Farm shops are a treasured weekend destination for many, offering a combination of fresh local produce, cosy cafés, and lively community events. While Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop in Chipping Norton has earned acclaim as the UK’s best in its category, there is another gem in Gloucestershire that outshines it: Jolly Nice Farm Shop.
Situated in the picturesque village of Frampton Mansell in the heart of the Cotswolds, Jolly Nice offers a distinctive experience combining country charm with modern touches. Its location, conveniently nestled between Stroud, Cirencester, and Tetbury, makes it an ideal weekend spot or a perfect stop for travellers heading to the M5.
Unlike typical farm shops, Jolly Nice features an inviting drive-through service served from a quaint wooden cabin. This unique aspect serves locally roasted coffee alongside a freshly prepared menu ranging from breakfast baps and gourmet burgers to salads and sandwiches, bringing a refined touch to a drive-through experience.
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True to its commitment to supporting “local farmers, growers and artisan producers,” the farm shop itself presents a thoughtfully curated selection. Visitors can explore beautifully decorated wooden archways that lead to various sections housed in wooden cabins and large tents. Highlights include a deli offering organic and artisan cheeses, a butchery with free-range meats, and a variety of seasonal organic vegetables. The shop also features a well-stocked frozen section with exceptional ready meals, along with pantry staples and treats such as sizeable cookies and crisp tins. An orange juice machine allows guests to squeeze their own fresh juice, enhancing the local experience.
Beyond shopping, Jolly Nice invites visitors to relax in its stylish café and bar, set beneath expansive festival-style tents. The interior design blends rustic wooden floors and walls with reclaimed oak church chairs and vintage tables, all adorned with fairy lights and foliage. In colder months, an open fireplace crafted from a 300-year-old local oak beam creates a cosy retreat.
The café menu complements the ambiance with offerings including their renowned burgers, toasties, sausage rolls, sandwiches, and sweet treats. Personal favourites include a giant Oreo cookie, an iced latte, and locally crafted banana and toffee ice cream served from an adjacent parlour. Outdoor seating with classic country views is provided, complete with covered areas to accommodate all weather conditions.
Further enhancing the lively atmosphere, Jolly Nice serves drinks from Stroud Brewery beers and Dunkertons Cider on tap. Fridays feature extended hours with a “cocktails on the double” event. Reflecting its community spirit, the farm shop regularly hosts varied monthly events such as candle making workshops, folk music sessions, and puppy meet-ups in a specially designed enclosed area.
Having witnessed Jolly Nice’s growth over many years living in Gloucestershire, it is clear that this family-run farm shop offers an unparalleled blend of quality, atmosphere, and community engagement that truly sets it apart in the region.