The Croft Farm Shop at Erin Grove in County Fermanagh has expanded into a renovated former store and officially opened the new space in July to mark its fifth birthday.

Owner Mark Paget said the business opened in 2021 as an extension of the family's long-running Erin Grove Preserves jam business, which has operated for 25 years and distributes across Northern Ireland. During work on an extension, the family saw an opportunity to open a farm shop.

He said the outdoor seating area proved popular, and after his daughter suggested adding a coffee machine, the offer developed into a coffee shop. The original space became cramped, leading to this year's renovation and move into a larger area.

The expanded shop carries a wider range of products and aims to support smaller artisan producers. It includes a cheese counter with Irish cheeses and a display of Erin Grove's own jams and chutneys.

Mr Paget said the family hopes to develop tours where visitors can hear the story behind the preserves, label their own jars and sample products alongside cheese and crackers. He said the ambition is to make the shop a destination for visitors to Fermanagh.

Erin Grove Preserves currently holds 25 Great Taste Awards and three Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards. Two further Great Taste Awards were secured this year for Lemon Curd, which received two stars, and Apple Jelly with Cloves, which received one star.

Mr Paget said support from local people has been central to the shop's success. He said customers come every day and the business has not done any advertising, with people telling him the place is being talked about and the shop has gained a good reputation.