After years of planning and painstaking restoration and building work, the Apley Farm Shop near Bridgnorth will open its doors for business in March.
An important part of landowner Lord Gavin Hamilton’s plans for regenerating the estate and breathing life back into the farming enterprise, the farm shop will offer estate-grown and locally sourced meat, vegetables and produce – alongside a purpose-built indoor play barn for the children and a café serving locally sourced home-cooked produce.
Lord Hamilton says, “Many estates simply rent out their cottages or lease their land, but I wanted to offer something back to the community and create a viable business. Our plan is to get closer to the consumer – offering quality, sustainable meat, game and produce from the estate and from our tenant farmers. By including the café and play barn, we’re offering a family destination, while creating 40 new jobs for local people, and supporting local producers and suppliers.”
The Apley Farm Shop will also have retail units for rent to local enterprises, a meeting and exhibition area, and displays bringing the heritage of the estate to life within the farm shop. The shop is located on the Apley Estate at Norton.