the best of autumn harvest
The Best of the Season
Autumn is one of the most abundant times of year at Cobbs. British apples are crisp and juicy, pumpkins and squash fill our farm shops, and the first cooler days call for proper potatoes, root vegetables, local chutneys and comforting suppers. As game season gathers pace, there is even more to discover at our butchery counters too.
What’s in Season?
September and October bring some of the very best British produce of the year. Availability will naturally change as crops come in, but here are a few things to look out for in our farm shops:
British apples: We’re proud to stock apples grown in Kent, including varieties such as Lord Lambourne, James Grieve, Paxton’s Fortune and Worcester. Crisp, juicy and full of flavour, they’re brilliant in lunchboxes, crumbles and everything in between.
Hampshire potatoes: Our Wilja potatoes are grown for us by Alan in Hook, Hampshire. They’re a useful all-rounder and ideal for boiling, mashing or roasting. Keep an eye out for his carrots and cauliflowers too.
Pumpkins and squash: From familiar carving pumpkins to colourful edible squash, these are made for soups, curries, traybakes, risottos and hearty autumn sides.
Roots and brassicas: Look out for British carrots, parsnips, beetroot, celeriac, cauliflower, savoy cabbage and other changing seasonal favourites.
Pears and plums: When available, these autumn fruits are delicious eaten as they are, baked into puddings or paired with cheese.
Local chutneys and preserves: A simple way to make the most of the harvest long after the fresh season has passed - and very good with a cheeseboard.
why eat the seasons?
Eating with the seasons is a lovely way to bring more variety into our diets. Fruit and vegetables provide fibre, vitamins and minerals, and choosing different produce as the year changes can encourage us to eat a broader mix. Seasonal produce is also usually harvested when it is at its best, which means brilliant flavour and quality.
Buying British produce in season helps support our growers too. It keeps us connected to what is being grown closer to home and gives us a real appreciation for the work behind every crop.
In short: it tastes good, does us good and supports the people who grow it.
British Squash Season – Such a Gourd One!
Squash comes in all shapes, colours and sizes, and each variety brings something a little different to the kitchen. Here are a few of our favourites that you may find in our farm shops this autumn:
Delicata: Cream-coloured with green stripes, Delicata has tender, sweet flesh a little like sweet potato. Its thin skin is edible, so there’s no need to peel it before roasting.
Sweet Dumpling: Small, sweet and perfect for one or two people. Roast it in wedges or stuff it for an easy, nutritious autumn supper.
Carnival: Its vivid colours make it a real centrepiece. The flesh is sweet and buttery and works well roasted, steamed or grilled.
Crown Prince: Quite literally royalty in the squash world—in our opinion! Its blue-green skin hides dense, bright orange flesh with a rich, sweet flavour. Excellent roasted or blended into a warming soup.
Pumpkins are part of the squash family, while ‘gourd’ is a broader term often used for the decorative varieties. The important bit? If you plan to cook it, make sure you choose an edible variety and ask our team if you’re unsure.
Seasonal availability varies, so please pop in or call your local farm shop if you’re looking for something specific.
Producer Spotlight: Rectory Farm
Our pumpkins are grown for us by Rectory Farm, a family-run farm in Oxfordshire. We place our order at the beginning of the year, and the team dedicates part of its crop especially to Cobbs - including the pumpkins used at our Hungerford and Stratford picking events.
That relationship matters to us.
Choosing British-grown pumpkins helps support the farmers, planning and hard work behind the crop, rather than treating pumpkins as a throwaway Halloween decoration. They’re grown to be picked, carved, cooked and enjoyed, so please don’t forget that pumpkins are food too!
game season is here
As autumn continues, look out for a changing selection of British game at our butchery counters, including venison, partridge and wood pigeon.
Game is lean, full of flavour and a brilliant choice for warming autumn pies, stews, roasts and burgers.
If you haven’t tried it before, our butchers will be happy to recommend a cut and explain how to cook it. We’ll also have selected game products in our 3 for £15 range, making it easier to try something new.
Availability varies throughout the season, so please call your local butchery if you’re looking for something specific.
Upcoming events…
macmillan coffee morning
Friday 25th September | From 9am
Join us in our farm shops from 9am for homemade cakes and sweet treats, all in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. Last year we raised an incredible £1,041, and we’d love your help to make this year another brilliant one. Our cake stands will be open until the cakes sell out!
cobbs pumpkin patch!
Open from Friday 23rd October | 10am–3pm
Our pop-up pumpkin patch is back at Cobbs, Hungerford and Cobbs, Stratford from Friday 23rd October, open daily from 10am to 3pm while stocks last. No booking is required. Find out more by clicking the links below:
autumn Makers Market - Stratford
Saturday 24th October | 10am–3pm
Discover local makers, artisan food, gifts and plenty of autumn inspiration alongside your pumpkin visit at Cobbs, Stratford this October Half Term.
Free to attend. No booking required.
sausage making workshops
Wednesday 28th October | 6pm | £55 per person
Roll up your sleeves and learn a traditional skill at our popular sausage making workshops. Guided by our expert butchers, you’ll create your own sausages from scratch and take home your finished products - a hands-on experience perfect for food lovers.