Helping people suffering with mental health problems, and providing work

Opening my farm shop feels like a dream come true 😛

A PASSION for local food has given an East Yorkshire man the entrepreneurial appetite to open a farm shop.

Mark Farnsworth gave up a top job to open William’s Farm Kitchen, the first food outlet at shopping village Hornsea Freeport.

He worked as brand manager for KitKat at Nestle in York before his enthusiasm for farm-fresh food got the better of him.

East Yorkshire farmers and other food producers are supplying the new shop, which opened its doors to customers yesterday.

Mr Farnsworth, 34, who grew up in Foston-on-the-Wolds, near Driffield, said: “Opening the farm shop is like a dream come true.

“Both sides of my family have food backgrounds, and I am a fan of local produce, so I decided to take the plunge.

“Lots of people think I’m mad and crazy leaving my good job to try something new.

“There are the well-publicised challenges, but I am so passionate about this, I know I can make it work.”

The farm shop is named after his 18-month-old son William, who he hopes will one day take over the business.

William’s Farm Kitchen also includes a delicatessen and café serving food produced locally and regionally.

Mr Farnsworth said at least 80 per cent of the food on sale in the shop was from the East Riding and Yorkshire area.

He said: “We have a fantastic range of food, from sausages to cheese, fruit and vegetables, and baked products.

“I am particularly delighted to be supplied with fresh produce from the Densholme Care Farm in Great Hatfield, near Hornsea.

“It is an organic farm that provides rehabilitation for people suffering with mental health problems, and work for youngsters with learning difficulties.”

“We are making the shop as local as we can and I hope people will come along to see what we have to offer.”

One of the first customers was Anne Dolman, 34, of Hornsea, who was impressed with William’s Farm Kitchen.

She said: “Hornsea has been crying out for a shop selling local produce for a long time.

“It is the first time that we have been able to buy food at Freeport and it is an excellent addition to the shopping village.

“I was impressed with the range of food on offer. It is a place I will be doing regular shopping.”

Harry Norton, 68, of Goole, said the farm shop added to the shopping experience at Hornsea Freeport.

He said: “A farm shop selling food is something that was badly needed at the shopping village.

“It is a lovely shop. I hope it will be a great success.”
http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/news/Opening-farm-shop-feels-like-dream-come-true/article-3478928-detail/article.html