The Little Farm Shed in Shepton Mallet is just the sort of farm shop that every high street needs. Its eco-friendly style set up, with wooden crates packed with mouth-watering fruit and vegetables, gives a flavour of the ethos behind the brand. There is a refill section too so customers can bring their own bottles and jars to fill with all the necessary potions, lotions, and store cupboard essentials, plus bamboo toothbrushes and cotton buds. There are, of course, eggs and milk and cereal and meat, and everything looks extremely tempting.
This is a family-run farm shop that cares deeply about keeping the number of food miles as low as possible, helping to preserve the planet for the next generation. And pop into the shop at the weekend and you will often see that ‘next generation’ behind the tills.
The business has a fabulous back story. Two schoolgirls wanted to earn a bit of pocket money so started delivering eggs from their grandfather’s farm to friends and family. As the deliveries rolled in, and people started asking if they sold vegetables too, the idea grew into a family business with deliveries to Frome and Midsomer Norton as well as the Shepton Mallet environs. With all the enthusiasm in the world, but not very much retail experience, the family then applied to be a part of an ingenious ‘incubator scheme’. An empty shop on Shepton Mallet high street was being offered by the inspirational Interim Spaces, providing business support and reduced rent and rates to fledgling businesses.
The Little Farm Shed moved in and saw its business flourish. The support from local people has been fabulous, so much so that they have now left the ‘incubator’ shop and moved next door into their very own premises.
The shop continues to thrive, and you can see why. Firm favourites are the freshly made scotch eggs, pork pies, sausage rolls (six flavours including two vegan-friendly!) and quiches on display in the deli counter. The shop also offers meal-deals on these delicious lunchtime staples – far more appetising than the unimaginative supermarket offerings – including crisps and a drink.
On Saturdays, there are free tasters of newly stocked products so you might be lucky enough to pop in and find some cubes of cheese all ready for you to try or whatever delicacy is being promoted that weekend. And if you cannot make it to the shop, then online ordering is quick and easy with fruit and vegetable boxes being delivered to the surrounding areas (free delivery to Shepton Mallet). There really is no reason not to shop locally!
With Christmas fast approaching, The Little Farm Shed has teamed up with a local supplier to offer wreaths for your front door so everything you need for a fabulous, family roast plus the decorations!
This is a success story that every high street should look to emulate. We wish The Little Farm Shed continued success with its venture. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
