Traditional, friendly farm shop of phenomenal growth celebrates 20th anniversary at Welbeck

What began in 2006 as a new destination for quality local food in Nottinghamshire has now become the go-to place for increasing numbers of shoppers.

Welbeck Farm Shop has a dazzling amount of produce, largely home grown or made using estate-grown ingredients. Add artisan skill, and friendly, knowledgeable service and it's a proven winning combination.

The birthday celebrations take place from October 16 to 18 at the farm shop in the courtyard at Welbeck, when visitors are invited to look, buy at discount, and have the chance to win a special prize.

Shelves and counters within the sizeable shop groan with the estate’s meat and game, fresh raw milk, artisan bread from Welbeck Bakehouse, ale from Welbeck Abbey Brewery, Stichelton blue cheese and carefully selected produce from trusted makers and suppliers.

Local people visit regularly, while foodies from further afield make special trips there. Farm shop director Oliver Stubbins notes increased patronage from people who want to live and eat as healthily as possible, and to buy food that they know is fresh.

Farmers, butchers, bakers, cheesemakers, brewers, growers, chefs and retail colleagues each play a part in bringing the estate’s food heritage to life.

The result is an experience rooted in seasonality, low food miles and skilled production, from meat prepared by the award-winning butchery team to breads, cheeses and drinks made on the estate.

The farm shop’s lasting success is also found in trusted advice across the counter, careful sourcing, seasonal displays and relationships built with generations of customers.

Mr Stubbins said: "Our head butcher Mark Brown, who was here when the shop opened, told me once he was like a hairdresser, as he knows his customers so well - the names of their children, where they go for their holidays - it's like meeting friends when they come to shop."

Sarah Braithwaite is another long-standing employee of 20 years who lives on the 15,000 acres Welbeck estate. She started out on the deli counter, moved to the shop floor and is now in admin and accounts.

Mr Stubbins added: "We employ a traditional approach. We aren't and never will be just about making money. We want to do what's right, and represent the estate’s incredible agricultural lineage while giving it back to the community."

Welbeck is one of few UK farm shops to have a raw milk vending machine, supplied daily from Graham Walker’s pedigree Holstein dairy herd on the estate. Raw milk has surged in popularity, championed by athletes like footballer Erling Haaland.

Led by head gardener Steve Wright and his son Calum, and set within Welbeck's original 19th century walled garden, the 22-acre kitchen garden was restored in 2021.

It produces heritage vegetables, seasonal salads, herbs, and fruit for the farm shop and The Harley café, with guided tours in summer.

The shop recently held a cheese festival. The estate's newest food producer is Primrose Creamery, and in its first year, the dairy scooped three stars at the Great Taste Awards and two Golden Fork awards.

With its cafe, art gallery and shop, garden centre and much more, with free parking, Welbeck and its lovely surroundings provide what Mr Stubbins describes as a 'digital switch-off' destination.

The farm shop director of 11 years said it was after Covid that business really boomed: "People came here to avoid supermarkets and could enjoy a take-away coffee and go for a walk during lockdown," he explained. "The challenge for people is finding us. When they do, they want to come back."

Previously employed by Centre Parcs, Mr Stubbins said the shop has taken him places, including 10 Downing Street by special invitation, as part of a Food and Farming event. He thought at first it was a spoof email.

"For a small business the farm shop opens doors you can't imagine," he added. "We have such amazing suppliers."

Over the weekend the farm shop will offer 20 products at 20 per cent discount, to include seasonal squash -grown in the estate's walled garden, Stichelton cheese – made on the estate by Joe Schneider, Egglestone cheese – Gold Fork winner at the Great Taste Awards, made on the estate by Primrose Creamery, Lindley cheese – another Gold Fork winner at the Great Taste Awards, Welbeck Gin – made on the estate, Red Feather ale - brewed on the estate by Welbeck Abbey Brewery, Welbeck Bakehouse four-seed sourdough crispbreads, and Welbeck Bakehouse four-pack cookies.

Further reduced goods include Welbeck tote bags, Welbeck jute bags, Welbeck Hamper boxes, Cacklebean eggs, handmade wooden chopping boards, Lincolnshire Plum Bread, Corra Linn, Ashcombe and Parmesan cheeses, Belvoir drinks, Northern Pasta and Edmonds cocktails.

The anniversary date is October 18. For more information, visit The Welbeck Estate (welbeck.co.uk)