VSF Travel: The Goods Shed, Canterbury

Like to travel?  I do.  VSF Travel is a series where I share my favorite finds from around the world.

The Goods Shed is a farmers market / cafe / restaurant in Canterbury, England.   Yes, I love markets.  They’re my first stop when I travel.  But with the increasing popularity of the local food movement, some “local” farmers markets aren’t so local.  

(Have you seen lemons or bananas in your local farmers market?  Are they “local”?  Not if you live in England.)

The Goods Shed is local, seasonal food at its best.  They have food that is picked fresh from the local fields that same day!  They also have a butcher, bottle shop, sundries area, cheeses, bread, preserves and the best part … a restaurant and cafe that use ingredients from the farm shop!

It’s so important to get in touch with the food that grows around you.

If you eat local, seasonal food, you’re more in touch with your immediate environment, you’re in tune with nature – and nature usually gives you what you need for that certain time of year.  This is why we get bitter greens in the spring (for cleansing!), and hearty, grounding root vegetables in the winter (to keep us warm).

I was inspired by the variety and quality of products at The Goods Shed – oh, if only it was closer so I could go every week!  Check out the jar of pickled crab apples with a handwritten label.  Or the huge assortment of British cheeses.

The Goods Shed also has a cafe and restaurant which uses the produce from the farm shop.  I had mid-morning coffee and later returned for dinner.  Homemade bread, sticky pork belly, seasonal vegetables and a nice wine list.  The perfect end to a day in Canterbury and exploring the seashore.

Have you been to The Goods Shed?  Or have another amazing farmers market / restaurant to recommend? Let us know in the comments!