Award-Winning Farm Shop Opens at Idyllic Dartmoor Location
Nestled on the border where urban Plymouth meets the rolling countryside of South Hams, the latest branch of the award-winning Strawberry Fields farm shop has opened to enthusiastic crowds. This new establishment, the fifth in Devon, is already heaving with customers, and after a visit, it's easy to see why—the food is simply awesome.
First Impressions and Delicious Offerings
Stepping through the main entrance, framed by vibrant tulips, visitors are greeted by an impressive spread of locally-baked goodies and fridges brimming with award-winning farm produce. A glass counter showcases tempting fare like pasties, quiches, and sausage rolls, drawing queues of customers whether dining in or taking away.
During my visit, I opted for a bacon and cheese pastry, which was delightfully crispy, a soft iced bun—a true Devon classic—and a generously-sized freshly-baked cherry tart to enjoy at home. The coffee also deserves special mention; it was truly outstanding, served with a numbered buzzer tab to alert when orders are ready for collection.
Busy Atmosphere and Scenic Views
The shop was packed to the rafters, but there's ample seating downstairs or in the outdoor area, weather permitting. Upstairs, additional seating offers breath-taking views across the rolling hills of the Devonshire countryside, as picturesque as a postcard. This accessibility and charm have made it a cherished spot for locals, with considerable enthusiasm since its opening.
Insights from the Manager
I caught up with Strawberry Fields Plymouth manager Skye Bourne, 25, who shared: "It's been really busy, the amount of local support and people travelling further afield to see the new Strawberry Fields has been outstanding. We're on a busy road, but we've made it a lot busier, and it's amazing to see how much support there's been."
When asked about standout items, Skye highlighted: "Our sausage rolls and pasties are really hard to beat, they're made at Lifton and driven down each morning. All our buns and breads are also baked overnight and brought down to us daily, so they are fresh every morning and they've been flying out the door."
Connection to Nature and Accessibility
The location is absolutely beautiful, backing straight onto Dartmoor. A gate from the garden area leads directly onto the moor, allowing for scenic walks. On a second visit, a companion and I walked as far as the Yelverton Roundabout area—roughly three miles in total. Visitors should note that dogs must be kept on a lead due to sheep, especially during lambing season, and the area is teeming with Dartmoor ponies, cattle, and rare ground-nesting birds.
Getting to Strawberry Fields in Roborough is a breeze, whether by car or bus from Plymouth, with plenty of parking available directly outside or in nearby moorland bays.
Background and Philosophy
This new Plymouth farm shop is an offshoot of the award-winning Lifton farm shop and restaurant, which also has branches in Buckfastleigh and Exeter. The original Lifton's Strawberry Fields sits on the Cornwall border, and this larger site regularly hosts events, such as the ongoing Tulip Fest until 19 April.
The Strawberry Fields website outlines its bakery and food philosophy: "With Lifton at the centre of everything we do, each morning begins with fresh preparation on site. From there, we deliver freshly baked goods and our much-loved homemade deli range straight to our shops in Buckfastleigh, Exeter and Dartmoor, ensuring every location offers the same exceptional taste and quality."
In summary, the new Strawberry Fields farm shop combines award-winning produce, a welcoming atmosphere, and stunning natural surroundings, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and countryside enthusiasts alike.
