Johnsons of Old Hurst
It’s difficult to know where to start when describing this family farm enterprise established in 1899. Johnsons of Old Hurst is so diverse – from steakhouse to delicatessen – and much more besides!
The heart of the business is the farm, which provides 80% of the meat sold in the butchery using traditional methods of livestock farming.
Johnsons’ butchery has one of the largest meat counters in the country, while its bakery produces pasties, pies, potted meats and homemade meals. There is also a large delicatessen, a cheese counter stocked with more than 50 varieties, and a selection of locally grown fruit and vegetables.
A tearoom serves cakes and scones from the bakery, and a steak restaurant offers wonderful 28-day aged steaks and more.
If all this wasn’t enough, Johnsons also keeps Nile crocodiles. Primarily used for butchery-waste disposal, they operate over 90% efficiency, meaning the farm and shop can run a more sustainable, environmentally friendly business, while also helping to conserve these endangered animals.
Johnsons offers a complete shopping and eating experience, underpinned by its superb farming operation.
By Philip Seaman, editor at large
Photos: Johnsons
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