This Is The Story So Far

Nearing the end of 2023 we just want to thank our lovely guests and give a bit of an update on our story so far

I can hardly believe the end of 2023 is now in sight, with us madly preparing for Festive Teas,Shopping Event (24th November) and the Heighington Christmas Market.

Like so many small businesses we started the year with a great deal of uncertainty over whether there would still be sufficient demand for our offerings in the cost of living crisis which has affected us all. The shopping basket for afternoon tea ingredients is now costing 40% more, along with the increase in heating, lighting, fuel and insurance costs. It has been difficult to keep our charges to guests at the same level… `I made the conscious decision not to increase prices & reduce our profit levels in order to stay in business.

We love what we do here at Clarkes Farm and would hate it if our guests could not afford to treat themselves here when celebrating special occasions (or just rewarding themselves after a hard week at work!)

What’s been happening?

Spring and Summer were so busy - It’s an absolute joy to be chosen for your Baby Shower, Hen Parties and Birthdays, we love creating bespoke decoration packages, and sharing in your celebrations. It was so busy at times that I was struggling to keep up with bookings and messages - so I thank everyone who persevered when I was difficult to contact - text messages and emails are always easier for me to keep track of, and I always aim to respond to enquiries on the same day they are received… which helps avoid messages being lost amongst the numerous SPAM and Phishing messages all small business ‘In Boxes’ are weighed down with.

Kay & I have been finalist in a couple of local awards for both the Tea Room and our respective Holiday Cottage and B&B accommodation. Sadly we did not actually win anything - But this was not really surprising to us when we took a look at the other finalists who all really seemed to be in another league - so we just took the opportunity bask in the reflected glory of their achievement delighted to be in the same company as such successful businesses

What’s next?

We continue to appreciate the support of our local community without which, living our ‘actual dreams’ would not be possible. Balancing our all encompassing small business life with family time can mean sacrifices have to be made, and we are sad not to be able to attend events we would love to experience and also feeling guilty at having to juggle business commitments because there are simply not enough hours in the day to achieve all we had hoped to! While, at the same time appreciating these problems are because the business is so successful, and obviously feeling very grateful for that!

We are really excited to launch our online shop at the end of the month, to make it easier for you to shop with us without the need to make an appointment to visit us. We will be continually adding stock to the online shop going forward, whilst we get used to this new aspect of the business. So keep checking in! Or sign up to email updates to be the first to know.

For local folks, there will be a free collection option at check out!

It would be lovely to see you over the festive period - but if you don’t make it along to Clarkes Farm please accept our gratitude for your support, likes & shares on social media, telling all your friends about us & generally being flippin’ awesome!