Stocked in their delightful farm shop, Northern Pasta recently caught up with Tara and Sarah from the Hawarden team to explore what makes this destination so special. From their charming accommodations to the stunning natural surroundings, join us as we learn more about the magic of Hawarden Estate.
What is it you look for when sourcing products to sell at Hawarden estate farm shop?
We are constantly on the lookout for new and exciting products, products with provenance, products that look great, taste great, products that are great for the environment. There are so many amazing products out there that this honestly is one of the best parts of the job. I love it!
We put a lot of effort into finding products that aren’t readily available elsewhere, and there’s a few reasons for that. We make it our aim to find product that will delight our guests, so we want to show them something different. Also, there is really no point us trying to compete with the supermarkets, for so many reasons. Supermarkets are so good these days, it’s a completely different ballgame to when we opened the farm shop 18 years ago. We will always highlight produce that is local to us, but we’re not afraid to bring something from that little further away if it’s something we truly believe in and want to share it with our guests.
We often think of our food and drink range being gifted so we choose products that will bring people joy. Whether it’s a gift for someone else or a gift for yourself, foodie gifts are the best kind of gifts, right?
Most of all we aim to stock products that we really believe in. We always say that a product isn’t suitable on our shelves if it’s not something that we would want to serve our own friends or family for dinner at home.
Our pasta is perfect for cooking outdoors, what would you suggest people pair with it from the shop?
So many options!! Ok so we always always have a nice selection of really good olive oil in stock, my go-to would be Two Fields Olive Oil, that and some Halen Môn sea salt are essentials in this case. I absolutely love the range from Isle of Wight tomatoes (aka the juiciest most delicious tomatoes around), the smoky pesto would be great especially as we’re cooking outdoors.
Good quality, simple ingredients that let the pasta sing!
Oh and always, always, a chunk of focaccia from our bakery. You can’t beat it.
Hawarden has such a unique style, where does this inspiration come from?
Our style is totally authentic to us. We do everything ourselves from the paint colours, to the vintage furniture, and the art. We really take pride in our creativity and we really therefore get inspiration from absolutely everywhere. We've always loved antique and vintage fairs, and I think this is really where most of the inspiration starts.
What's your favourite pasta dish?
I'm absolutely addicted to pasta alla vodka at the moment. It's so simple, so delicious and so moreish! My husband is so good at making it, and we recently had it with the NPCo Radiatori - it was perfection!
Favourite products stocked in the farm shop?
Is it too cheesey to say Northern Pasta Co?! Ha! But other than that, really anything from our bakery. I honestly struggle to go a day in Hawarden without a vegan cookie - they are just die for. I'm also really loving the Harry's nut butter at the moment - it's becoming a firm favourite.
Why should people come to Hawarden?
Well, where to begin! Seriously! There is so much going on here, especially throughout Spring and Summer. A campsite, a farm shop, a pub, amazing accommodation, foraging classes, wellness classes, and craft classes, mini festivals and other events of all shapes and sizes. Our aim is to really open the Estate up - to create something fun, interesting and inclusive for everyone, and to be a bit different from others like us. Our creativity and passion - I hope - are really what set us apart and we really want to create something special for people that come here. We strike a balance between being secluded, but easy to reach. People can easily get here, and can have a really relaxing and different escape by doing so.
Explore more about Hawarden here: https://www.instagram.com/hawardenestateholidays/
