Tatchbury Manor Farm

Producer: Tatchbury Manor Farm, Hampshire
Product: Traditional Pork Pie
Region: London and the South East
Regional: From the field, artisan
 
What they do:
The Hunt family have been working Tatchbury Manor Farm in Winsor for four generations. In recent years, in an effort to work the remaining land the family haven’t sold in order to keep their business going, they branched out into butchery: producing hand-raised pork pies made from their home-reared pork, and bacon smoked to a secret recipe using sawdust from local New Forest wood.
Their pigs spend their whole lives outside and, come autumn, can roam into the New Forest itself, under an ancient act that allows Commoners the right to turn out pigs on the forest at a time dictated by its governing body, the Verderers. There they enjoy the beech mast, chestnuts and acorns that give Hampshire pork their unique flavour.
Today, Tatchbury Manor Farm has its own farm shop, and the Hunts, committed to educating their customers and the community on provenance and traceability, host field trips for inner-city children to visit, learn about the farm, and eat.
What the judges said:
The judges admired the Hunts’ initiative in a difficult climate, and their respect for the traditional farming practices, produce and people of their Hampshire community. They were impressed by the high standards of animal welfare, and felt it was reflected in the pies’ taste. 

Visit the website: Tatchbury Manor Farm