Nestled in the middle of the Shropshire countryside, Heath Farm Meats at Bagginswood is just outside Cleobury Mortimer and is a joy to visit. Clive and Clare Gittens started the shop and butchers after BSE crisis hit in 1996.
Clive tells me it all came about after necessity, as the ban of exporting cattle happened overnight and he was left with over two hundred cows which were destined for Italy. The cattle still needed to be fed and looked after, and when your business is suddenly wiped out overnight that is a large task in itself. So after waiting for weeks to see what would happen they decided to take one cow to the abattoir, cut it up and put it in the freezer.
They told a friend about the beef who then asked to buy some and word got around locally, so they took more cattle. The abattoir were really helpful and put Clive in touch with a butcher who said they could use their facilities to cut up the meat this carried on for some time.
They soon realised that they would have to open up a shop at the farm. Started by converting a small part of one of the barns and turning it into the butchers, this expanded a year later to the larger shop it is today. Clive then had to take on another butcher to help with the work - Fred has stayed with them ever since.
All the meat sold in the shop, comes from the farm’s own animals which are Cows, Pigs and sheep. The chickens are raised on a nearby farm owned by Clive’s cousin. They only sell direct from the shop itself to have complete control over the meat, this way everything is fully traceable.
I was given a tour of the whole farm, Clive started by taking me behind the counter and showing me the great big fridges where all the meat is really well hung. Fred was then demonstrating his great butchers skills by chopping up meat for a customer in front of me.
The cows are in a great big open sided barn where they have shelter if needed but cover from the elements, as I stood taking photos they were all really calm and placid and not the least bit shaken by the flash of the camera.
The pigs have to be put inside at the moment as Clive was explaining to me the sun isn’t good for them as it can give them meningitis, they have lovely clean straw in a huge space at the one end and a lovely muddy bath at the other, they came bouncing up to the end to get a look at me and what I was up to.
The sheep are happily grazing away in all the beautiful fields that surround the farm.
Clive also specialises in Mutton and I have to tell you it’s the best I’ve ever eaten, they are raised until they are between two and four years old, and you can really tell the difference it has the most delicious deep flavour.
The shop is open Wednesday to Saturday each week between the hours of 8am and 5.30 pm, Clive and Fred are more than happy to help with anything, even some of my strange requests.
They also sell locally produced milk, butter, eggs, cheeses and fruit juices.
Vegetables are sold according to what is in season as they are also supplied by local farms.
Heath farm Meats
Heath farm
Bagginswood
Cleobury Mortimer
01746 718732
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