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Sky Park Farm Shop, Harting, West Sussex, was crowned National Winner of the Small Farm Shop Category at the Farm Shop and Deli Awards 2024 in Birmingham on Monday 29^th April.  The award-winning Farm Shop was acknowledged for their exceptional local produce, service, knowledge and heritage, beating six other finalists from across the UK and Northern Ireland to secure this accolade celebrating the best specialist independent retailers.

“Fresh cheese and butchery counters take a lot of skill and dedication. This shop will only go from strength to strength in the coming years. A fantastic entry,” commented a judge.

A story of regeneration and sustainability; Sky Park, a derelict dairy farm purchased in 2016, has been transformed into Sky Park Farm Shop, The Grazing Rooms and Deer Park.  The brainchild of husband and wife team, Pierce and Victoria Noonan, the farm complex opened in 2021 and is intended for their young family to develop.   Attracted by the 800-year history of deer keeping in the area, the Noonan’s were intent on restoring this traditional industry, rejuvenating paddocks and parkland for their red, white red, sika and fallow herds with welfare at front of mind.  Continuing the theme of excellence and understanding the quality of local food producers, the need for a leading community orientated Farm Shop was realised.  A former pigsty and stable block were crafted to form a cutting-edge Farm Shop and restaurant.  The bright, airy farm buildings are now stocked with fresh produce, dry goods, home-cooked ready meals and cakes, specialist drinks and with incomparable butchery and deli counters, 80% of which is sourced within 30 miles of the farm.  At the heart of the Farm Shop beat the tiny wings of the farm’s inhabitant bee colony, on show to visitors through their glass-fronted hive.

Sky Park’s Farm Shop has quickly become a go-to for serious foodies.  The knowledgeable team are on hand to recommend seasonal and new produce.  The butcher’s counter, managed by George Freeman – has tripled in size since the launch – specialises in zero miles venison raised on the farm.  The addition of a dry ager, smoker (for daily specials) and a biltong larder ensures this butchery is standout.  The range of prepared and marinated meats, home smoked Great Taste award-winning bacon and summer plans for BBQ ready butterflied venison haunch and hotdogs make this counter a carnivore’s treasure trove.  Overseen by Estate Retail Manager, Gaynor Oakes and her team, the Farm Shop also boasts an exceptional Deli Counter and Charcuterie, managed by popular Midhurst based Cheesemonger, Ginny Budd.  In addition to food stuffs, Gaynor ensures local artists, florists and producers are represented with seasonal and local gifts.

The judges, headed up by food champion Nigel Barden, drew up a shortlist of contenders before making secret visits at the start of the year.  They praised Sky Park Farm with comments including:

“Great looking new farm shop. Good to see its core business of butchery direct from the farm which is its USP. The deli and retail has also evolved from this well. It’s great to see the passion of the staff and the relationship with the owner.”

“This farm shop offers everything. Local sourced, sustainability, butchery deli, restaurant and deer park. Like the idea of the internal beehive.”

“Even though this business was only set up in 2021, you can see they have a clear understanding of fresh food and retail. Love that the owners are hands on. Fresh cheese and butchery counters take a lot of skill and dedication. This shop will only go from strength to strength in the coming years. A fantastic entry.”

Sky Park Farm Shop team are delighted with this national recognition for their work, they look forward to welcoming new customers and guests and will continue to grow their established ethos, supporting the community by stocking local produce, employing local people, offering experiential shopping with healthy lifestyle choices and being inclusive.  The adjoining Grazing Rooms restaurant will begin their summer BBQ menu in June, introducing an option to select your meal from the Butcher’s counter.

Gaynor Oakes said, “We are situated in a food production hub of excellence, as a team we have been developing leading facilities with phenomenal infrastructure, we strive to offer the best, I have a wonderful hard-working team of experts on the shop floor as well as outstanding local producers and we are all truly grateful for and proud of this award.”