Exe Valley Farmshop & The Ruby Red Cafe

The May family have farmed at Netherexe since 1975, and at Raddon up the road since 1919, which is the sort of continuity that tends to show in the produce. The land sits five miles north of Exeter with four miles of Exe river bank, lush meadows giving summer grazing to a herd of Devon cattle and home bred Dorset sheep. The shop itself stands between Thorverton and Silverton, just off the A396.

Home grown beef, lamb and potatoes are the backbone, alongside West Country food and drink, natural products, traditional crafts and gifts, and a range of animal feeds. Wheat, barley and oats grown on the farm go to the beef youngstock, so the loop closes on site. A building extension has added a cafe with kitchen and servery, a fresh meat counter and more shop space. Orders can be placed online or by phone for collection.