Here in Somerset, I am very lucky to be surrounded by inspiration when it comes to local produce and farm shops. You only have to go a couple of miles down the road to be in the internationally famous small town of Cheddar, which is not only famous for its namesake, but also for strawberries and other beautiful things to eat! On the outskirts of Cheddar, on the way to the other notable towns of Wells and Glastonbury, is one of the farm shops that I kept in my mind’s eye when I was writing ‘Could it be Magic?’. Run by the Warren family, the bijoux roadside shop looks out over the breathtaking vista of the Somerset levels, and you can see for miles on a clear day in summer or winter. Behind the store is a variety of polytunnels, growing Cheddar’s tastiest strawberries, which are merely metres from the shop itself. The strawberries are second to none, and currently making a fictional appearance in the third Brambleton novel, which will be out in March 2026!
Another farm shop that came to mind when I was writing was one I pass every day on my commute to work. Brockley Stores is a larger store on the road to Bristol, and inside its doors you can find a multitude of local produce. It was the generous tables outside the shop that I thought of when imagining Nick Saint hefting around the huge bags of Somerset spuds, as he does several times to Thea’s evident enjoyment!
Although these places can be more expensive than the supermarket, shopping locally and sustainably is a goal to which I try to aspire, and I try to visit as often as I can. It’s not always possible for me, but there’s no doubt that the wonderful produce, from bread to fruit to veg to other assorted local delicacies, is well worth the trip.
