Business Details
21 Years
experience
Award-Winning Family-Run Farm Shop & Restaurant in Dorset
Established in 2005 by Jane and Brian Down, The Udder Farm Shop is a family-run business rooted in four generations of farming heritage since 1938. Our mission is to provide high-quality, locally sourced produce while supporting independent suppliers across Dorset and surrounding counties. With home-reared meat sold in our shop and served in our restaurant, we champion a sustainable 'pasture to plate' approach. Our team offers expert advice on a wide range of products, from fresh meat and dairy to artisanal gifts and household essentials. The 2019 expansion of our restaurant and coffee shop created a bright, spacious dining area with panoramic views of the Blackmore Vale, complemented by outdoor seating and a children's play area.During the 2020 pandemic, we launched an online ordering platform with local van delivery and national courier services to ensure continued access to traceable, affordable meat and grocery products. Our commitment to quality extends to curated hampers featuring Dorset-exclusive items and themed evening events like Udder Food Nights. Located on the A30 near East Stour, we offer free parking, Wi-Fi, and a relaxed shopping environment that celebrates our rural roots while embracing modern convenience.
Services
Farm Shop
Restaurant
Online Ordering
Butchery
Deli Counter
Local Delivery
Gift Hampers
Frozen Meals
Dietary Products
Event Catering
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We have been farming in Dorset since 1938 and opened our shop in 2005.
- We offer home-reared meat and products from 100+ local Dorset suppliers.
- Our online shop provides nationwide delivery of traceable, high-quality produce.
- We operate a 200-seat restaurant with seasonal menus and outdoor dining.
- We host regular themed food events and evening dining experiences.
Services
Farm Shop
Our farm shop offers locally sourced meat, dairy, and groceries from over 100 Dorset suppliers. Customers can purchase fresh produce, household essentials, and specialty items either in-store or through our online platform. The shop features a dedicated butchery counter with home-reared beef and lamb, alongside seasonal game and West Country poultry.
Restaurant
The Field Restaurant provides seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients with indoor and outdoor seating. Guests enjoy views of the Blackmore Vale, a children's play area, and themed evening events like Udder Food Nights. The menu includes cooked breakfasts, afternoon teas, and gluten-free options prepared fresh to order.
Online Ordering
Our online shop delivers traceable meat and grocery products nationwide via courier, with local van delivery available in Dorset. The platform offers meat boxes, frozen meals, and regional specialties since launching in 2020. Customers can select delivery windows or opt for in-store collection.
Butchery
The in-house butchery sells home-reared beef and lamb alongside pork from neighboring farms and West Country poultry. Our expert team provides cut advice, ready-prepared dishes, and seasonal game during appropriate hunting periods. All meat travels minimal food miles from local sources.
Gift Hampers
We create custom gift hampers featuring Dorset-made products including wines, cheeses, chutneys, and confectionery. Customers can select pre-made options or customize boxes with items from our shelves, including exclusive regional specialties unavailable outside Dorset.
People
Jane Down
Co-Founder
Fourth-generation farmer Jane Down co-founded The Udder Farm Shop in 2005, leveraging decades of agricultural expertise to champion local produce.
Brian Down
Co-Founder
Brian Down established the farm shop with wife Jane, applying his farming knowledge to create a sustainable business connecting local producers with customers.
Alisha Hill
Events Manager
Alisha Hill has managed events at The Udder Farm Shop since 2019, organizing themed dining nights and seasonal celebrations with six years of prior experience.
Questions
What areas do you deliver to?
We offer local van delivery in Dorset and surrounding counties, with national courier service available across the UK.
Can I order online for in-store collection?
Yes, our online shop allows you to select 'collection' as your delivery option during checkout.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
We have extensive gluten-free options and can accommodate other dietary needs with prior notice.
Are dogs allowed in the restaurant?
Dogs are welcome in our outdoor dining area adjacent to the car park, but not inside the restaurant.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards, contactless payments, and cash in our physical shop.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes, we sell physical and digital gift vouchers redeemable across our farm shop and restaurant.
Reviews (5)
Johnny Clingham
Jan 18, 2022
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Fantastic place, restaurant food and service was good quality. Service was great. We showed up late for lunch. Highly recommended for sure.
Steve Jeffery
Jan 01, 2022
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Oh gosh! This place is amazing! The welcome was so warm and kind. The energy in this place is fabulous. Beautiful dining room with stunning views. Menu is outstanding. Every member of staff.every member.was kind, smiling and genuinely joyful. The breakfast food was extraordinarily good. Quality ingredients so perfectly prepared. It was SO YUMMY!!!!!! Thank you, team. This was memorable and delightful.
Helena Woolrich
Dec 14, 2021
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Fantastic meal with possibly the best dessert (lemon posset) I have had in a very long time. Great atmosphere with extremely friendly staff
Dawn Kerby
Dec 09, 2021
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Lovely spacious building. Food is amazing. Lovely shop... Hidden gem. Staff are lovely. Has large overflow car park behind the shop.... Can't wait to have another meal there.
Tim Stiles
Nov 18, 2021
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If you're someone who likes variations on a theme then the Udder Shop will be the place for you. Me, I'm a pickle person and I'm happy to drive forty minutes to buy the perfect pickle.
Cheese, same applies. Fresh, local meat, same applies. They've got some fun hats and Christmas decorations and children's books and toys so little ones will be happy too. It's bright and light and airy and the staff all smile. And the restaurant rings all the bells and floats my boat. Five stars 'cos it's good. Five stars' cos it's the second time we've been there and we'll be back a third by Christmas.
Cheese, same applies. Fresh, local meat, same applies. They've got some fun hats and Christmas decorations and children's books and toys so little ones will be happy too. It's bright and light and airy and the staff all smile. And the restaurant rings all the bells and floats my boat. Five stars 'cos it's good. Five stars' cos it's the second time we've been there and we'll be back a third by Christmas.
