Times have changed…
Darts Farm on the edge of Topsham is a modern day business
that uses modern day business practises. Originally begun by Ronald Dart back
in the 70s with similar humble beginnings to those I remember from my youth,
this now nationally regarded local food and lifestyle hub is still a family
business; today being run by his three sons.
The main focus is nonetheless on food, this still being a working farm, and the
truly massive food hall at the centre of the business is what draws most people
in. The focus is on local food that has been grown, reared, baked or caught
either on site or within close proximity. Boasting an onsite master butcher,
fishmonger, baker, deli, and cider maker, the vast majority of the fresh food
on offer is handled by experts who obviously know a lot about what they are
making and selling and are more than happy to guide and direct you as to
cooking tips and flavour matches to whatever delicious delicacies you’re going
to be stuffing your face with. I used to work in deli back in the day, and I
love food, and to see it being given the respect it deserves and the
opportunity to show to people how much pleasure quality food can really give
when it has been treated the right way and not just processed into quick and
ready to go container, is fantastic. Yes it is a bit on the expensive side, and
a lot of the people that shop their look like they’re being sponsored by Jack
Wills, have probably owned each and every Apple product since they suddenly
became cool in 2007, and look like they developed their own home on an episode
of Grand Designs, but if I could, I would shop there every day. They even sell
Marmite.
What has also been built up over the years is what Guardian readers
would describe as the Lifestyle Section. This encompasses everything from
outdoor clothes and kit (most of which seems rather over the top considering we
live in a country that only gets snow for about 7 days a year and isn’t that
prone to hurricanes or severe droughts), toys and games for the kids, that
generally aren’t seen in garish ads and made of cheap plastic, home ware that
can give any room that chic, rustic farmhouse look, at almost the same cost as
buying a chic, rustic farmhouse, and a health and beauty section to pamper
yourself with after a week of getting your hands dirty at the office.
I’m sorry, enough with the middle class jokes (I can get away with it though
because I am actually one of them). Seriously though, as you take your time to
wonder around the various sections of the main building you will see they have
supplied a space for a number of small local businesses, such as Orange Tree,
Sarah Pepper Florist and The Treatment Loft that would have otherwise had to
try and fend for themselves. Whereas here they get to benefit from each other’s
unique appeal and create a richer and more sustainable shopping experience for
everyone.
This is still a rural farm don’t forget and there is plenty to do
outside once the shopping is over, or if you don’t even fancy doing any
shopping at all. There’s the animal corner where kids of all ages can get up
close to the wildlife on the farm, including Alpacas. Take a walk among the
fields and see the crops change through the seasons and explore the wildlife in
this picturesque valley above the River Clyst. There’s fishing all year round
as well, for Carp, Roach and Bream from only £6 a day, and in the summer you
can enjoy pick your own fruit and veg, including Sunflowers, and a Maize maze
to get lost in. Bike hire is also available so you can go off and explore the
Exe Estuary Cycle Trail that runs right by or just kick back and relax with a
spa treatment or pilates class.
It’s great to come across a business that has taken off and is doing so
well that has come from such humble roots. Unlike a lot of businesses though
that sell out to a certain extent and become homogenous and banal, Dart’s Farm
still retains that air of authenticity and genuineness that you only get from a
well loved and well run family business. Don’t let any preconceptions about how
places like this are simply modern day temples for the aspiring middle classes
put you off. We should be proud of success stories like Dart’s Farm and we
shouldn’t be jealous of that success, or of those that like to go there.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 8am - 7pm
Sunday: 9.30am - 4.30pm (9.30 - 10.30am viewing time only)
Bank Holidays: 9am - 7pm
Address:
Darts Farm, Topsham, Exeter, Devon,
EX3 0QH
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