Esther started The Food Shop @ Cedarfarm in 1999, with the intention of producing excellent quality 'homecooked' food using local ingredients with no additives or preservatives. The business has since grown organically with demand for their speciality products higher than ever. In 2005 Phil joined Esther in the business, due to The Food Shop's products being in such demand. The 'Fill Your Dishes' service came about when customers asked for catering at their dinner parties. Many regular customers now bring in their own oven dishes to be filled with tatsy meals which they can simply reheat. For larger parties the catering service is ideal, offering speciality honey glazed roasted ham, smoked fish platter, salads and pates. The food hampers provide the perfect gift, especially at Christmas and are finished with Esther's own unique design flair. All othe beef used is reared in Tarleton and chicken is all free range and also sourced in Lancashire. Milk & cream come from the local dairy in Mawdesley and a range of local and speciality cheeses from chipping near Preston. As well as the growing range of homecooked meals, now over 20 varieties, also produced in the kitchen are chicken liver pate, freshly made rice, cous cous, spicy beany & pasta salads. Together with their own products, you can find many niche food items both local and international. Emphasis is always given to offering interesting and high quality foods. "Our secret is providing 'ready meals' with a difference and we wouldn't be here without our regular and loyal customers . We both love our shop and the positive feedback we receive and look forward to the future." Esther & Philip Cropper