Representing local foods in the UK
What makes a Winner at Farrington's Farm Shop
FARM RETAILER OF THE YEAR
FARRINGTON'S FARM SHOP
TUESDAY 15 MAY
Farrington Gurney, Bath & North East Somerset, BS39 6UB
Farrington's is an excellent example of business development, customer focus and professional management in farm retailing led by farmers, Andy and Tish Jeffery, with a fantastic team. The farm is held on a tenancy from the Duchy of Cornwall, and substantial - but controlled - investment has really paid off for this business which grew out of a very small (but successful) farm shop at the side of the farmhouse.
An outbuilding across the yard had potential to be extended and the new Farrington's Farm Shop opened in 2001, picking up on the farm's dairy herd to inspire its logo and graphics. A huge fibreglass cow has become a local landmark - it's seen charging through the wall at the farm gate and is known to all as Gertrude. The dairy herd has now gone, and the farm now produces organic vegetables for the farm shop on 34 acres, with the rest of the farm down to potatoes, wheat, maize rape and barley as well as arable and permanent pasture. The woodland at the heart of the organic operations was planted in 2002 on land reclaimed from coal mining.
The cafe has been extended since to add an 'Udder' Room and a Cow Pat-io, not to mention the new, larger production kitchens. The kitchens are a real powerhouse for the business, producing top quality foods and signature dishes that get returning customers, over and over again. The kitchen teams are skillfully led by Pat Brook, who has been with Farrington's since 2002. Paul Castle joined as farm shop manager in 2009, bringing in stronger retail disciplines including mystery shopping, and systems to provide fast information and feedback.
Farrington's Farm Shop continues to develop as a food, retail and leisure destination and there's a wealth of knowledge and experience here to see, and learn from, whatever stage your own business has got to. Ticket price: £65 plus VAT pp including refreshments and lunch.
Please call 0845 45 88 420 to reserve your place(s).
