Farm shop just keeps growing
New expansion marks second anniversary
AFARM shop that was set up during the pandemic celebrated its two-year anniversary, by unveiling its new expansion.
Ella and Jack Sidebottom, 26 and 31, opened Brook House Farm Shop, Mottram St Andrew, in September 2020.
Although this was during a time many businesses struggled their shop flourished and such was demand the couple needed larger premises.
So they converted an agricultural building at the site to increase the shop’s size and this has now been unveiled. It is also has a cafe with a seated area.
The shop offers produce with very low food miles as it sells meat from Brook House Farm and sources from other local suppliers.
Ella said: “The farm shop was what the community needed during the pandemic.
“For those living in a rural area, the nearest food shop was far away, with massive queues outside. Brook House offered a change from that.
“Not only did they provide an essential service but also a comfort to people during a terrifying time.
“The farm shop showed there was still a community despite people facing isolation from being at home.”
Jack is from a family that has farmed in the area for the past 40 years.
When the pandemic struck poor milk prices meant they had to diversify and the farm shop was born.
But it has continued to be a family business with Ella’s brother built the new expansion to the farm shop.
And the couple’s children Abbie, three, and Zach, one, are often seen on the premises in their mini-tractors.
To diversify further, Ella and Jack also use the farm as a wedding venue.