Bird & Carter Farm Shop & Café

Once a stables, a carpentry workshop and then a percussion school, this long, slate-roofed farm building has had a varied history. Today it’s metamorphosed into a super delicatessen and café: brick walls are painted cream, bunches of garlic hang from the rafters and a run of deli counters peddle smoked fish, Wiltshire ham, antipasti and some of the best scotch eggs around. Ask nicely and smiley owner Joff will slice and smear them with mustard. Shelves are loaded with goodies and groceries, from spelt flour to fresh pasta, jars of preserves and crocks of sweeties.

Café seating is found at the far end, a room with a bank of antique drawers, wood-burner and large windows looking out to the paddocks. There are plenty of high chairs and a surplus of toys and books for little ones. The doors are thrown open at breakfast, serving eggs, locally reared bacon and sausages. Sandwiches, quiches and pies are tasty, cakes temptingly moist – such as chocolate Guinness, ginger or lemon meringue.