 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
King’s Newton Road, Melbourne, DE73 8DD
What is the view like from your usual supermarket? This shop wins the Food Close special prize for the best horizon we’ve found yet. Drive down the track slowly and take a look to the left. You’ll usually see large black free range chickens roaming the fields and if you’re lucky you’ll also see rare breed cattle to the right. Straight ahead is a stunning expanse of Derbyshire countryside. If you’ve travelled in from Derby you’ll have no doubt already crossed the Swarkestone monument which provides interesting driving and again some smashing views.
If you do manage to get over the views and venture into the store, grab a wicker basket (better for your veg) and explore the treats on offer. This is another source of non-homogenised milk from a local dairy. Products sourced from small, british and artisan producers line the grocery section. Food Close favourites include Yorkshire soups, cottage delight preserves, free range eggs from the farm itself and the fabulous crisps made by Tyrrells. There’s a fresh veg and fruit section - mostly of ready washed, high quality produce. Seasonally you will find special arrivals such as fresh bunches of watercress (not in sealed plastic supermarket bags). Make a date to visit on a Friday and Saturday you will find a fresh fish counter. Chantry was identified by Rick Stein as one of his Food Heroes for its rare breed meats and poultry. The meat here will beat all your expectations. It looks amazing in the chiller, it is served to your individual requirements and when you get in home it will cook to a succulence and flavour that will take you back to the good old days when meat didn’t shrink to half it’s size in the pan or get ‘plumped up’ with water before sale. Some of of the meat comes prepared and ready to cook - try the Lamb in Greek Passion next time you have guests to impress! If you fancy more of the views you can grab a sausage roll or pie to enjoy and you stare out from the comfort of your car. The cheese counter stocks british cheeses including Food Close recommended Cheese with Pickled Onions and also Snowdonia’s Black Bomber which is a powerful but surprisingly smooth mature cheese.
Prices are representative of the sources, but owing to the quality and richness of the food you don’t need trolley loads of it to satisfy your appetite.