A NEW farm shop and cafe is set to open its doors in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ebrington.

Vegetable Matters, opening on Wednesday, July 12, will offer fresh seasonal vegetables harvested daily and grown in the village by the Drinkwater family, on owned and rented land in the Cotswold hills.

The Drinkwater family has supplied the people of Ebrington and the surrounding villages with vegetables and potatoes for many years and as the wholesale business has grown, so have the health and safety concerns of serving the public from the existing Washbrook farm site.

Now, Peter and Amanda Drinkwater have decided to build a purpose built shop, offering a safe and purpose built environment, with ample parking, where people can come and buy vegetables grown by the Drinkwaters.

"Our father started vegetable growing in the late 1940s in Ebrington and as we all left school we naturally joined the business, so that is all we have ever done," said Peter Drinkwater.

"We are passionate about local seasonal vegetables with minimal food miles.

"This new location allows us to supply local milk, local honey, jams and pickles produced in the village, plus home grown English flowers and artisan bread baked on the premises. A vegetable box delivery scheme will also be available.

"We have planned other things of interest and we are keen to engage with local schools to offer educational information on growing local and seasonal produce."

The on-site cafe at the farm shop will offer a range of freshly-cooked light lunches, afternoon cream teas, snacks and barista coffee – all freshly made on the premises.

The cafe will also welcome dog walkers, cyclists, horse riders with options for indoor and outdoor seating.

The farm shop is holding an open evening on Tuesday, July 11, when Peter and Amanda Drinkwater will show visitors round the farm shop, preview example vegetable boxes and be serving drinks and nibbles.

"It's a chance to see the new farm shop and cafe before opening day, so we look forward to welcoming lots of villagers and locals to show them what we are offering," said Mrs Drinkwater.