From Field to Farm Shop: A Visit to Summerdown Farm
At Cobbs Farm Shops, we're passionate about championing exceptional local producers, so we were delighted to have the opportunity to visit Summerdown Farm and gain a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight into the craftsmanship that goes into growing their award-winning black Mitcham peppermint.
Tucked away in the foothills of the Hampshire Downs, the Summerdown Estate is a hidden gem enveloped by beautiful rolling countryside. It’s also the home of the world-renowned Summerdown collection of English peppermint chocolates, teas and treats.
Our day began with a warm welcome from the Summerdown team.
The tour began with a wonderful walk around Summerdown’s charming collection of Shepherd’s Huts, beautifully nestled within the peaceful Hampshire countryside. Designed as cosy retreats for two, these thoughtfully crafted huts offer guests the chance to escape the everyday, relax in nature, and experience a tranquil countryside stay surrounded by rolling landscapes and fresh country air.
We highly recommend booking one for a relaxing getaway.
We were then treated to a talk from ian!
Summerdown Estate spans 3,000 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside. Of this, 1,600 acres are dedicated to arable farming, 500 acres are protected natural woodland, and 70 acres are devoted to the cultivation of their signature Mitcham peppermint, which is grown and harvested on the estate.
Black Mitcham peppermint
Summerdown has been growing, harvesting and distilling their very own Black Mitcham peppermint for almost three decades, all from their regenerative family farm.
Thanks to the slow, sustainable way they farm, their Black Mitcham peppermint has a pure, invigorating taste and aroma – unlike anything you’ll have tried before! The smell as you approached the fields was absolutely stunning.
Summerdown currently produces an outstanding collection of peppermint products:
Including: Their signature Chocolates, Bath & Body products, Home Fragrances, Teas and oils.
Thankyou
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Ian and everyone at the Summerdown team for so warmly welcoming us and inviting us behind the scenes to discover how their delicious peppermint products are grown, crafted, and made.
It was a truly fascinating experience, and we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity. (A special thank you, too, for the generous chocolate tasting—we thoroughly enjoyed every bite!)