The Hop Shop

Kent

Set in a beautiful old timber-framed cattle shed in the heart of Castle Farm in north Kent is the family-run Hop Shop. For 17 years, William and Caroline Alexander have sold the food and crops grown on their farm, including beef, Norfolk Royal apples and Crown Prince pumpkins. Castle Farm also grows over 55 acres of lavender, which is used in soaps, hand creams, candles and aromatherapy oils, not to mention lavender ice cream, fudge, jams, cakes, teas, chutneys and biscuits – all of which are sold in the shop. Stock up on Kentish cherries and strawberries picked from local orchards, as well as pear juice from Chegworth Valley, succulent beef, pork and gorgeous lamb pies from Natural Farms in Sussex. There’s also award-winning Canterbury hedgerow jam from The Wooden Spoon. Harrington’s popular red, sweet yet garlickly Benenden sauce is perfect for entertaining, tossed into summer salads, pastas and barbeques. Further afield, traditional mature cheddar comes from Quickes in Exeter, and cucumber pickle and beetroot relish from Bay Tree in Somerset. Plan your visit around the Lavender Festival over the first two weekends in July and join lavender field tours, workshops and aromatherapy massages – or simply treat yourself to a lavender lunch complete with tea and cakes.