our history
For centuries watercress grew wild in the area’s streams and ditches. Entrepreneurial locals started to grow it commercially with the coming of the railway in 1865. Our cress beds here at Ladycroft were built by local farmer Mr. Curtis in about 1890 and have been carefully tended ever since.
West Lea started with an outside larder and an honesty box selling watercress only. Soups, scones, sausages and most importantly trout followed until the shop has grown over the years into what you see today.
Our watercress beds sustain a unique habitat for wildlife. With a little luck, you'll spot herons, egrets, kingfishers and our resident family of swans.
We are winners!
We are so excited to announce that we have recently been crowned Champion in the regional Countryside Alliance Awards in the South East of England, which was all down to our customers votes. Thank you so much to every single one of you who voted for us, we are so grateful.
We were invited to attend the grand final, which was held at the House of Lords in late June 2024 when the National winners were announced. We were so excited to be part of the event and were recognised for our hard work and efforts.
Take a look at our coverage in The Hampshire Chronicle: https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/24257491.alresford-farm-shop-wins-countryside-alliance-award/
we were on the RADIO!
BBC RADIO SOLENT
Natasha Dochniak, of Hampshire Fare, invited me to join her on BBC Radio Solent in May 2024 to talk about the huge amount of benefits of watercress, and its versatility in food, and to promote the Annual Watercress Festival in in May in Alresford.
It was my first time on air, quite a scary moment!
we were on the tv!
james martin’s saturday Morning
We had a bit of excitement at the shop in the summer of 2023. I was interviewed by celebrity chef James Martin on his ITV weekend show, James Martin’s Saturday Morning. I was thrilled to be asked to appear but it’s fair to say I was feeling pretty nervous on the day, James put me at ease straight away and it was such fun to talk about our fantastic watercress, give our lovely shop a bit of a mention and celebrate what’s so special about Alresford in general. James is well known for supporting small and local businesses whether they are in Hampshire or across the country - I felt he was genuinely interested in what I am trying to do with the shop and our watercress.
