A warm welcome to The Garlic Farm
We’ve been growing Garlic on the Isle of Wight ever since Granny planted the first garlic crop in her kitchen garden in 1972. The success of those first bulbs sowed the seed for The Garlic Farm as it is today. Her son Colin has since travelled the world seeking out the history and origins of garlic while his wife Jenny experimented in the farmhouse kitchen with different garlic pickles and chutneys. We now offer an ever-expanding range of garlic inspired products from garlic chutney to beer and ice cream. Set in a beautiful location, people now come from far and wide to learn about garlic, taste the many garlicky treats and enjoy the experience of the farm and its surroundings.
We also specialise in growing and selling rare and unique varieties of garlic, many of which Colin has found on his travels to Eastern Europe and beyond. For the amateur and professional gardener alike there is something very satisfying about growing your own bulbs and in recent years this offering has become an integral part of our business.
Although the Island is particularly well suited to growing garlic with its’ high light intensity and well balanced chalky soil, people have been growing garlic successfully across the British Isles using the same varieties we have nurtured here on the Island.
Colin and Jenny’s daughter Natasha has written two fantastic books on cooking with garlic and how to get the most of its’ amazing health benefits. Other daughter and son Josephine and Hugo run the Garlic Farm Field Kitchen at events, shows and music festivals offering delicious garlic inspired grub to hungry festival-goers.
Holidays on The Garlic Farm
The Garlic Farm has six beautifully converted holiday cottages sleeping between two and ten people located in the immediate area around the Garlic Farm. They consist of an attractive Island farmhouse and barns around the farmyard, all built from local stone. A tennis court and football pitch are also available exclusively for our guests.
Bookings can be made online but please do not hesitate to call or email if you have any queries or would like more information about the farm or the properties.
The Restaurant
The Garlic Farm restaurant was built in 2009 using Macro Carpa pine that was planted around the farm by Colin and his father twenty years ago. The natural wood and the log fire create a wonderfully cosy atmosphere whilst the open patio to the rear with views across the valley provide an idyllic dining experience during Summer months.
Renowned Island Chef Charlie Bartlett and his team create exceptional gourmet dishes often but not always with a good hint of garlic. Wherever possible ingredients are sourced locally. Often we are proud to be able to serve our own Garlic Farm reared highland beef in the restaurant. The cattle can be seen enjoying the open pastures around the farm.
It also a great spot for nature watching and it is not uncommon to see a family of red squirrels darting back and forth collecting nuts and of course the chickens, peacocks, guinea fowl, doves and Eric the dog usually like to make an appearance too.
The Farm Shop
The Garlic Farm’s renowned shop and restaurant make for a unique and memorable visit. Learn about the history and origins of the farm in the Heritage Centre. Taste the amazing range of garlic inspired products in the Taste Experience and enjoy exceptional gourmet food in our restaurant before picking up a few garlic goodies from our farm shop.
The Garlic Festival
Attended by 25,000 people each year, it has been an astounding success largely due to its curious mixture of late sixties pop festival ambience, country fair and garlic cuisine coupled with plenty of entertainment for children and adults.
