Blackmore Farm

We stopped for a quick bite on the way and the setting looked promising, a lovely old manor house in the countryside, just right for a farm shop. But the £7 sausage baps were a letdown. They arrived quickly, but each had a mass-produced white roll and two very low-quality catering sausages. I only ate one because I was hungry. For that price, I expected a proper butcher’s sausage with some texture and real meat, not a tube of meat puree. Was I wrong to expect better from a farm shop?

We waited an hour and a half for the food after ordering, and the whole meal was a disappointment for my children, who had booked the table as a Mothering Sunday surprise. The bacon was too hard and dry to cut or chew, the egg nearly bounced off the plate when cut, the mushrooms were cold, and the sausage had no taste. The tomatoes, beans, and toast were nice, at least. I felt sorry for the kids. I won’t recommend it.

I was on my way to a meeting and popped into the cafe for a quick breakfast, so I can’t comment on the shop or B&B. The team gave me a cheerful, warm welcome. I added bacon to the scrambled eggs, and they were probably the best I’ve ever had, full of flavour, perfectly cooked, and a good portion. The thick-cut bacon was salty and tasty too. Sublime!

We were staying five minutes away and loved stopping here for lunch and a hot drink. The garden is beautiful, and there are private little sheds or pods to sit in, which is handy with a dog. The staff are lovely, and the food and baked treats were great. I’d recommend the hot chocolate too. Hope to visit again.