Myatts of Mockbeggar Farm Shop
A welcoming farm shop just beyond Medway's main towns, offering seasonal fruit, local produce, artisan food and a peaceful place to pause in the Kent countryside.
Hot summer days almost demand a drive down winding country lanes. Some are taken simply to rest your eyes on far-reaching fields of wheat, apple orchards stretching into the distance and the occasional flock of sheep or cattle sheltering beneath the shade of old lonely trees. With windows down and a warm breeze drifting through the car, there is no urgency. Other drives have a different purpose, usually ending with a basket in hand and something delicious to take home.
We're fortunate in Medway to have several excellent farm shops within easy reach. Austen's Farm Shop on Rochester High Street is perfect for picking up seasonal produce when visiting the high street, but there is a different pleasure in leaving the main streets behind for a gentle drive through the open countryside.
Just beyond Cliffe Woods sits Myatts of Mockbeggar Farm Shop, part of the long-established Mockbeggar Farm. The Mockbeggar name has been associated with this corner of the Hoo Peninsula over the centuries, reflecting the area's deep agricultural roots. Open for just over a year, the farm shop is now run by Alex and Hannah, showcasing locally grown produce alongside food and drink from across Kent.
Outside colourful flowers and plants, for purchase, line the entrance. Inside, the shelves are thoughtfully stocked with far more than fruit and vegetables. Here you will find seasonal produce, artisan breads, locally made jams and preserves, Kent apple juice, Silverhand Estate wines, Dockyard Gin from Chatham, quality meats, fresh eggs that are impressively large, dried pasta, sweet treats and an excellent selection of frozen pastries ready to bake at home. It's the sort of place where browsing is encouraged and you'll often discover something unexpected tucked on one of the many shelves.
During the summer months, the farm's own soft and stone fruits are certainly a highlight. Strawberries, raspberries, peaches and plums travel only a short distance from the field to the shop. Of course, the freshness of the fruit is immediately noticeable. Grabbing a punnet or three is one of the simple pleasures. Reminding you just how good seasonal produce can taste when it hasn't travelled hundreds of miles.
Towards the rear of the shop is a small seating nook where visitors can settle with a freshly brewed tea or coffee and a generous slice of cake. Whether you're escaping the midday heat or warming up after a winter walk across the Hoo Peninsula, it's an inviting place to pause for a while.
Despite sharing its site with a handful of independent businesses, including a dog groomer and a Japanese vehicle specialist, the farm shop still retains a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. There is plenty of parking, welcoming staff and a steady flow of regulars exchanging conversation as they browse.
Places like Myatts of Mockbeggar Farm Shop are quietly special. They celebrate Kent's farming heritage, support local producers and offer something increasingly rare: a slower, more personal way to shop. Long may they remain part of the local community.
