In the centre of Penzance, opposite Lloyds Bank, is The Cornish Hen Deli – a successful business which has grown out of demand for homemade quality food at local farmers’ markets.

Sarah Shaw moved to Penzance with her family 7 years ago, and immediately saw an opportunity to start a business selling baked goods at St Ives and Pendeen Farmers’ Markets.

It wasn’t long before Sarah recognised the same regular customers returning every week to buy her tarts, cakes and pies – many of them wanted to know where else they could buy the delicacies!

“When I first started as a stallholder at St Ives and Pendeen Farmers’ Markets two years ago I really didn’t plan to open a deli, although it’s something I’d always thought about,” Sarah explained.

“After six months as a stallholder, I had built up a loyal customer following and had the experience and confidence in my products to take the next step. I opened The Cornish Hen Deli 18 months ago. We sell freshly baked cakes, tarts, pies and pasties all cooked daily on the premises, as well a wide range of speciality food. I try very hard to make sure there is a Cornish version of everything in the deli.”

The Cornish Hen Deli can still be found every Friday morning at Penzance Farmers’ Market in St Johns Hall and at Helston Farmers’ Market on the first Saturday of each month.

“I still love doing the farmers’ markets. For a business like mine they’re great places to get real feedback from customers. I know if a new cake or pie does well at the farmers’ market it’ll be a hit in the deli,” added Sarah.

“People want to shop locally and they like to interact with the person who made their food. As a businesswoman it’s great because you get immediate reactions from customers and that’s incredibly valuable when you’re planning new products.”

The Cornish Hen Deli is in Market Place, Penzance and opens Monday – Saturday 9am until 5pm. If you would like more information about West Cornwall Farmers’ Markets, or are interested in becoming a stallholder or volunteer please contact Victoria Amran at tor@wcfm.org.uk or 07787561770.