DINERS at a Somerset farm shop’s Italian Night in July will enjoy traditional dishes that help highlight the Farm Retail Association’s (FRA) ‘More Than Food’ campaign (June 2026).
The Rumwell Farm Shop’s themed event, which takes place from 6.30pm on Thursday, July 2, will combine Italian classics with farm‑to‑fork ingredients sourced as close to the Farm Shop as possible.
Sophie Mitchell, Partner at Rumwell Farm Shop, which is on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, says: “We’re members of FRA and are delighted to support its ongoing work encouraging people to shop locally, whenever possible, at farm shops, farmers’ markets and PYO businesses.
“Italian Night is the perfect way to showcase the quality of our own farm produce and the farmers we support locally. Using our own bacon and beef really brings the menu to life. Our event takes place in our bespoke Rumwell Orchard venue, offering a relaxed summer evening of great food and views across our apple orchard and rolling Somerset countryside.”
At the heart of the Italian Night menu are dishes made with the award-winning Farm Shop’s own produce, including spaghetti carbonara prepared with eggs from the Mitchell family farm and pork from its own pigs. There’s also a rich beef lasagne using beef reared on the farm, which is just four miles from the Shop.
Vegetarian, vegan and Gluten Free options are also available and guests are asked to advise on any dietary requirements when booking. Dairy‑free options are not available at this event.
Sophie adds: “Wherever possible, our ingredients are sourced locally, in Somerset and the Westcountry, supporting nearby farmers, growers and producers while keeping food miles down.”
This focus also reflects Rumwell Farm Shop’s support for the More Than Food campaign, which encourages people to buy from their nearest farm shop, farmers’ market and PYO business, while raising awareness of the wider benefits of shopping with farm retailers.
Sophie continues: “As FRA highlights, around 75p in every £1 spent at a farm retailer stays in the local economy – supporting jobs, livelihoods and rural landscapes.
“Farm retail businesses act as hubs – bringing people together, supporting local farmers and helping to keep the farming economy alive. They stock items that are in season, that haven’t travelled far and are at their very best. There’s real joy in taking home produce from a farm shop or farmers’ market. Plus, farm retailers, like us, help people connect with real food.
“We look forward to welcoming guests on July 2 for a truly ‘molto bene’ evening – celebrating Italian food, Somerset hospitality and the power of our local produce.”
The More Than Food campaign champions the freshness of farm‑to‑fork food and its benefits not only for health and wellbeing, but also for communities and the environment.
Tickets are £19.99 per person and include two courses. Advanced online booking is essential.
For more information, please call Rumwell Farm Shop on 01823 461599 or visit www.rumwellfarmshop.com.
