Customers praise 'outstanding' Northampton farm shop amid Covid-19 crisis

Customers have praised the 'outstanding' service that a Northampton farm shop has been delivering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Smiths Farm Shop, located in Brampton and Billing, have provided shelter and refreshments for queuing customers and organised grocery deliveries for those who cannot get out.

Mouton resident Gillian Simons, who has been shopping there for at least a decade, said: “It’s not gone unnoticed that the team at Smiths have been working so hard and have gone out of their way for us.

"The social distancing measures they’ve put in place make me feel safe and assured, and it’s an absolute pleasure to shop there.”

Ever since the lockdown was announced on March 23, Smiths has been looking at ways to ensure customers are safe and looked after when they visit.

Like all the other supermarkets, Smiths is restricting customer numbers inside the store at any one time and ensuring social distancing is adhered to in the queues outside.

They have also put screens up by the checkouts, sanitising all baskets and trollies and are opening an hour early every morning to give the vulnerable and key workers the chance to shop.

But, unlike their larger competitors, the team have also introduced some added extras which have gone down very well with customers.

Farm shop proprietor Adrian Smith said: “Here at Smiths we always like to go above and beyond for our loyal customers, so we’ve built a pergola which is providing waiting customers with shade from the sun and shelter for when it rains.

"The weather is so unpredictable at the moment, we felt we needed to do something to protect waiting whether it’s rain or shine.

“Sauls of Spratton has very kindly lent us their coffee van which is stationed outside the Brampton shop a few days a week so people can grab a drink while they wait.

"Although we’re not announcing when, as we don’t want to encourage people coming out just for a decent cup of coffee as that is not currently permitted."

Adrian said a lot of customers had expressed interest in a delivery service so they have teamed up with Sauls again.

People can purchase a seasonal vegetable box when they buy meat from the Spratton butchers, which is then sent to their home.

Trish Percival, whose parents are based in Chapel Brampton, said: “The delivery service that Smiths and Sauls have been offering has been outstanding.

"My parents love the deliveries and Smith’s customer service is excellent.

"Nothing is too much trouble for staff there which is why, as a family, we’ve shopped there for years.”