Just off the A47 in Honingham, around ten miles west of Norwich, sits a farm shop that has quietly grown into one of Norfolk’s most loved rural destinations. The Goat Shed Farm Shop & Kitchen is more than a place to buy local produce. It is a story of resilience, creativity and community spirit, built from the ground up by husband and wife team Sam and Caroline Steggles.
What began in 2020 as a simple honesty box outside a garden shed, set up during the uncertainty of the pandemic, has evolved into an award-winning farm shop, restaurant and family destination. At its heart remains the same philosophy that started it all, supporting local producers and keeping food connected to its origins.
The Steggles’ journey into cheesemaking predates the farm shop itself. Since 2009, they have been producing artisan goat’s cheese under Fielding Cottage, now widely recognised for its quality across Norfolk and beyond. Their signature cheeses, including Norfolk Mardler and Wensum White, have become staples on deli counters and restaurant menus, cementing the family’s reputation as serious artisan producers as well as passionate local advocates.
Today, The Goat Shed is a sprawling countryside hub that blends retail, dining and entertainment. The farm shop is the first stop for many visitors, offering a carefully curated selection of Norfolk produce. Shelves are lined with seasonal vegetables, local preserves, craft drinks, honey, baked goods and specialist goat milk skincare. A traditional butchery, in-house bakery and artisan deli counter give the space the feel of a modern food hall rooted firmly in farming heritage.
But it is not just about shopping. The Goat Shed Kitchen has become a destination in its own right. Open daily for breakfast, brunch and lunch, it serves dishes built around local sourcing and seasonal ingredients. The signature G.O.A.T. Breakfast has become something of a calling card, featuring ingredients from East Anglian farms and meat prepared through the farm’s own butchery. Sundays draw crowds for traditional roasts, while weekday visits often offer a more relaxed, spontaneous experience thanks to the walk-in policy.
Beyond food and shopping, The Goat Shed has embraced its role as a rural experience for all ages. Visitors are welcomed into open paddocks where friendly goats roam freely, offering an accessible way for families to connect with farm life. Seasonal events add further variety, from summer maize mazes with puzzle trails and go-karts to workshops that include cheese-making, sausage-making and even the increasingly popular goat yoga sessions.
At the end of each month, the farm hosts an independent market showcasing Norfolk makers and small businesses. It has become a platform for creatives, artisans and food producers to reach new audiences, reinforcing the site’s wider mission of supporting local enterprise.
Despite its growth, The Goat Shed retains a strong sense of intimacy and community. Free parking, accessible facilities and a relaxed approach to visiting help it feel welcoming rather than commercialised. Even as it has expanded into a full destination venue with a kitchen, shop and events programme, it has not lost sight of its origins as a simple farm-based idea designed to help and connect people.
For Sam and Caroline, the journey is still evolving. What started with a few goats, a shed and a willingness to experiment has become a thriving rural business that now attracts visitors from across the region. Yet the ethos remains unchanged: local food, honest production and a deep connection to Norfolk’s farming landscape.
The Goat Shed is, at its core, a reminder that great things often begin small. In this case, with a shed, a few goats, and a community that was ready to support something built close to home.
Location: Colton Rd, Honingham, Norwich NR9 5DJ
Website: https://goat-shed.co.uk/