Blackwells Farm Produce & Farm Shop - Colchester

Eddy

Just came to get something for dinner from the butcher, staff were very friendly. I haven’t been here before. As I was paying some fresh saussage rolls came out so i had one. That saussage roll left me feeling a feeling I haven’t felt before. Bursts with flavours, a beautiful buttery pastry. The best saussage roll I have ever had and I consider myself a saussages roll connoisseur.

Paul D.

I first started using Blackwells at the start of the pandemic, as we hoped to support more local businesses. And we were not disappointed, and have continued to use them ever since, even ordering our Christmas meats and many treats from them.

The shop itself is usually really well stocked, especially considering its size.
You're obviously getting food produce here though, and not your monthly shop.

The produce itself is amazing, and my biggest problem is not just buying things that I don't need, just because they're obviously so good.

You'll find a moderate range of prepacked meats, fish and cheeses in the aisles if you're not in the need for the butcher/deli counter. But that's prepacked (generally) from the farm or other small business, and I can recommend everything I've had.

The vegetable sections is pretty varied too, with enough there to fill your bags or inspire an meal.

Then of course, the meat and cheese counter. If you don't go in with a specific idea of what you want, you'll be in trouble. Because it all looks, and is, so good. From sausages, bacon and steaks - to prepared BBQ skewers.
Then a great selection of cheeses which will just leave you wanting to buy more crackers.

The staff have always been friendly and helpful when I've been there. Offering a bit of advice occasionally or just, quite simply, being pleasant.

I'd thoroughly recommend using Blackwells, though get your online order (you can still order a smaller range of goods online) in early for Christmas!

Sarah M.

Originally, I went to have a look at the butchery and farm produce on a recommendation. I was pleased with everything I purchased, including hot large sausage rolls!
This is our second visit, and I am really impressed again. An hours journey but worth it. I called this morning to enquire about pheasants. The butcher said they had fresh pheasants and kept me my order until I arrived. He kindly quartered then for me, and I was able to buy the vegetables I needed for my family meal. A good price and everything lovely and fresh. I wish I lived closer! I noticed a constant flow of customers, which is always a good sign. Excellent customer service by friendly staff. I'm looking forward to my Pheasant meal.
I've edited this review to add that I have now cooked the pheasants, and they were so easy to cook, lovely and moist, and full of flavour.

Kevin B.

Smaller than I thought it was going to be however the meat counter looked amazing with some great quality meat available. Nice selection of other farm shop product available too.

Dave A.

was given one of there Sausage making courses for Christmas
had a grate time small groups so ever one got the help they needed.
over the 2 hours turned a shoulder of pork in to 63 hand linked sausages.
my Sister who gave me the gif did say the commutations with them was an issue

Sharne V. D. B.

Hidden gem in the Essex countryside. I visited because I saw a sign when leaving Marks Hall.
Butchers aren't friendly - ignored me. The lady on the till was lovely, warm, helpful and chatty - 5 starts for her.
5 stars for the food I bought and the freshness of the veg.
Thank you

Alfie P.

For the size of the shop they have a amazing selection from outstanding quality meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, delicious cakes, sand savoury's along locally made ready meals. Also a nice selection of local beers and spirts. Great to see a shop championing local food so well, The shop located between Earls Colne and Coggashall but well worth the extra journey time to visit

David

The meat from their butchers is amazing, we bought a few bits and it was all very good. The black garlic marinated beef kebabs were fantastic on the BBQ, highly recommended.
The rest of the counter looked high quality and fresh. Lots of local produce in the shop as well and it's kept very neat. Typical farm shop prices for the area, a bit higher than some of the farm butchers counters.

There is a big sign in the shop advertising hot drinks, cakes and baguettes. However coffee comes out of an auto machine and there was nowhere outside to sit. Sure they could mow some grass next to the parking spaces for a couple of benches. The cakes were great when we got them home.