We’re delighted to say that Ashdon Farm Shop is now open – right behind the pub at Crown Hill. It has been a real joy for all of us at the Rose & Crown to be part of getting it off the ground, and to see a proper village shop back in Ashdon.
Bringing a shop back to the village
When the old village shop and Post Office at Crown Hill closed in May 2019, Ashdon lost more than somewhere to buy a pint of milk or post a parcel. For over seven years the village has managed without a permanent store of its own – so having one back, just steps from where the old shop served generations of villagers, feels very special.
Born at the Rose & Crown
The farm shop is a collaboration that grew out of the pub: Ian and Tracy Holt, alongside our chefs Liam and Fran Grime, have brought the same focus on quality and local provenance from our kitchen to the shop counter – a true field-to-fork approach.
From the start, the aim was to open the village’s shop. Over the summer, local residents, commuters and diners here at the pub filled in questionnaires to help shape everything from what goes on the shelves to the opening times. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts.
A building made for Crown Hill
The new building is clad in traditional Essex black weatherboarding over a red-brick plinth, echoing the old barns found across the county – with a roof of solar panels quietly powering the shop day to day.
What you’ll find
- Handmade deli favourites – quiches, scotch eggs, pies and sausage rolls, made on site by our kitchen team
- Fresh meat from Priors Hall
- Seasonal fruit and vegetables and quality dairy
- An artisan cheese counter – including Keen’s Cheddar, Wild Garlic Yarg, Burt’s Blue and Cotswold Brie – plus crackers and chutneys for the perfect cheeseboard
- Deli treats from Olives Et Al and Italian pastas and sauces from Tenuta Marmorelle
- Hot drinks, fresh sandwiches and ice creams – perfect for the school run, the commute or a stroll through the village
- Gifts and cards
A wonderful opening day
The doors opened for the very first time at 8am on Wednesday 23rd September – and the response from the village was incredible. The coffee machine barely stopped, and the patisserie, cakes and pies were flying out almost as fast as they could be served. To everyone who popped in to say hello and support the shop on its first morning: thank you.
Find it
Ashdon Farm Shop is just behind the Rose & Crown at Crown Hill, Ashdon, CB10 2HA – so why not pop in for some cheese, a pie or a few treats to take home after lunch with us? You’ll find the opening times and the latest news at ashdonfarmshop.co.uk.
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