Harrogate’s handsome historical spa town has long been a draw for its antique dealers and quaint independent retailers. My favourite of these is Fodder, the stand-out place to pick up North Yorkshire’s best ingredients – and help the local community while you’re at it.
Fodder is the only food shop and café in the UK where all profits go to a farming charity – Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
Supporting over 350 Yorkshire farmers, growers and producers, Fodder sells the very best food and drink from the county with a full butchery counter, a deli counter laden with fresh pies, pasties and a huge variety of amazing cheese. With over 67 different Yorkshire cheeses, it’s hard to choose. My pick is Blue Monday No.7, matured for up to eight weeks and with a creamy texture and subtly sweet finish. Try it with a bottle of local Black Sheep Ale.
As for meat, the butcher is on hand to provide you with fresh cuts and excellent advice on how best to prepare them. Chunky burgers are made with high-grade steak mince, while pork and tomato sausages are an interesting twist on the classic.
We loved the free fruit for children.
Fruit and veg comes straight from Yorkshire farms to the shop shelves and there’s a whole host of jams and chutneys on sale alongside freshly baked local bread and mouth-watering cakes.
The best Harrogate sour dough bread from Vanora’s.
Food is also made onsite in the Fodder kitchens – from fruit and cheese scones, flapjack, millionaire shortbread, sausage rolls and not forgetting the famous giant Yorkshire puddings.
There’s also the adjoining Fodder café serving full Yorkshire breakfasts, slap up lunches and delicious afternoon teas.
Outside there’s Fodder on the Hoof, an original 1960’s Airstream style caravan, serving the same fabulous food for those in need of food and a cuppa, on-the-go.
Not only does 100% of profit from Fodder go to charity, all produce good enough to eat but not good enough to sell is donated to the Harrogate Homeless Project.
Fodder is open seven days a week, with free wi fi, free parking, a beautiful view over the Crimple valley and a warm Yorkshire welcome.