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Love the Island, Love the Food!

Posted By Judi Griffin - Monday, November 26, 2007

On our Island we have so much to shout about. The people who produce the food – the farmers – are no longer content to allow the supermarkets alone to sell their produce. The range and quality in farm shops and farmers’ markets is evidence of this. Farmers and growers have made the countryside of the Island as beautiful as it is, and are now getting out there to show off their goods in the stylish manner they deserve.

The award winning pedigree herd of Guernsey cows at Briddlesford Lodge Farm, Wootton, is just one example of how taking care of animals to the highest welfare standard can enhance the countryside of the Island.

As you drive along Briddlesford Road, you will see them grazing contentedly. OK, there are not many out at the moment – it’s too wet and uncomfortable, and they do prefer their warm straw beds in the barn!

Then go into the Farm Shop. There’s easy access, and plenty of parking, and there for all to see are the baby calves, kept close to the shop and farmhouse, where they can have constant attention from farmer and public.

The shop, in the converted milking shed, is quite stunning in its layout, and in the range of goods for sale. It’s the inspiration of my daughter, Louise, who previously worked for Colin Boswell at the Garlic Farm, and World Cruising in Cowes. Before that, she had spent a year on another Island, Martinique in the West Indies.

There are literally hundreds of high quality products on sale – about 50 from Island producers! Then there are the regional products, as well as some of the best British speciality foods.

Bestival goers discovered us when they were gridlocked in the road – we’re on the way to Robin Hill!!
Louise has a licence so ‘Rumpy Pumpy’ Godshill cider went down a treat, as did Minghellas and Brighstone ice cream, on that wonderful hot weekend.

But the unpasteurised milk is something else. Now that really does have the ‘oooh’ and ‘aaah’ factor.

Just come and try it. It’s just one more reason for loving the Island.