Family-run Isle of Wight farm shop opens today in Freshwater

Fanny’s Farm Shop, found at Hill Lane in Norton Green near Freshwater, is named in memory of owner Nicola Briggs’ great grandmother Nellie Beatrice Salter, who was always known as Fanny.

Fanny grew up on a farm on Ash Lane in Gunville, which belonged to her parents, James and Emily.

The family were well-known, selling their home-grown produce from a cart around the Newport area.

Fanny died aged just 27 leaving a husband and three children.

However, grower's genes have passed down through the generations and Nicola herself is a soft fruit grower and keen horticulturalist who fondly treasures memories and stories about her family from the past.

The farm shop's ethos is to offer an old-fashioned, friendly, local, zero waste food and produce buying experience.

The shop will sell Golden Hill Nurseries' own soft fruit grown on-site by Nicola and local Isle of Wight produce, plus many leading Island brands of cheese, honey, eggs, meat, bread, flour, tea, coffee, garlic and much more.

Keeping the business in the family is very important to Nicola, so the farm shop and nursery are run by herself, her son James, who manages the grounds, and her niece Kay, the farm shop manager.

Meet the team! From left: Kay, Nicola and James.

Fanny’s Farm Shop posted on its Facebook page: “We have been working against the clock to get the shop open and ready for the big day!

“The building isn’t quite finished, but it doesn’t matter - we are opening anyway!

“We only sell Isle of Wight produce and food - we are aiming for very low food miles and sustainable shopping. 

"A real local experience ‘from the Island for the Island’, just as Fanny would have liked it.”

Fanny’s Farm Shop opens for the first time today at 11am, see the farm shop's Facebook page for general opening hours, here.

How do I find the farm shop? Hill Lane, PO40 9TQ, near the Golden Hill Fort entrance.