, I’ve simply come across on Instagram and imagined myself there, amongst their four walls, adding delicious items to my basket.

So, without further ado and in no particular order…here goes.

Wright’s Food Emporium

This beautiful old pub was turned into a deli and restaurant by the owners, the Wright family. It’s packed full of natural wine, local and homemade condiments, organic vegetables, deli deliciousness and pantry items. All of this magic takes place in a fairly unassuming building and is seemingly in the middle of nowhere – which is saying something for Wales.

It’s a true gem.

Bowhouse in Fife

I read about Fife’s emerging food network in Monocle Entrepreneurs a couple of years ago and it’s been popping onto my radar since. I’m itching to visit this place. Butchery, fruit and vegetables, local produce, a brewery, bakery, weekly markets and production units all run from a big agricultural building. It feels so exciting.

General Store, Peckham

A true independent grocery tucked away in Peckham, where the buy is all about quality provisions with a focus on provenance. Think incredible pantry staples from independent sellers, fresh flowers on the weekend, and an overall aura that you don’t want to miss.

Rye Bakery, Frome

These guys helped us to set up our own bakery here at the Hawarden Estate Farm Shop, and they really know their stuff. They’ve nailed the perfect mix of fresh food, retail, a café and a gallery, all with a beautiful chapel building.

Durslade Farm Shop

The Durslade Farm Shop in Bruton is a real gem from the Hauser and Wirth team and so it’s unsurprising that the products, branding and vibe of the place is absolutely spot on.

Hill and Szrok

I remember popping in here a few years ago to be greeted by a pigs head staring at me from a butcher’s block. I thought I had walked in via the wrong door but alas you do walk straight into the action. This small butchery is serious about product, quality and traditional methods: there’s no messing. What’s amazing is that it’s a butcher and cookshop during the day, and there’s a restaurant in the cellar at night.

Altrincham Market

This is a big, beautiful, traditional market hall building full of independent food traders and eateries. Zero chains, just how it should be.

Hawarden Estate Farm Shop

A pretty decent Farm Shop in North Wales. Butchery, bakery, deli, food hall, fresh produce. Oh come on, I had to have it in there, didn’t I?

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