Newlyns Farm Shop in Hook celebrates 20th anniversary

Newlyns Farm Shop, in North Warnborough, opened on April 5, 2004, as a family business by the youngest generation of the Janaway family, who had been farming in the area for more than 100 years.

The shop, named after Judy Janaway's family farm, started with just three staff and a butchery counter aiming to 'provide customers with the freshest, highest quality produce', and now employs 94 people.

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Emma Higgens, who has worked at Newlyns since 2004, said: "Back in 2004 the farm shop market was just getting underway.

"There had always been some retail on the site, including a pick-your-own operation, and we sold free-range Bronze turkeys at Christmas. There was, however, an opportunity to do much more.

"Twenty years on we are proud to have created a business that celebrates the best of British farming, the family’s ‘field to fork’ ethos and their passion for seasonality and provenance."

She explained that the shop sources its produce firstly from its farm, before choosing local suppliers, then the 'very best' from across the UK, and then the rest of the world.

The farm shop houses a modern butchery, specialist fish, and cheese rooms, fresh fruit and vegetables, homemade frozen ready meals, a cookery school, and a cafe.

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“I am fascinated by people’s shopping habits and how they have changed over the last 20 years," Emma continued. 

"We have responded to that – providing the high street butcher, baker and greengrocer under one roof. There is a need for local, and for food people can trust.

"People also like coming in and being able to chat to the team and ask questions about what to choose and the best ways to cook what they are buying."

To celebrate the anniversary, the farm shop will hold a variety of celebrations, including selling jute bags, and holding special offers for customers.