Tenbury Wells has historically been known for it’s excellent produce. The countryside that surrounds the market town, as well as being gentle and green, is filled with farms, orchards, vineyards and small food producers. Today, the former market town has become a foodie paradise with businesses taking advantage of their proximity to the excellent farmland. Tour the foodie businesses and shop for farm fresh, local goodies – perfect for stocking a picnic hamper or cooking a gourmet dinner complete with wine from just down the road.
Mr Thom’s Finest Chocolates, Sweets and Ices
Heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth Mr Thom’s stocks indulgent cakes, homemade chocolates, pastries, ice-creams and all kinds of delicious morsels. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Willy Wonka’s of Tenbury Wells’, their onsite chocolate factory brings the childlike joy of chocolate to Teme Street. Stop by at Easter for a dizzying selection of Easter Eggs in every flavour such as chocolate brownie, marshmallow, cranberry, salted caramel and more.
The Fish Wife
Thanks to this third generation fishmongers, being far from the sea doesn’t stop Tenbury residents and visitors being able to enjoy fresh, seasonal seafood. Louise Hackney grew up helping her father and grandmother on the fish stalls, so providing high quality fish is in her blood. They offer deliveries as well as seasonal platters for special occasions, so if you’re not sure what to go for – let the experts choose for you.
The Smiling Goat
A cute little deli that sits on Tenbury’s aptly named Market Street. It stocks a great selection of cheeses and Italian goodies like olives, cannoli and pastries. They’ve also got loads of unusual spices, fresh bread, speciality flours and more. The Smiling Goat is the type of shop that stocks anything unusual a recipe calls for, introduces you to new flavours and makes for a really fun browsing experience.
The Barn Farm Shop
Stocking fresh, flavoursome fruit and veg, pickles and chutneys and local dairy you won’t want to return to undersized supermarket produce after a trip to Barn Farm Shop. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you find what you’re looking for and if you stop by in the summer don’t pass on a punnet of their delicious strawberries.
Wyre Pie Company
All kinds of pies, made by hand. Makers of traditional pastries like sausage rolls, steak and onion pie, pork pies and scotch eggs. Also a well regarded butchers and recently won a Great Taste Award for their ‘Mr Williams’ traditional pork pie.
Andrew Francis Butchers
Established butchers since 1991, Andrew Frances Butchers supply top restaurants in the area as well as offering friendly service from their shop. They make their own sausages and burgers daily and specialise in free range and rare breeds in both pork and beef. Make sure to try their famous home cured bacon.
Regular Markets
As a historic market town this tradition is still alive today. The Tenbury Wells Country Market takes place every Tuesday from 9.30am to 12noon next to Tenbury Swimming pool. Providing a selection of homemade products such as cakes, savouries, soups, apple juice, jams, preserves, honey, eggs, fruit and vegetables, plants, crafts, soap, cards, gifts and more. Refreshments are also available, making it a great place to meet for a chat and browse of the stalls.
The historic Round Market, a beautiful circular building originally built for farmers to sell milk, butter and poultry out of the wind and rain, runs markets of local produce, food and crafts every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
A Little Further Afield…
Astley Vineyard
Just a 30 minute drive from Tenbury Wells town centre, through the Teme Valley countryside, is Astley Vineyard. Planted in 1971 they produce boutique English wine including a citrussy, herbal Vermouth and classically made sparkling. This family run organisation has a focus on experience and education offering tasting events and vineyard tours.
Oldfields Cider
Apples are the heart of the Teme Valley, so its no wonder we are home to award winning cider producers. Oldfields have been working by their motto, ‘put in the graft and do it right’, since 1960 and today look after every part of the cider making process in house; from planting and pruning the trees to packing the finished product. Pop by their timber framed shop for one of their 5 ciders including Applefresco, winner of the Great Taste Awards – a fun, effervescent drink that makes a great alternative to prosecco for special occasions.
