When my parents planned a visit from Sweden, I was determined to bring them to Diddly Squat Farm Shop. Though I had never been before, I knew my dad, a longtime Top Gear fan, would appreciate the trip. What I didn’t expect was how much I would enjoy the day myself.
The drive from Worcestershire took about an hour and a half and proved more stressful than anticipated, thanks to my mum’s unease driving on the left. But we arrived safely and were welcomed by friendly staff who directed us to ample parking, even though we got there 90 minutes after opening.
A short walk led us to the farm shop, easily spotted by the long queue outside. Despite the line’s intimidating length, we joined it, hoping the wait would be worthwhile. Unfortunately, standing out in the 25-degree sunshine soon became uncomfortable. Even with sunscreen, my dad and I ended up looking like lobsters by the end of the day. It struck me as a missed opportunity that the farm shop lacked any sun protection for visitors waiting in line—something like a marquee would make a huge difference on warm or rainy days.
Just outside the entrance, a table showcased beautifully fresh, locally grown produce, from vibrant strawberries to colourful courgettes and broccoli. Nearby stood a ‘cow juice’ milk vending machine offering milk from local farmers, though it was closed during our visit due to the farmers being on holiday.
The wait felt long, but once inside, it was clear the experience was worth it. Though smaller than I expected, the shop offered an exciting range of high-quality products—locally sourced meats, cheeses, dairy, and popular Hawkestone ciders and lagers. The shop’s layout meant you followed a guided line through the aisles, which felt a bit rushed, limiting our browsing time. While the sausage rolls and meats caught my eye, I didn’t have the chance to indulge, given our plans for later.
Still, I managed to pick up several treasures: gin for my granddad’s birthday, an empty Diddly Squat glass milk bottle, a jar of piccalilli pickle, and a fridge magnet. My parents came away with locally roasted coffee and a ‘bee juice’ (honey) bar of handmade soap.
I thought the farm shop was the main attraction, but the real surprise awaited outside. For lunch, we headed to the bar behind the shop, having heard good things about their food.
At first glance, the menu seemed limited—mostly burgers and breakfast items—but my halloumi burger quickly dispelled any doubts. It arrived perfectly cooked, with roasted aubergine, harissa mayo, chilli, and tomato chutney combining to create a spectacular flavour balance. My parents enjoyed their ‘Big View’ burgers just as much, featuring aged beet patties, cheddar, homemade burger sauce, caramelised onions, and pickles.
More than a week later, I still think about that burger. It may rank as one of the best I’ve ever tasted—a tempting reason to brave the hour-long drive, queues and all, to return.
Though the farm and bar were busy throughout the day, it never felt overcrowded. If you’re hesitant about visiting because of crowds, don’t let that stop you!