An out-of-town stretch of the busy A36 might not sound like the obvious place for a tranquil pit-stop but that’s exactly what café and farm shop Bird & Carter provides.

The rain had set in when I arrived, so the neatly stacked log pile by the front door and steamy windows, which promised a cosy retreat, made a welcome greeting. Stepping over the threshold, however, it wasn’t the warmth of the blazing woodburner, or the smell of a freshly-baked, three-tiered Victoria Sponge that met me first, but the friendly banter of owners Joff Bird and Annie Carter, as they invited me in.

Having run a successful deli four miles away in Salisbury until 2013, Bird & Carter is the coming together of many passions: locally-restored antique furniture and tasteful wall art hint at Annie’s previous career at the National Portrait Gallery in London, while the beautiful interior showcases Joff’s talents as a property developer.

But most of all, it’s their combined love of food that is celebrated here. Shelves are laden with British fare – Galloway Lodge preserves, The Garlic Farm chutneys, Melting Pot fudge, Teoni’s biscuits and Reeve the Baker bread – and behind the deli counter, you’re spoilt for choice: should I buy Montgomery’s Cheddar, smoked salmon or their home-cooked ham?

Perfect for this time of year are the hampers that Joff and Annie make up – simply pick from their stock and they’ll collate it in a pretty basket complete with bow; I know where I’m heading to do my Christmas shopping. And I can relax with a silky smooth cup of Brian Wogan coffee and slice of moist Marmalade cake, while I wait. Yum.

Images by Emma Pritchard

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Whenever I’m driving from London to Edinburgh, or back again, the highlight of my journey is, without doubt, a visit to the Westmorland Farm Shop at the Tebay Services. It might seem strange that I’m recommending a rest stop on the M6 but believe me, this is one motorway convenience like no other. The café serves wholesome, British favourites made using ingredients sourced from the adjoining farm. I always grab a seat by the window overlooking the duck pond and Howgill Fells.

Then, once I’m suitably refreshed from the food and the view, I can’t resist a wander around the shop. It’s a celebration of our country’s best artisan produce. Here, I like to fill my basket with delights for the onward journey – Saddleback pork scotch eggs from The Handmade Scotch Egg Company, a wild venison and cranberry pie from The Pie Mill, Cumberland farmhouse cheese from the Thornby Moor Dairy and something sweet from the table laden with homemade cakes from the Kendal Ginger Bakers. Delicious!

Images courtesy of Westmorland Farm Shop

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I’m hugely partial to a walled garden so how I’ve only just got round to visiting The Walled Gardens at Mells despite its proximity to where I grew up, I don’t know. I’m so pleased I finally did though. Neither a garden centre nor a farm shop, this wonderful place is something quite unique; a proper working garden full of quirks and charms, and a complete joy from start to finish.

It was one of those glorious autumn days as I walked through the inviting gate and entered what felt like a secluded haven. The sun was low in the sky casting long shadows over the garden; leaves turning beautiful reds and russets, apple trees heavy with fruit. Outdoor sculptures, hay bales and handcrafted wooden benches all vied for my attention, providing secluded pathways and corners to wander, ponder and explore.

Then I noticed a tempting looking greenhouse brimming with second-hand delights beneath a brightly coloured textile awning. I emerged almost an hour later, arms laden with bargain buys and in need of refreshment.

The weather-permitting outdoor pizza oven was in action (Jon and Jo who run the garden are off to Italy later this month for inspiration!) and I discovered they make their own apple juice. Instead though, I opted for a ginger beer and slab of banana and walnut cake from the café, the view of the dovecot and bordering countryside a perfect backdrop as I sat and plotted my next visit. Possibly for my Christmas tree or to sample the new floristry workshop and shop they’re planning to open come spring.

The Walled Garden at Mells opens March 1st – October 31st.

Images courtesy of Lucy Auge & The Walled Garden at Mells

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Opposite the green in the picturesque West Sussex village of Lurgashall, in between the church of St. Laurence and The Noah’s Ark pub, is perhaps not the place you’d expect to find a store bursting with beautiful vintage finds. But it is here that a humble 17^th-century stable provides an atmospheric setting for The Bottom Stable.

Compared to the antiques trail in Petworth, six miles away, which focuses on more traditional pieces, this wonderful weekend pop-up shop offers something more unusual; an ever-changing and beautifully curated collection of items that owners Hollie and Amy fall in love with; from vintage curiosities with a French twist – think oversized glass bell jars, letterpress stamps, old-school desks and biscuit moulds – to contemporary homewares by independent West Sussex artisans to fresh-cut flowers.

I couldn’t believe my luck when I stumbled across this gem – and, with The Noah’s Ark serving up excellent British produce but seconds away, it really is a place worth making a special trip to.

Images courtesy of The Bottom Stable

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