A farming family known for the quality of their Swaledale sheep and Limousin cattle are branching out into a new area of business.
Thomas and Debbie Hutton and their oldest daughter Emily have opened a shop at Setmabanning Farm, Threlkeld, which they hope will attract motorists and cyclists from the nearby A66 and also be used by walkers and local residents.
The self-service shop is housed in a new wooden building and offers produce including lamb produced on the farm — such as burgers, joints, koftas, cutlets and chops — bottled Cumbrian milk, bacon produced in the Eden Valley, eggs laid on the farm and staples such as bread, beans and washing-up liquid.
Also on offer is fresh coffee, from beans roasted in Threlkeld by specialist firm Carvetii, milk shakes, ice cream and cakes made by Emily. There is seating indoors and out where customers can enjoy what they have just bought.
Emily said: “We’re in a good location and, as Threlkeld doesn’t have a village shop, we thought this is the ideal opportunity to showcase our farm produce while providing a service to both villagers and visitors alike. The only alternative is an eight-mile round-trip to the nearest shop.
“While visiting the shop you can learn about the history of the farm, providing an insight into our farming life, the breeds of animals we have here, possibly see some of the animals and also learn where we source some of our local produce.”
She added that the family hope to add Cumberland sausage and beef from the noted Setmabanning herd to what is sold in the shop.
