Drewton’s Farm Shop celebrates 15 years in business with £350,000 expansion and an announcement

A major programme of building work has been carried out in recent months as part of the latest wave of investment and expansion at the popular farm shop, restaurant and events venue. This included the creation of a smart new entrance to the main restaurant, as well as the refurbishment of two self-catering holiday cottages that also form part of the business. Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services team, which is part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, worked with the team at Drewton’s Farm Shop to, helping them to secure grant funding towards the £350,000 cost of the ambitious project.

Drewton’s Farm Shop was launched in 2010 by Katie Taylor (MBE), who left the security of a job in her family’s textile business and relocated to East Yorkshire to establish her own venture. Katie converted redundant farm buildings on The Drewton Estate into what has since become a multi-award winning farm shop employing more than 60 local people and supporting a network of 400 Yorkshire-based farmers, growers and suppliers. In 2019, Katie also launched The Manor Rooms, an award-winning wedding and events venue, on the same site.

Katie recently hosted a celebratory lunch at The Manor Rooms, which was attended by more than 75 special guests, including family members, suppliers, customers and all those who have worked with and supported her since she first launched the business in 2010. As well as giving her guests an opportunity to see ‘The Orangery’, the courtyard garden and other recent changes, Katie took the opportunity to announce that her son, Freddie Cole, who first joined the family business in 2014, is to become a Director.

She said: “The recent building work is complete and we’re incredibly proud to be able to launch our new restaurant entrance and The Terrace, our very smart new dog-friendly dining room, complete with a doggie menu!

“The Orangery is a fabulous new addition to The Manor Rooms, our weddings and events venue, offering more flexibility for guests at weddings and other events. Freddie has been the driving force behind so many of these recent developments and, as we celebrate a significant milestone this year, having been in business for 15 years, the time seemed right for him to take on additional responsibility by becoming a Director.”

Katie added: “I’d like to thank our customers and guests for bearing with us in recent months. Your never-ending enthusiasm, interest and support for the business means so much to me, my family and our wonderful team. We’ve been on such a journey over the past 15 years and I’m excited to see what the future holds for us.”