Discover the delights of the Peak District’s local produce

When you’re on holiday there is nothing better than being able to sample products that are grown or made locally – it’s all part of exploring a different part of the world. So that you don’t miss out, here’s the lowdown on just a few of our favourite local producers.

When at Chatsworth…
Chatsworth House is, of course, likely to be on your list of places to visit. Do make sure you leave some time to visit the estate farm shop where you’ll find a fabulous variety of food and drink. Many of the products are grown and/or prepared on the estate and the rest is sourced locally, meaning that whatever you choose – from fish to vegetables to craft beer – will offer a truly authentic taste of the Peak District. Whether you fancy cooking up a locally sourced meal when you get back to Hall Cottage or you’re looking for a tasty souvenir to take home, you’ll find plenty to tempt your taste buds. Go on, you’re on holiday, you deserve it!

Planning a meat feast?

Then look no further than Ginger Butchers in Bakewell – you really will taste the difference. This family-run business is all about provenance, animal welfare and quality products. As well as being butchers, the family also has a long background in farming. All the meat is local – coming from livestock raised on the family farm in Over Haddon, just outside Bakewell, or from another local farmer that shares the family’s commitment to ethical farming. There is a butchery on site at the farm where meat is carefully and skilfully prepared. Special mention should go to the sausages, which are hand made to recipes that have been handed down over generations and the multiple award-winning pork pies.

Pick up a pint of the white stuff

Much nicer than popping to the supermarket, why not get your milk from Simply Milk Organic at Home Farm, Hassop. Sold from a vending machine that’s open 7am to 7pm every day, the milk comes from a very happy herd of cows.

Rather than following the tradition of milking twice a day, this particular farm has switched to milking only once a day and is now even leaving calves with their mothers for two months rather than just a few days. This is a business that really cares about its animals – it’s obvious to see what a wonderful life the cows lead. And it’s not just milk that’s available. The farm is also well known for its delicious range of milkshakes, including caramel coffee and Bakewell tart.

More cheese, please!
Head to Hartington where you’ll find The Old Cheese Shop and the most amazing array of cheese. The village is synonymous with cheese – a creamery was founded by the Duke of Devonshire back in the 1870s and the cheese shop has existed for over 40 years. The current owners took over in 2009 and, as well as stocking familiar cheeses, they are committed to selling local and regional cheeses from artisanal makers.

They even make their own, including the award-winning chocolate & chilli cheese – as they say themselves, it’s controversial! Complete your cheese board with crackers, chutneys and perhaps a few beers or an unusual wine, all of which can be bought in The Old Cheese Shop and you’ll have quite the cheesy feast! And if you’re craving for more once you’ve returned home, you can order online and continue to enjoy cheese from the Peak District.

Thank goodness there are plenty of walks around and about, you’ll be able to enjoy lots of delicious food and drink during your stay at Hall Cottage without feeling too guilty about over-indulgence!