A note on hospitality, and why it still matters.
There’s been no shortage of stories in the news recently about the pressure hospitality is under. I’m keen not to turn this journal into a depressing list of reasons why — no one needs that at this...
A Season of Small Joys
January has a habit of arriving with a lot of noise. New rules. New targets. New versions of ourselves we’re apparently supposed to become overnight. If your inbox looks anything like mine, it’s...
The Christmas Traditions We’re Honoured to Be Part Of
I think the C word was first uttered around May this year. Christmas is a huge part of our calendar, and as the saying goes, you’ve got to make hay while the sun shines — though I do often wish our...
Pumpkins, Progress & a Taste of Autumn
Autumn has well and truly arrived. Despite the inevitable rain and blustery days, I’ve always loved the distinct seasons we get here in England. By the time one is drawing to a close, I’m ready to...
Celebrating British Carrot Day with this delightful dish from our kitchen team
Last week we celebrated the autumn equinox with the most wonderful harvest supper, in one of Kate's polytunnels. Using all of the produce from Kate's organic market garden, our kitchen team created...
Autumn & Anniversaries at Hartley
August always feels like a milestone month for us here at Hartley. On 20th August 2008, we opened the doors to our Farm Shop for the very first time. This summer marked 17 years since that day – a...
When the Grass Turns to Gold – Summer so far on the Farm
July and August are always a bit of a curious time of year for us. The rhythm of regulars – our familiar faces and faithful supporters – gives way to the ebb and flow of day-trippers, holidaymakers,...
Back-to-School starts with the brain
By Jess Oldfield, Nutritional Therapist & Mum of Two September’s just around the corner, and I don’t know about you, but I’ve got that slightly fizzy mix of excitement and overwhelm building....
We’re Open as Normal – Despite the B3108 Closure
Hartley Farm Shop & Kitchen is open as normal, with no change to our opening hours, despite the closure of the B3108 between Winsley and Bath for essential roadworks. The works are due to...
Could a bottle of Coke really be the difference?
Something grabbed my attention the other day while I was driving. Now, let’s be honest – most of the news lately has been pretty bleak. But for once, something came blaring over the radio that...
Why Clarkson’s Farm feels oddly familiar
A few months ago, I wrote about how I often struggle to come up with the next thing to write about. That familiar battle with the blank page, and wondering whether anyone really wants to hear your...
The Patchwork Quilt of English Farming
Isn’t it absolutely beautiful at the moment? Hedgerows bursting with blossom, fields a vibrant green, and birdsong ringing out from dawn ‘til dusk. I’ve been deep in dad mode these past few weeks....
Spring has sprung – and so have the cows!🐮
A Bit About Our Cows A few requests came back from my appeal for blog ideas the other week with the theme of how the business works behind the scenes. There's always so much going on and I will...
Are Farm Shops Selling the Real Deal?
This question was posed to me in response to my last blog when I asked you all for some food for thought on what to write about next. By the way, I had some great replies—lots of ammo for future...
What the Dorset Coast Taught me This Week
As many of you may have gathered from my last journal, I felt it was time for a little break. So, last week, Tamara and I headed down to the south Dorset coast for a couple of days—the first time...
