A brief history of the Farm Shop

Southbourne Farm Shop was established by Chris Bulbeck in June 1982, initially only selling a small selection of locally grown vegetables. Over the years it has grown and increased its range, and now has more than fifty suppliers of quality produce, including fruit, vegetables, meat, cakes, chutneys, preserves and much more.

The Bulbeck family have been farmers in the Southbourne area since 1910, when Alfred Bulbeck (Chris’ grandfather) had a herd of milking cows in the village. The milk from the cows was delivered by horse-drawn cart three times a day to the residents of Southbourne, who would leave an empty jug on their doorsteps to be filled.

Alfred Bulbeck had four sons, who all had farms in the Southbourne area from 1940 onwards. The farms produced vegetables, pork, eggs, and milk. Chris continued the farming tradition of the family, when he established Southbourne Farm Shop in 1982.

In October 2006, nearly 25 years after the shop first opened its doors, Southbourne Farm Shop launched its own website. The shop continues to grow, and we are still a friendly, family-run business, which shall continue to provide quality fresh produce for years to come.
We are hoping to add a more detailed history of the Farm Shop soon!