Farm shops have become a cherished feature of the British countryside, offering locals and visitors alike the chance to enjoy fresh, locally produced food, charming cafés, and unique independent shopping experiences. Among the more than 1,500 farm shops dotted across the UK-from humble box sheds to expansive food halls-one has been crowned the best in the country, and it is located just outside a quaint Cotswolds market town.
Diddly Squat Farm Shop, situated near the Oxfordshire town of Chipping Norton, has steadily ascended in popularity since its establishment in 2020 by Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson. The shop’s rise to the top spot was confirmed by country lifestyle experts at Welligogs, who analysed customer rankings and reviews from platforms such as TripAdvisor, Google, and Instagram.
Chipping Norton, affectionately known as ‘Chippy’, has a modest population of around 6,000 residents and offers attractions like the Chipping Norton Theatre, Fairytale Farm, and the Chippy Lido. However, it is Clarkson’s farm shop that has significantly boosted the town’s profile, drawing large crowds eager to experience what it has to offer.
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Tess Annan, manager at Welligogs, remarked, “It’s no surprise to see Diddly Squat at the top of the ranking. Its enormous social media following, boasting 2.8 million Instagram followers alone, gives it unparalleled visibility among UK farm shops.”
Visitors to Diddly Squat can find a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, canned and jarred delicacies, sweet treats, crisps, beer, wine, gin, kitchenware, gifts, and clothing. With Clarkson closely associated with the brand and ongoing expansion efforts, the farm shop’s popularity shows every sign of enduring.
Reflecting on the appeal of farm shops in rural Britain, Tess added, “Farm shops provide a unique opportunity to experience the British countryside beyond the usual tourist attractions. Whether stopping to shop for local produce, enjoy a meal, or browse a farm’s offerings, they offer a delightful way to slow down and absorb the character of the surrounding area.”
She continued, “People often associate countryside visits with famous stately homes, picturesque villages, or national parks, but farm shops present an alternative way to explore rural Britain. Interestingly, some of the highest-ranking farm shops are located in destinations not traditionally considered countryside favourites, making them especially attractive for those keen to discover new places.”