Sutton Hoo Chicken

Producer: Sutton Hoo Chicken, Suffolk
Product name: Free-range Whole Chicken
Region: East of England
Category: From the field, primary

What they do:
Belinda Nash started Sutton Hoo Chicken, near Woodbridge, more than 20 years ago with her late husband Charlie. It was his vision to revive traditional, free-range farming and produce full-flavoured chickens just like the ones his mother used to rear.
The farm’s Suffolk White chickens are reared next to the ancient Anglo-Saxon National Trust site at Sutton Hoo. The higher-welfare birds are allowed to grow slowly over 12 weeks on an additive-free diet. They live in small groups and roam freely over 40 acres of Suffolk meadows, where they can peck, graze and engage in their natural behaviours.
The chickens are given shelter from the elements in naturally ventilated mobile houses, with no disturbance from artificial lighting. Sutton Hoo believe that, as a result, the meat is of a much higher quality, with improved flavour and succulence.

What the judges said:
Acknowledging that there are few chicken farms in the UK that allow their birds to grow slowly, the judges deemed Sutton Hoo to be worthy finalists. They praised their uncompromising high standard of animal welfare and found their pricing to be great value for money.

Visit the website: Sutton Hoo Chicken