Huntleys

A group of us came here on a Thursday. It was very quiet, and although it was only just before 3pm when we arrived, several of the retail outlets appeared to have closed, so we only got to visit the farm shop and the Courtyard Café. The farm shop is small, not a very wide range of produce but what I saw looked good quality: some huge steaks and prime cuts of meat on the butcher's counter, as well as fresh fruit and veg, deli foods, pickles and preserves, pasta, wine, and some nice cakes and baked goods, though I didn't see a fish counter. There were also a few greetings cards, gifts and ornaments. Had a look upstairs, there's an outlet that sells bathroom fittings, a fashion boutique, and a café with comfy armchairs and a children's play area, but they were all closed. At the deli counter, I bought a pork pie and a gourmet Scotch egg to take home, both turned out to be excellent quality if a bit on the pricey side, and the lady who served me was pleasant and helpful. The Courtyard Café next door was spacious with nice decor, accessible toilets, and friendly staff; not a lot of cakes left when I got there, but I had a delicious coffee Renoir with my latte. As a whole though, the hour or so we spent here was underwhelming; I couldn't fault the food I bought, but as a place to visit, there was not enough open or to see and it didn't live up to expectations.