Oakfield Farm Shop is a small family-run shop in Stanley Common. The restaurant was completed during the winter of 2018. We sell a wide range of fruits and vegetables, dairy products and have a well-stocked butchery and deli counter!
I’d heard so much about Oakfield Farm Shop—the quality of their produce, the ever-popular café, and the lively events they host throughout the year—that when spring finally arrived, it felt like the perfect excuse to pay a visit. With barbecue season just beginning, I decided to see for myself what all the fuss was about and pick up everything needed for our first grill of the year.
From the moment I arrived, it was clear this wasn’t just an ordinary farm shop. There was a real sense of atmosphere—busy but welcoming, with people browsing, chatting, and clearly enjoying the experience. It felt like a place that had built its reputation not just on great products, but on bringing people together.
Inside, the selection was impressive. Fresh, locally sourced produce sat alongside a tempting range of meats, all prepared with obvious care and attention. It didn’t take long to see why so many people recommend it—the quality speaks for itself. Knowing this would be the centrepiece of our first barbecue of the year made the choice even more exciting.
The café, too, was hard to ignore. Full of life and the smell of freshly made food, it added to the sense that Oakfield Farm Shop is as much a destination as it is a place to shop. And with their regular live events, it’s easy to see how it has become such a well-loved spot in the local area.
At the centre of it all are Andrew and Karen, the husband-and-wife team whose warmth and dedication have shaped it into the place people know and love today.
Leaving with bags full of barbecue essentials, there was a real sense of anticipation. This wasn’t just about trying new products—it was about starting the season properly, with food that had clearly been produced with care.
Fire & Flavour: A Backyard Feast with Oakfield Farm Meats
There’s something deeply satisfying about a barbecue done right—the crackle of flames, the smoky aroma drifting through the air, and the promise of bold, unapologetic flavour. Using a selection of meats from Oakfield Farm in Derbyshire, this particular grill session delivered a spread that was nothing short of exceptional: barbecue wings, juicy burgers, Moroccan lamb koftas, chicken kebabs, minted lamb steaks, and Chinese-style chicken—all vying for attention, and all deserving of it.
Barbecue Wings: Sticky, Smoky Perfection
The wings set the tone for the entire feast. Coated in a rich barbecue glaze, they caramelised beautifully over the grill, creating that ideal balance between crisp skin and tender meat. Each bite carried a smoky sweetness, with just enough char to keep things interesting. Messy? Absolutely. Worth it? Without question.
Burgers: The Benchmark of Quality
A good burger reveals the quality of its source, and these did not disappoint. Thick, hand-formed patties held their shape on the grill while staying wonderfully juicy inside. The flavour was clean and beefy—no need for excessive seasoning—proving that well-reared meat speaks for itself. Nestled in a soft bun, they were simple, satisfying, and quietly outstanding.
Moroccan Lamb Koftas: A Spiced Highlight
The koftas brought a welcome burst of warmth and complexity. Fragrant with spices—think cumin, coriander, and a hint of paprika—they offered a slightly crisp exterior with a succulent, aromatic centre. These were the most adventurous item on the grill, and easily one of the most memorable.
Chicken Kebabs: Bright and Balanced
Colourful and inviting, the chicken kebabs delivered on both texture and taste. The marinade had clearly done its work, infusing the meat with flavour while keeping it tender and juicy. Light charring added depth without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken—a delicate balance, well executed.
Minted Lamb Steaks: Freshness Meets Fire
Mint and lamb is a classic pairing, and here it shone. The minted lamb steaks carried a fresh, herbaceous note that lifted the richness of the meat. Cooked to a perfect blush, they were tender, flavourful, and perhaps the most “traditional” offering of the day—comforting in the best possible way.
Chinese-Style Chicken: Sweet, Savoury, Addictive
Rounding out the spread, the Chinese-style chicken brought a glossy, sticky finish to the grill. A harmonious mix of sweet and savoury, with hints of soy and garlic, it developed a beautifully lacquered exterior over the heat. This was the crowd-pleaser—easy to love and even easier to go back for seconds.
The Verdict
What stood out most wasn’t just the variety, but the consistency. Each item showcased the same underlying quality: well-sourced, expertly prepared meat that responds beautifully to the grill. Oakfield Farm’s selection proved that when the fundamentals are right, great cooking becomes almost effortless.
This wasn’t just a barbecue—it was a celebration of flavour, craftsmanship, and the simple pleasure of cooking over fire. And if this spread is anything to go by, Oakfield Farm has firmly earned its place at the centre of any serious grill.
Give them a follow on their facebook page.
They also have lots of live music and events including a Sausage & Cider Festival.
