From deserted beaches to headlands with sweeping views, Scilly has no shortage of wonderful picnic places- and how much better if all your food is local? Whether you’re visiting the islands for a day trip or longer break, you simply must sample the islands local produce. We’ve pulled together a hampers feast from the islands independent producers for your enjoyment.
- Bread and pasties- The Island Baker, St Martin’s. Hand-made by Barney McLachlan in a former lobster potting shed. Barney uses the best, organic flour and introduces a guest bread every week. His freshly-made pasties are well-known on the islands; the spiced vegetable option is especially popular.
- Island Fish Ltd, Bryher. From a shop on Bryher, weekly stalls on New Grimsby and St Mary’s quays, or at the local produce market- the crab, lobster and wet fish are as fresh as could be.
- Scilly raised duck legs, Salakee Farm, St Mary’s. Salakee ducks have had a happy life, with plenty of spaces to waddle in small groups (you might see the farm as Skybus comes into land).
- St Martin’s Rose wine, St Martin’s Vineyard, St Martin’s. A dry Rose with subtle berry flavours- perfect for a sunny day- made by the Thomas family since 1996 on a former flower bulb farm.
- Jam and apple juice, Carn Friars Farm, St Mary’s. You’ll find Ang’s selection of fruits and jams- as well as apple juice from her 300-strong orchard- on an honesty stall towards the Eastern end of St Mary’s. What could be better than buying direct from the farm itself?
- Fudge, Veronica Farm, Bryher. All the milk, cream and butter used by this small family business comes from cows at Troytown Farm on St Agnes. You’ll find this famous, crumbly fudge on a stall by the farm gate, and at Vine Cafe, Hell Bay and the Island shop on Bryher, as well as in other outlets across the islands.
- Chocolate spoons, The Very Scilly Chocolate company, St Mary’s. For an extra treat- you’re on holiday after all- try these fun chocolate spoons. They’re handmade on St Mary’s by local chocolatier Abbigail Hutchins.
- Scillonian Tattie cake, Bryher Stores, Bryher. This traditional potato-based cake was the staple food in Scilly’s historic flower field. The original recipe, which gives a deliciously moist texture, is a closely-guarded secret so the cake is exclusive to Bryher’s island shop.
Make the most of the fresh island produce as this September the islands come alive for a month-long festival celebrating the finest food and drink.
Book your dream escape today, you can reach the Isles of Scilly by flying with Skybus from Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter Airport, prices start at £70* with a flying time of 20 minutes. Or sail on the Scillonian III passenger ferry from Penzance harbour, the crossing takes 3 hours and is a wonderful introduction to your Scilly holiday. Sail up the Cornish coastline taking in iconic landmarks before crossing out towards the islands, Prices start from £45pp.
*Limited seats at the from price.
