Review: Smallford Farm Shop

Recently opened on Hatfield Road in St Albans, Smallford Farm shop is a delight for the senses, The shop sits next door to Glinwell PLC, a well known vegetable grower in the area. As well as a farm shop, there's a cafe and a children's play area so it's well equipped for a lovely morning out.

I arrived in grey skies and drizzle and parked up in the car park just outside the shop. It looked very nice from the outside in a modern building so I went in. The first thing I did was to sample the food in the cafe. I had a full English and a white Americano and it was all very nice indeed. Good quality sausage and bacon on the plate washed down with a decent cup of coffee.

Once I'd finished up at the cafe, I took a wander down to the Farm shop which occupies the same space. I found lots on offer. Fresh fruit and vegetables, charcuterie, dairy, wines, beers, select groceries from around the world. They had meat but not a great selection I have to say right now, but it's early days and hopefully this will expand over time.

The thing that really caught my eye were the vegetables. They were all super fresh so I bought lots. The tiny cherry tomatoes are delicious, with a huge burst of sweetness when you bite into them. I had the opportunity to try these before I bought them, as one of the managers struck up a conversation with me as I was browsing and offered to allow me to try one.

The staff in the cafe and at the checkout were happy, friendly and helpful. The shop has only just opened and so things are still very new for both staff and customers. I'm sure things will settle down very soon when they get into the swing of things.

All in all a very pleasant morning out and I'm now the proud owner of some smashing vegetables. I feel a Moussaka coming on..

Smallford Farm Shop