The Farmers Mart Oct/Nov 2015 - Issue 42 | Page 57

The Hirst Family

nearby producing high
quality jams, preserves, biscuits,
soups, vegetables etc, and
with increasing demand for
such produce, the shop is full
of quality goods and products
from local suppliers, many who
supply them exclusively.
I arrived at 9am, pausing
only to admire the breathtaking
views, in at but it was already
busy with a friendly, lively
atmosphere. Initially they
started with one good chef but
as demand grew, they now
have no less than four - and the
restaurant is open every day
with fresh and varied menus.
They have won the coveted
award of the best farm shop
breakfast in England and runner
up as the best breakfast in
England. Pretty impressive
stuff!
The Shop and Cafe didn’t
happen overnight and the
family admits it really was trial
and error as they went along
with careful investment and
carefully not overstepping
the financial mark. They have
always believed in making
the money before spending it.
Recently, they have installed a
biomass boiler which they got
just in the nick of time before
tariffs dropped, added to which
they have solar panels from
which they make substantial
long term cost savings.
Laura is not one to blow her
own trumpet but the family is
very proud of her not just for
her food skills but also her

musical accomplishments:
she is a champion cornet and
flugel player and plays for the
world-renowned Grimethorpe
Colliery Band, but it doesn’t
stop there: she was also the
first female to play for the
renowned Brighouse and
Rastrick brass band in 135
years! While establishing the
shop and restaurant Laura
had to cut back on band
commitments as the shop’s
busiest time was weekends,
but she has now started to play
again.
I asked David and Laura
about the future and they
explained that they want to get
even “better before bigger”,
continue to invest in new
equipment and fittings in the
shop and involve the farm more
in the shop by having shearing
and sheepdog demonstrations,
areas in which the public can
view the animals.
Ever full of ideas, Laura &
Paul have launched the drive
through Hog Roast which is set
up in the car park just below
the shop. This complements
another side line - the hog
roast service they provide for
functions and weddings, again
only using the best free range
pork.
Annette and David work hard
but really enjoy life and can
now see a thriving business
that will continue to support
the family and sustain another
100 years of Hirsts In Delph. We
wish them continued success.

OUR FARM INSURANCE
PROTECTS THE VERY
THINGS YOU DEPEND ON
TO EARN A LIVING

Peace of mind you have the right cover for your farm.
Proud to be associated with Albion Farm and Farm Shop.
Call 01484 664 119 for a
quote or pop in
Cowley House,
Queens Square Business Park,
Holmfirth,
Honley, HD9 6QZ
You can also call us via our customer support centre between 5.00pm and 6.00pm Monday to Friday,
from 9.00am to 12.30pm on Saturdays and bank holidays.

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.
For security and training purposes, telephone calls may be recorded and monitored.

www.farmers-mart.co.uk Oct/Nov 2015 57