From traditional village butchers to urban chocolatiers, Rhiannon Batten offers the experts’ guide to where to find the finest meats, freshest fruit and sweetest pastries

This week’s panel

Philip Lowery is founder of the Real Food Festival (www.realfoodfestival.co.uk );

Nicola Whiteford is editor of ‘Great British Food’ (www.greatbritishfoodmagazine.com );

Helen Hokin is editor of www.foodtripper.com;

Gina Schauffer is editor of www.channel4.com/food;

Lulu Grimes is food director of ‘olive’ magazine (www.olivemagazine.co.uk ) and ‘Good Food’ magazine (www.bbcgoodfood.com )

Hazeldene Farm Shop

Philip Lowery describes this Buckinghamshire farm shop as stocking 'gobsmackingly excellent' produce from rare breed and mostly organic livestock. The fact that it's sold at 'astonishingly competitive prices' makes Hazeldene part of his regular weekly shop. 'What makes this place stand out are its prices, offering a view perhaps of how really good food could be available to all,' he adds.

Where Asheridge Road, Chesham, Buckinghamshire HP5 2XD (01494 783501; www.hazeldenefarm.com)

Catch of the Day

'Another of my regular food shops, Catch of the Day is worthy of inclusion not least because of the depressingly small number of independent fishmongers still left,' sighs Philip. 'Beautifully fresh fish, together with real passion and knowledge, make this small retailer stand out, and they should be doing double the business they are.'

Where 31 Lower Road, Chorleywood, Hertfordshire WD3 5LQ (01923 285315; www.catchofthedayfishmongers.co.uk)

Emmett's of Peasenhall

'Famous for their locally sourced hams and bacon this store has been on the same site since 1820', says Philip. 'It's a really picturesque setting and the passion of owner Mark Thomas has made Emmett's a genuinely world-class food producer'.

Where Peasenhall, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 2HJ (01728 660250; www.emmettsham.co.uk)

Laverstoke Park Farm

'The gold standard in terms of how a farm should be run, ex-racing driver Jody Scheckter has brought his Formula 1-winning determination to the food business,' approves Philip. 'The farm shop here sells home-produced mozzarella as the Italians enjoy it (only one or two days old), the buffalo milk ice cream is exquisite and with fans like Raymond Blanc raving about the produce you would be mad not to check it out.'

Where Overton, Hampshire RG25 3DR (0800 334 5505; www.laverstokepark.co.uk)

Darts Farm

'I wish I lived nearer this fabulous food hub in Devon,' muses Philip. 'They bring together the produce from hundreds of local food producers together with the fruit and veg they grow on their own farm and what you get is a stunning food emporium with none of the ridiculous prices that you would expect if this were in London. If you are passing within 100 miles of it don't miss it.'

Where Topsham, Exeter, Devon EX3 0QH (01392 878200; www.dartsfarm.co.uk)

Whole Foods Market

Philip says that this flag-flyer of organic and natural produce 'really has an astonishing range of almost any quality food that you can think of', and adds: 'The high-price perception is less founded now and, with a host of customer- focused events going on almost non-stop and a terrific range of catering outlets, it has really developed a nice buzz and atmosphere.'

Where The Barkers Building, London W8 5SE (020-7368 4500; www.wholefoodsmarket.com )

Cinnamon Square

'It's a real delight to find a proper baker who also sells the benefits of long fermentation times in the production of his bread,' says Philip. 'My favourite is the wheat and rye sourdough but it's hard to beat the full range of really flavoursome loaves that come out of this tiny shop.'

Where 9 Church Street, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 1BX (01923 720227; www.cinnamonsquare.com)

Valvona and Crolla

First opened in 1934, the original Valvona and Crolla (there are now V&C outlets and spin-offs as far afield as the Westfield shopping centre in London) is a Scottish institution that never fails to please, according to Philip. Its stock in trade may be authentic Italian produce but it has 'an exquisite range that takes in high quality Italian imports as well as great examples of local produce. It's easy on the eye too, with staff who really know what they are talking about'.

Where 19 ElmRow, Edinburgh EH7 4AA (www.valvonacrolla.co.uk)

Daylesford Organic

'Daylesford's splendid Gloucestershire farm shop does upmarket, rustic chic on a grand scale,' says Philip. 'Set within a working farm, there is also an onsite bakery and a creamery making cheese and yogurt from the milk of their own cows.' Following a fire, the shop has been temporarily re-housed in a neighbouring barn but should be back in its usual spot by Christmas.

Where Daylesford, Gloucestershire GL56 0YG(01608 731700; www.daylesfordorganic.com)

The Independent 21/11/09