WHAT IS YOUR MUST-HAVE KITCHEN GADGET? My wood-fired

Set in stunning surroundings not far from coastal path and Pentargon Waterfall, the National Trust acquired the 80 acres of Hillsborough in 2002. Since this time, husband and wife team Robin and Jackie Haddy have farmed the land, rearing beautiful Red Ruby Pedigree cattle. After enjoying resounding success at their original store at Home Farm, the innovative duo approached The National Trust in 2009 to use a redundant barn at Hillsborough for a large farm shop and café. Planning was granted in 2011 and the Boscastle Farm Shop & Café eventually opened in 2013 with a retail shop selling the finest local delicacies, an in-house butchery, a tea room and a kitchen and café.

Head Chef Will Sherry, who joined the company 7 years ago after working his way up from pot washer to chef during 15 years at his local pub, explains:

“Our ethos is focused on the finest locally grown, reared, caught and produced products that shine a light on the best of Cornwall. Robin’s Red Ruby Pedigree cattle are the real heroes. When it comes to absolute provenance, traceability and flavour, it’s unbeatable and a pleasure to work with but throughout the shop and across the café menu you will find a whole host of local meats, fish, vegetables and artisan products. On top of that you have all of Jackie’s amazing homemade cake creations.”

The venue can cater for 70 people indoors and the same number in their garden, with a busy takeaway menu for visitors, walkers, holidaymakers and locals enjoying the stunning views of the countryside and the Atlantic. Will Sherry continued: “We’re a bit of a destination venue as you have to travel a little to get to us but it’s well worth the visit for the scenery, wildlife and our food and drink. You couldn’t pick a more beautiful or scenic place to work. Whether it is great drinks, snacks, pasties, homemade cakes or a more substantial meal, we cater for everyone and for all occasions. I would describe our offering as good wholesome food that is all made from scratch and with a lot of love from field to fork. We have a butchery on site and an exciting programme of events. We offer takeaway and our home delivery boxes such as our Afternoon Tea boxes for Mother’s Day or our Roast Dinner boxes have proved extremely popular.”

“We have always been huge fans of the Country Range portfolio. The quality of their products is as good as any on the market and often better. Jackie absolutely loves the mayonnaise. Recently she ran out and had to use the branded version and was not very happy! Jackie is also an impressive baker so the Country Range flours, butters and margarines play a pivotal role in her creations such as her Victoria Sponge, Coffee & Walnut Cake, Scones and her family’s famous traditional Cornish pasties.”

Robin’s cattle grazing on the hills of Cornwall

Homemade cakes and Pasties