Farm shop is recognised as the best in the land

Initially opened by Edward and Cheryl Garthwaite in 1999, it has grown to comprise of an in-house butchery, bakery, delicatessen, cafe, gift shop and florist. It also has a wine loft and general groceries section.

Its 130-strong workforce serves more than 6,000 customers a week and the business is on target to achieve turnover of £5m this financial year.

Such success has not gone unnoticed by the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association, which has named Blacker Hall Farm Shop its Farm Retailer of the Year.

Mr Garthwaite said: “Our aim over two generations has always been to sell the meat we produce through our own farm shop, to provide an exceptional eating and shopping experience built on our commitment to outstanding customer service and fresh local and seasonal produce.

“Our longer-term vision is to be nationally recognised as one of the ‘must visit’ food destinations in Yorkshire and our success to date clearly demonstrates that we are well on the way to achieving this dream.”

Blacker Hall Farm, in the Calder Grove area, spans 800 acres of grass and arable land, producing feed for 500 Aberdeen Angus, Hereford, Simmental, British Blue and Limousin beef cattle, as well as 1,200 pigs which are all sold through the farm shop and restaurant.

More than three-quarters of all the products sold at the shop are either made or prepared on-site with the rest sourced from local farmers.