The 375-acre farm has gone from strength to strength since it was bought by the Beare family in 1937 and won the Grower Retailer Of the Year award in 1999 . The cosy and rustically decorated shop was converted in 1992 from a disused milking parlour and grew so popular that the tractor bays were turned into extra shop space last year. The move paid off ­ sales rose 40%. Fresh produce is bought from the Borough market and New Covent Garden makes deliveries. Much of the groceries, such as chutneys and jams, are from local suppliers and, failing that, they're usually British. Tulleys prides itself on being one of the few stores which stocks exclusively British drink ­ and many local suppliers now approach it in a bid to get their products listed. "There are only a few things that aren't British," says shop manager Paul Phillpot. Some fresh produce is sourced locally, such as potatoes, asparagus and soft fruit, which is also available in the farm's pick your own fields during the summer. "We've cut the PYO crops by half in the last few years. People used to come, stock up and store things in their freezer, but now they usually come just for fun," he adds. Unlike your average farm store, Tulleys stocks frozen ready meals made by local producers, but Phillpot says he doesn't want to undermine the range by expanding it too much. One initiative is frozen, prepared fruit and vegetables, including mixes such as Caribbean and Chinese stir-fry, which are scooped "pick and mix" style by shoppers. Bowls of fresh olives and marinated vegetables are also a winner. Surprisingly, organic foods haven't worked out. "We don't have much organic as it didn't go down well when we tried it. I think people believe the general quality to be really good anyway." Tulleys is open all year and seasonal events help keep the tills ringing through the seasons, even in February. An unusual maize maze is open for eight weeks each summer, half a mile away, and an adjoining 18th century barn is turned into a creepy cottage, complete with fields of pumpkins every Hallowe'en. There's an annual Easter egg and bunny hunt and at Christmas the barn becomes Santa's Grotto while fresh free range turkeys are bought into the shop. Kids can also enjoy tractor rides and play games in the nearby field. Tastings in the shop on Sundays in spring and summer, in conjunction with local suppliers, also keeps interest fresh. Visitors might come from around the country to see the maze, but there's also a regular local clientele, about three-quarters of whom come on almost a daily basis. Foot and mouth affected the store for a few weeks earlier this year, when sales were down 15%, but it set to work publicising the business and tempted back customers. Owner Stuart Beare says that although most people might shop at Tesco, customers buy perishables at Tulleys. "They like the atmosphere here ­ it's entertaining." And he reckons pricing is within 10% of the major supermarkets, either above or below. He would like to open another shop, but says finding good staff could be a problem. So another extension could be on the cards. "We're doing so well that I haven't ruled it out." {{SPOTLIGHT }}