With its rich landscapes and fertile soil, it’s not surprising that Aberdeenshire packs a punch when it comes to the choice of locally grown, farm produce for your shopping basket or for dining out. Go for gold on low food miles and read on to discover what’s on your doorstep as you Go Rural for food and drink from Aberdeen!
10 Miles: Marshall’s Farm Shop & Kitchen, Kintore
From their farm gate to your dinner plate, this well stocked farm shop offers the highest quality home-reared meat from their herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle at their butchery and complete provenance with homegrown tatties, vegetables and free-range eggs, they also source the finest local foodstuffs. Stocking everything from venison, ice cream and preserves, and a tempting selection of homemade products, from pies, home-baking and desserts.
Treat yourself to something tasty in their Kitchen & Fireside Bothy, you can dine inside or outside by a wood burning stove. Dogs are also welcome in the outside seating area. bring your dog along too (water bowls and tap available).
16 Miles: Barra Castle Farm Shop, Oldmeldrum
Stunning Barra Castle is just one of the many castles that give Aberdeenshire the accolade of “Castle Country”. Set in what was originally a grain store and cart shed, the Farm Shop at Barra Castle’s speciality is their delicious strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, which are grown just yards from the shop, as well as their tasty fruit ice cream. It is open every day, 09:00-16:00 Monday – Friday and 09:00-17:00 on Saturdays & Sundays.
Why not relax on their outdoor terrace and sample something special from the Barra Kitchen café menu?
Visit the Farm Shop @ Barra Castle
23 Miles: Finzean Farm Shop & Restaurant, Banchory
Finzean has a real community ethos, selling produce from local farms, small businesses and individual producers. It supports local artists and craftsmen and is at the heart of the local community through the services it offers, the goods it sells, the enterprises it features and the jobs it provides.
The shop stocks a wide range of local food suppliers. Home-reared beef, seasonal wild venison and game, locally supplied meat, vegetables and fruit, artisan cheeses, eggs, freshly baked bread, Finzean honey, preserves and ready-made meals are on sale with a huge of selection of goodies in their delicatessen and there a great selection of gifts too.
The restaurant not only has great menus but great view and reviews! It combines the best of local ingredients with spectacular views across the Feugh valley towards Clachnaben. It was also a Taste of Scotland finalist and TripAdvisor Award of Excellence winner.
Finzean also will make to order, food gift-hampers for collection or local delivery and a takeaway catering service.
25 Miles: Louise’s Farm Kitchen, Banchory
Louise's Farm Kitchen combines both Louise’s passions of food and farming. Louise and family sell home-reared pork and lamb through their popup farm shop days, farmers' markets and if you’re not out and about, through a monthly delivery service. Check out the website for inspirational recipes and get cooking with their recipe of the month there’s no excuse!
Ready for a BBQ? Then look no further as they can also provide outside catering with a Hog Roasts or a BBQ service.
26 Miles: Westerton Farmers - Farm to Table, Laurencekirk
What’s not to love about a farm shop that has locally-sourced and zero waste at the heart of its offering? Open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm, Farm to Table is passionate about reducing both plastic and food waste.
Bring your own containers and self-serve. You’ll find local, delicious, fresh produce and ethically sourced is a must for all stock. Items which notoriously use single-use plastics such as pasta, rice, milk, freezer favourites and cereals, are available without the plastic. Not only is there a range of items to enjoy from the refill station, there’s also produce including fish, chicken, frozen beef, pastries, home grown vegetables and more, available to browse at the store ensuring you can pick up plenty of ingredients to cook up a range of healthy meals at home.
27 Miles: Auchmaliddie Mains Beef, Maud
The Brown family are award-winning beef farmers that now sell their beef direct from the farm, from quality assured Scotch Beef roast beef joints to stir fries! Auchmaliddie Mains Beef is home produced, home bred and reared, quality assured, full traceable, and matured to perfection. Harry and Helen are passionate to let people know that locally reared Scotch Beef is the best quality you can buy. You’ll also find them at local farmers’ market including Ellon farmers’ market.
30 Miles: Thorneybank Farm Shop, Inverurie
Thorneybank Farm Shop has been providing fresh, homegrown and local produce since the 1970's. It’s really from field to fork as vegetables are picked daily by the Stephen family ensuring you can have the freshest of fresh, tasty greens for your plate. The shop is also open daily from 6am to 8pm. You’ll find delicious home bakes which are made in house by Catherine Stephen. A must try is the shortbread - a favourite with people worldwide, it simply melts in the mouth.
31 Miles: Balmakewan Farm Shop and Tearoom, Laurencekirk
A great stop just off the A90, you’ll find in a cosy converted farm steading, Balmakewan Farm Shop and Tearoom. Fill up on seasonal local vegetables and meat, venison from the farm or a selection of ready-made meals. Treat yourself to delicious home traybakes - you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Visit Balmekewan Farm Shop and Tearoom
