In Derbyshire we are so lucky with our growing range of specialist producers.
A personal favourite for which I am happy to travel a 30 mile journey is Croots Farm Shop.
The shop consists of a butchers, grocers, deli, breads, cafe and plant nursery.
There is ample parking and a play area for children which overlooks the fields and shire horses.
The butchers are fantastic, with knowledge of the meat, cuts and the all important customer service that will make you feel like the only customer in the shop no-matter how long the queue.
For years, I have been on a mainly vegetarian diet, sick and tired of the anaemic supermarket meat we are exposed to. The only problem I have at Croots is what not to buy! Absolutely everything is so fresh or hung depending on your preference, and so full of flavour.
The same is to be said on the cheese and deli counter, from the shop made quiche to cheeses from around our fabulous isles. Spinning around you can find milk and butter from the local farms, as well as cakes, bread. Beer each one from a local producer.
I could talk about how great this shop is for hours, but I'm sure from my ramblings you can sense my enthusiasm.
Go along, give it a try, you'll not be disappointed. - or don't then there will be more for me. read more