Is Somerset’s M5 motorway farm shop one of the best?

Roadchef, one of the UK's leading motorway service area (MSA) operators, officially launched its new Farm Shop at Sedgemoor Services Southbound on the M5. The new shopping spot is focused on showcasing premium local artisan produce.

A look inside the new Somerset farm shop on the M5 Motorway:

Upon entering the motorway services farmshop, customers can shop for items from over 40 local Somerset producers.

This includes selections of classic sweets, pasta, oils and sauces, meats, home bakes, and more. There is also a stand selling toys and treats for furry friends; with fruit-shaped toys, meaty heart treats, and wooden sticks all included. Lots of dog toys are on offer at the new farm shop.(Image: Harry Mockridge/Newsquest)

Some Somerset produce includes dog treats.(Image: Harry Mockridge/Newsquest) Damien Hull, a customer who was shopping at the time, said: "I think this place is great. "Yeah, the prices are a bit expensive for my liking, but I can see a lot of people coming here to buy presents for their friends and family, especially with Christmas coming up.

"The amount of selection you get here is top. It's good to see so much local produce in one place."

My verdict:

My personal take is that this new farm shop has to be one of the best places to visit in terms of supporting local Somerset produce. While I agree with Mr Hull on the pricing of some items, I feel like you should expect to pay a premium as long as the product you are purchasing is a local premium product.

And you get that with most of what is on offer. Multi-coloured pasta at the farm shop is unique.(Image: Harry Mockridge/Newsquest) Giant marshmallows and strawberry liquorice for those with a sweet tooth.(Image: Harry Mockridge/Newsquest)

I bought a grass-fed minute steak here for ?5.25 from Jon Thorner's Butcher Shop, and it was great meat when compared to a usual steak offering from a supermarket. My only negative is that the farm shop is in a motorway services. I'd much rather purchase these types of goods when visiting a rural area in Somerset.

But I expect many people to visit this place due to the amount of passing traffic on the motorway. There's something for everyone here, with a selection of gluten-free flapjacks and brownies located not too far from the sugary Chelsea buns and sea salt and rosemary focaccia bread. Sea salt focaccia bread stands out in the farm shop's walkway.(Image: Harry Mockridge/Newsquest)

Hopefully, this farm shop will prove successful in months and years to come, and we can see more farm shops opening in the county serving up similar food items.

If you want to try out the new farm shop, the parking at the Sedgemoor (South) services is free for the first two hours, but prices apply after that.

References

1. ^ New Somerset farm shop launched at M5 motorway services (www.bridgwatermercury.co.uk)
2. ^ Rumwell Farm Shop backing Farm Retail Association campaign (www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk)