La Hogue Farm Shop

There are many farm shops these days and standing out from the run-of-the-mill is a challenge. La Hogue definitely has its sights on being a “cut above”. There are some highlights, a reasonable cheese counter and I have purchase some fabulous meat from staff that appeared to enjoy their work. On my most recent visit I felt like I was terribly inconveniencing the young man behind the meat counter by asking him to cut a leg of lamb in two. It seemed important that I answer his repeated and impatient questions as to whether I needed anything further. I am glad that supermarkets have not presented such this attitude in my experience but then perhaps they cannot afford to. With shelved and freezers full of familiar goods available in any good chain of farm shop there is little point taking a long detour to visit La Hogue with an expectation of finding anything unique. Alongside quite average (apart from the price) fresh groceries, shelves are packed with the ubiquitous middleclass jams, chutneys and pickles that you might see at the food fairs. Next to the brightly coloured pasta and olives are the mini “Le Creuset” look-a-like stoneware pots that make ideal gifts. If you are short a chopping board or two then look no further.

There is nothing terrible about La Hogue (with the exception of the knickknack shop next door), there just isn’t anything special about it. I imagine that most people would not choose the higher prices unless there is a motivation to do so. At this time, at least for my family and I, there is no longer a draw to visit this remote shop. Or at least there wouldn’t be if the Wine Store was not on this site. It is well worth driving many miles to visit Mary and Barry and drink in their warm welcome and unpretentious knowledge. If you be a wine connoisseur or Liebfraumilch sinker they will accommodate your taste. Get yourself into the shop have a taste of the wines of the day and whether you like them or not Mary will point you towards something exciting. The Wine Store is where the charm of this farm site resides.