Groundbreaking Farming Couple Wins Prestigious Awards

Strategic Insights -

David and Rebecca Fryer, the owners of Groobarbs farm, have achieved remarkable success with their innovative approach to sustainable farming and dining. The couple started selling vegetables at a local farmers' market in 2013 and has since grown to employ 60 staff across three farms and a restaurant. Their flagship Field Kitchen, opened in 2022, offers a unique 'field to fork' dining experience, using ingredients grown just meters away on the farm. The team has now been recognized for their outstanding efforts, being included in the Good Food Guide for the first time, listed as a 'local gem', and winning the 'Cheshire and North Wales Restaurant of the Year' at the Cheshire Life Food and Drink Awards.

Key Takeaways:

  • Groobarbs farm employs 60 staff across three farms and a restaurant.
  • The Field Kitchen was opened in 2022 with the aim of educating people on 'true seasonal dining', using ingredients grown and harvested just meters away on the farm.
  • The farm started selling vegetables at a local farmers' market in 2013 and has since expanded to deliver Grooboxes to homes across Cheshire, Manchester, and Liverpool.
  • The Groobox team won the Cheshire Farms Diversification Award for their innovative 'Groobox the Veg Box' business.
  • The farm's menu is designed to showcase the benefits of seasonal dining, with a five-course set dinner menu served every Friday and Saturday and a three-course feast available on Sunday.
  • The Field Kitchen has a 'family-friendly atmosphere that is relaxed and convivial', according to the Good Food Guide.
  • The farm's 'Groobox the Veg Box' business uses software that powers the farm business, allowing customers to make bespoke veg boxes and staff to know exactly what they need to pick in the fields.

Statistics:

  • The farm expanded with the purchase of 60 acres of land in nearby Great Budworth, Northwich, where the majority of the produce is now grown.
  • A further 16 acres of land was purchased near Tarporley to support the growing demand for the farm's produce.
  • The farm now delivers Grooboxes to homes across Cheshire, Manchester, and Liverpool, with a weekly rotation of veg boxes matching the Field Kitchen menu.
  • The Field Kitchen hosts a five-course set dinner menu every Friday and Saturday and a three-course feast every Sunday.
  • The restaurant uses a 'field to fork' concept, with ingredients grown and harvested just meters away on the farm.

Sources:

  • Groobarbs Field Kitchen team wins Cheshire Life Food and Drink award
  • The Groobarbs team is listed in the Good Food Guide as a 'local gem'
  • Cheshire Life Food and Drink Awards
  • Groobarbs Wild Farm wins Cheshire Farms Diversification Award
  • The Groobarbs team will receive their award at a ceremony and dinner on November 14
  • Groobarbs Field Kitchen was opened in 2022