Twenty-seven years ago, Burwash Manor started its transformation from farm to independent retail success, when the first shop was opened on this unique site.
It’s still a working organic mixed arable and livestock farm, having been run by the same family for over 100 years. Some of the farm’s produce is sold in the stunning new Food Hall, asparagus and their free range pork is a particular feast for visitors. The Food Hall also boasts a deli, a very fine butcher’s and Italian patisserie.
With lots of free parking, shopping at the converted farm buildings of Burwash Manor is an incredibly relaxing experience: and as it’s just two miles from the city centre, it’s also an easy bike ride along its own cycle path. Of course, it’s not just food you will find there – all of the 15 carefully selected independent shops have something special and different to offer.
The very first shop on site sold toys and the most recent ‘joiner’ is an artists’ gallery. The selection of stores offer women’s and children’s clothing, vintage furniture, fine wines, jewellery, gifts, garden furniture, Persian rugs as well as trees and decorations at Christmas. There’s also a great tearoom, a holistic beauty and therapy day spa and plans for an arts and education centre and licensed restaurant. Seriously, what more could you want?!
There is more though. Popular educational visits are hosted, based around the signposted farm walks, which anyone can just turn up and use. Every month one or more events are staged, ranging from outdoor theatre to farming celebrations such as Open Farm Sunday and the forthcoming Apple Day (see below). As well as being fun, these are a great way to learn about the countryside.
October 11th 2014 - Apple Day!
(Image removed)Burwash Manor says: "Join us on Saturday October 11th, from 10am onwards, for our fabulous APPLE DAY where we will be celebrating all things apple...
"Bring your own apples down and pulp them (our juicing crew will be on hand to help press them for you!), identify them (EEAOP will be here to identify your mystery apple, and hoping they can find a previously unknown variety!), cook them and transform them into tasty dishes with our cookery demonstrations, drink them in the form of juice and cider in our beer tent and, most importantly, EAT THEM! But that’s not it ... Take a ride on a miniature steam train, have a go on the fairground, try your hand at archery and watch displays of many traditional activities – from falconry to willow weaving and bee-keeping to basket weaving. There will even be some less traditional treats, such as chainsaw sculpting and survival skills...
"There’s also plenty to keep little ones occupied – Jezo the Magician will be here for the day, as will Sawston Steel Band – and there will also be face painting and the ever popular tractor and trailer rides around the farm.
"If the thought of all of that makes you hungry, then don’t worry – The Pink Pig will be doing a hog roast, Steak and Honour will be there with their fantastic burger van, Romano’s (as seen in our Food Hall) will have a food stall – and Jack will be selling his fabulous gelato.
"And, if you fancy popping down a bit earlier, Apple Day will begin with our vintage ploughing match and hedge laying competition (at the earlier time of 9am!)
"Entrance is £3 per adult, children under 12 are free. All profits go to the Sick Children's Trust."
Find out more at www.burwashmanor.com
Burwash Manor
New Road, Barton
Cambridge
CB23 7EY
Email: info@burwashmanor.com
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The colourful and informative book, Independent Cambridge, is available from Waterstones, Heffers, many of the independent shops and online at www.independent-cambridge.co.uk
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