A thriving farm shop and kitchen is expanding less than two years after moving into bigger premises at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.
Farmers Fayre, which specialises in local produce through its farm shop, restaurant and event catering, is extending the size of its base on the estate by a third to accommodate sustained growth.
The additional 2,250 sq ft will allow the family-run business to increase its restaurant from 80 to 120 seats and expand its retail range.
Farmers Fayre has been at Stoneleigh Park since 2007 and relocated to its current home in November 2015 to enable significant expansion. In the first year, it enjoyed a 50 per cent growth in business. Staff numbers have also risen to a team of around 25.
Nicola Reece, director at Farmers Fayre, said: “The business has really taken off since moving into our new premises and continues to exceed expectations. I think it’s down to our ethos and our offering, and we always like to go the extra mile for our customers.
“The extension will increase the size of our restaurant so we can accommodate more large groups such as family get-togethers and private dining. It will also allow us to carry a bigger retail range of gifts and antique furniture, and create a coffee lounge area.
“It’s another really exciting development for us and Stoneleigh Park has again provided the flexibility and support to allow us to grow.”
The expansion into vacant premises next door will also provide additional back-of-house office, storage and ancillary space, and an open, circular kitchen.
At the same time, plans are in the pipeline to install a wood fired oven to cook large joints of beef for the restaurant’s increasingly popular Sunday carvery, and to introduce an electronic customer loyalty card scheme.
The extension is being carried out by Warwickshire-based JW Contracts and Services Ltd, the main contractor for refurbishment projects undertaken by LaSalle Investment Management at Stoneleigh Park.
The business will be open as usual whilst work is underway and is due to be completed by the beginning of October.
Colin Hooper, estates director at Stoneleigh Park, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Farmers Fayre through its second expansion within just two years, which will take the space it occupies to around 8,250 sq ft.
“It is a real success story at Stoneleigh Park and continues to attract more customers from off-site as well as catering for those working and attending events here.”
