Five reasons you need to check out the all-new Brocksbushes Farm Shop and Kitchen near Corbridge.
Brocksbushes Farm is a family-run business that’s been going for over 40 years. Whether it’s sweet berries in the summer or ghoulish pumpkins in the autumn, its pick-your-own events are always hugely popular.
A few months ago, the farm unveiled a new state-of-the-art shop, kitchen and play barn, transforming it into a go-to destination for fresh produce, a fun day out, and a taste of modern farm life in Northumberland.
Here’s why you need to visit, aside from seeing a tractor hanging from the rafters!
The Courtyard Kitchen
The new bright and airy Courtyard Kitchen features stylish booths and high tables with stools, yet the surroundings still manage to retain a cosy, rustic vibe.
The kitchen champions local ingredients and produce, which is wonderful to see.
You can tuck into the breakfast menu until 11am, brimming with classics such as Eggs Benedict, French toast, breakfast baps, and – my choice when I recently visited – a delicious full English brekkie. Usually, I’m all about the bacon, but it was the sausages that stood out for me this time.
Lunch is available from 12pm, offering a mix of light bites and bigger plates, with everything from smokey wings and braised beef croquettes to fishcakes and pulled harissa chicken flatbread. Everything sounds so tasty!
There’s also an all-day selection – think traditional sarnies and toasties, and fresh bakery items.
The butchery and deli
The on-site butchery is stocked with locally sourced, prime cuts of meat from across the North of England. It’s perfect if, like me, you’re looking to make good use of your slow cooker again this winter!
The Courtyard Kitchen also uses meat from the butchery in its dishes, and it’s also in a variety of ready-made meals, pastries and pies available to buy from the farm shop.
There’s also a deli counter and this is a real delight for those who love the comfort of savoury treats thanks to its assortment of sausage rolls, pies, quiches, cheeses and charcuterie.
Locally sourced and homemade produce
As you’ve probably noticed, ‘local’ is a common theme at Brocksbushes.
Whether it’s fresh fruit from its own fields or produce such as condiments and chutneys from neighbouring producers across the North, you’ll have no problem filling your larder.
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to check out their scrumptious selection of home-baked cakes, scones, meringues, tray bakes and desserts.
If milk’s your thing, there’s also a vending machine for stocking up on fresh organic milk and milkshakes (by the cup or bottle) from Bays Leap Dairy Farm, based in Heddon on the Wall.
Gifts and homewares
I love stumbling across unique gifts and homewares that you won’t find anywhere else; the stuff you never thought you needed or wanted!
When I visited Brocksbushes, Halloween was in full swing, with pumpkins, ghosts and other spooky-themed decorations dotted around the shop.
There are so many charming things to browse and the displays are beautifully arranged.
Artwork, candles, vases, mugs, glassware, crockery, kitchen utensils, greetings cards, plants – you name it, Brocksbushes has it under its roof!
Seasonal activities
Brocksbushes has a jam-packed seasonal calendar all year round.
Looking ahead, the farm is hosting a four-day Christmas Fayre between 14th and 17th November 2024. The event promises all things Christmassy, including homemade produce, local gifts and crafts housed inside large marquees. Booking is required and you can secure your place online.
Other upcoming highlights include wreath making workshops and Santa’s Festive Feast.
And, of course, their pick-your-own experiences will return in 2025! In the meantime, if you’re curious to find out more, read my blog posts on strawberry and pumpkin picking.
For more information about Brocksbushes Farm Shop and Kitchen, visit www.brocksbushes.co.uk.
