Love Local: The Bakery That Started on the Farm
The rise of our partnership with Chalk Hills Bakery.
At Priory Farm, we believe the best food begins with people who genuinely care about what they do. That’s why supporting local producers has always been at the heart of our Farm Shop, and why we’re so proud to have worked alongside Chalk Hills Bakery since the very beginning.
Today, Chalk Hills is one of Surrey’s most respected artisan bakeries, renowned for its naturally fermented sourdough, handcrafted loaves and commitment to traditional baking. But before the queues outside their Reigate cafe and their loyal following across the county, did you know their story began here on the Estate?
Where it all began
Back in 2009, our Old Tractor Shed became available, having been used as a production kitchen for the Farm Shop for nearly 20 years. At the same time, Chris and Rosie were searching for somewhere to turn their vision into reality. Having worked in hotels and restaurants both in the UK and overseas, they shared a simple belief: that exceptional bread doesn’t need unnecessary ingredients or shortcuts – just quality flour, water, salt, time and a great deal of care.
The Old Tractor Shed proved to be the perfect place to begin.
On a snowy November morning, the ovens were fired up for the very first time, marking the beginning of Chalk Hills Bakery. From those first loaves baked here at Priory Farm, we’ve had the pleasure of watching the business grow into an award-winning bakery that has become a staple for homes, cafés and restaurants across Surrey.
More than just neighbours
When Chalk Hills moved into the Old Tractor Shed, several members of our own bakery team joined Chris and Rosie’s new venture. Among them was Jo Mighall, whose experience and knowledge helped establish the bakery in those formative years. Jo also carried with her recipes that had been enjoyed by Priory Farm customers for decades, many originally created by Wendy Shinner, our founder’s wife. It’s a wonderful example of how local heritage can be preserved while giving a new independent business the opportunity to flourish.
From the Farm to further afield
As word spread and demand for their bread grew, Chalk Hills soon outgrew its original home on the Estate, moving production to larger premises in Horley while opening its much-loved bakery and café in Reigate. Although they’ve long since outgrown the Old Tractor Shed, we’re delighted that their journey began here on the farm.
We were among their very first customers, while our established reputation helped introduce them to wholesale clients who would become long-standing partners in their own right. Watching their business evolve from a small bakery on the Estate into one of Surrey’s most respected artisan bakeries has been a privilege.
A passion you can taste
Despite their success, the philosophy behind every loaf remains refreshingly simple. Chalk Hills still believes that the secret to exceptional bread is “time and a little bit of patience.” Their dough is slowly fermented to develop flavour naturally before each loaf is hand-shaped and baked using traditional methods. Rather than chasing trends, they’ve remained committed to honest ingredients, skilled craftsmanship and doing things properly – values that resonate deeply with us here at Priory Farm.
Built on resilience and community
Here's to many more loaves
Strong partnerships create thriving communities, protect traditional skills and give customers the opportunity to enjoy food with real provenance and character. That’s why we’re passionate about working with producers who care as much about quality as they do about the people they serve.
More than fifteen years after those first loaves came out of the ovens in the Old Tractor Shed, Chalk Hills Bakery continues to supply our Farm Shop with the same handcrafted bread that first won us over. Every loaf is a reminder of where the journey began and of what can happen when local businesses are given the opportunity to grow together.
We’re incredibly proud to have been part of the Chalk Hills story from the very beginning, and even prouder that they’re still an important part of ours today.
Explore our Farm Shop
Our Farm Shop takes pride of place, regularly voted among the best in Surrey. Packed with all the essentials, including the freshest seasonal selection of fruit and vegetables, a wide range of meat in our friendly butchery, delectable cheeses, baked goods and deli treats.