WHAT
Farm shop café
WHERE
M25, Junction 28; 9 minutes
WHEN
Shop: Tues-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-2pm
Café: Tues-Sat 8.30am-4.30pm
Kid friendly
Disabled access
Vegetarian or vegan options
Gluten-free options
Parking available onsite
Recycling/sustainability practices
Surrounded by fields and backed by the rearing embankment of the Weald Park hill fort, Calcott Hall Farm is a haven from the crush of the M25 and Dartford Tunnel. The timber-beamed shop, partially powered by solar panels, is a treasure trove of delicacies from freshly-squeezed orange juice and New Hall wines to Colston Bassett Stilton and water buffalo mozzarella. Load up your holiday hamper with Essex produce, locally-reared meat and sustainably caught fish. Many a variety of fruit and veg are grown in the fields just outside.
The shop stands at the edge of the 120-acre farm where the McTurk family have tended the land for decades. Family is still very much the watchword. Daughter-in-law Niki is behind the Barnyard Café, which serves up farm-worthy breakfasts and tasty lunches – crispy baked potatoes, doorstop sandwiches – alongside devilishly good hot chocolate.
Parents can release energetic children into the tractor-themed play area alongside the café. (The farm is not accessible directly from the A12; use A128.)
Calcott Hall Farm,
Ongar Road, Brentwood,
CM15 9HS
Tel - 01277 264164
Email - Send email to Calcott Hall Farm
Web - www.calcotthall.com
Buy The Extra Mile Guide
The Extra Mile: Delicious Alternatives to Motorway Services is your essential glovebox guide to good food on the move. The guidebook is a great gift for motorists and foodies who prefer to avoid motorway services and boring, big-brand food. Find independent cafes, pubs, local coffee and tea shops and lovely farm shops near motorway junctions and main roads. To improve your journey, support small businesses and discover real local flavours, order your copy today (edition 4 published March 2023 and available now).
