Layer Marney Lamb Farm Shop

Layer Marney is a beautiful and historic village situated just over 7 miles south west of Colchester town centre.

The Coes family have farmed and produced the renowned Layer Marney lamb on their Thorington Farm for the past three generations, following the same traditional time honoured farming methods of naturally grass rearing the lamb in spacious parkland and meadows.  This natural process allows the lamb to mature at natures pace, without any unnecessary stress, resulting in flavoursome, succulent, sweet and tender meat from animals whose welfare has been respected.

The Layer Marney Farm Shop was opened in July 2007, giving the public quick and easy access to the best of local produce in one convenient location.  The shop looks deceptively small from the outside, as do many, although opens up into a large expanse of quality meat, fruits and vegetables, preserves and condiments, cakes and breads, cheeses and eggs, pies and pastries, fish and seafood, gifts and crafts, and what I would call a garden centre.

This farm shop really does take the art of growing and gardening seriously.  There is an abundance of well kept herbs and vegetable plants, interesting and unusual herbaceous perennials, climbers, shrubs, grasses, roses and even olive trees.  You can also pick up some compost and decorative garden pots whilst you are there, as well as some enthusiastic, friendly tips and advice if required.

The Farm Shop stocks a wonderful array of high quality meat, the majority of which is from their own farm, from the wonderful Layer Marney plump joints and cuts of lamb, to free range chicken, duck, seasonal game and wild venison, to their wonderful range of homemade specialist sausages – the lamb, garlic and rosemary sausages are divine. 

I was also very pleasantly surprised to see the farms own mutton, something that is becoming so difficult now to obtain, yet is so delicious - slightly gamier and fuller flavoured than young lamb, try it in a winter stew or a spicy Jamaican curry, it works well with slow cooking and retains so much flavour.

You can also purchase excellent locally reared, free range beef, pork, sausages and bacon – all at a reasonable price. 

They have a great choice of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables from local farms in the area and everything else you would want or need to cook up a fabulous feast for yourself or the family.

Our Summary
A large and beautifully kept family run farm shop offering a good range of the best of local produce, an excellent selection of the farms own free range meat, poultry and seasonal game, as well as an extensive range of gifts and crafts and a mini garden centre.  This farming families enthusiasm and knowledge of quality produce is evident – highly recommended.