Drewton's Farm Shop: The chance to dine out in nature’s secret garden
A farm shop is ramping its efforts to bring consumers closer to the sources of their food by launching pop-up dining events at secret locations around a 1,200-acre agricultural estate.
Over the next three months Drewton’s Farm Shop, on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, near South Cave, will host a a series of dining experiences in hidden corners of the Drewton Estate.
The move comes as agritourism features among the fastest-growing travel trends, driven by visitors seeking sustainability, “meaningful encounters with nature”, farm to table dining experiences and wellness-focused escapes, according to market research firm Bonafide.
Michelin starred northern chef Simon Rogan will this summer host Day at Our Farm events at his regenerative farm in the Cartmel Valley, catering for just 16 guests at a time.
Meanwhile, Drewton’s, which is owned and managed by mother-and-son team Katie and Freddie Taylor, has built a reputation for championing Yorkshire produce, as well as educating shoppers and diners about how food is produced since the enterprise was launched in former farm buildings 16 years ago.
The firm said the aim of the pop-up dining events was to bring diners closer to land where some of the ingredients on the menu are produced, share the stories behind it, while opening up the farm’s scenery for people to enjoy.
Settings for the events are likely to include orchards, the potting shed garden comprising of vegetables, salad and herbs and the edge of the woodland, where wild, seasonal ingredients, such as wild garlic and elderflower, can be found.
Guests will only be told which part of the estate they will dine in 24 hours before they arrive.
Ms Taylor, whose firm employs more than 60 local people and supports a network of 400 Yorkshire-based farmers, growers and suppliers, said: “Each of the locations around the estate that we’ve chosen is completely different, but the spirit of each event will be the same. We’ll be there cooking, hosting and sharing the stories of the land, the food and its journey.
"Think slow-roasted, fire-cooked feasts, vibrant seasonal vegetables, freshly picked salads and indulgent desserts designed to be shared under the summer sky.
“As always, the menus will comprise a wealth of local, seasonal ingredients, many of which are produced here on the Drewton Estate, as well as others sourced from our trusted network of Yorkshire-based farmers, growers and suppliers.
"We see this as part of our mission to champion and celebrate local, seasonal produce so we’ll be offering guests truly unique and intimate dining experiences to help them connect with the land and with nature, and promote greater understanding of the provenance of the ingredients that we use.
"This is about showcasing the very finest, seasonal produce during the heady days of summer - a time of abundance when the English countryside is looking its best - in some truly atmospheric locations around the estate, each of which will be transformed into a luxurious setting in preparation for the events.”