Norfolk farm shop The Goat Shed wins two industry awards

The Goat Shed, at Honingham outside Norwich, has grown rapidly since its £250,000 new building was opened to cash in on the growing demand for locally-sourced food during the Covid pandemic.

Owner Sam Steggles said the ethos of constantly responding to customer needs, including developing a café, cheese room and deli counter, had inspired both consumer loyalty and industry recognition.

The shop was recently named "Best Large Retailer in East Anglia" at the Farm Shop and Deli awards, hot on the heels of the national "Rising Star of the Year" title from the Farm Retail Association awards.

Sam Steggles at the Goat Shed farm shop in Honingham (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Mr Steggles said: "To do the double is an amazing achievement for the team, considering we have only been open a short while.

"In March 2020 when Covid hit there were four of us, and the shop was in a shed. We employ more than 40 people here now and the turnover is surpassing our expectations, it is over £1m.

"We had no plan to be retailers. We were cheesemakers when the pandemic hit. But all we have done, and what we continue to do, is give the people who supported us what they ask for.

"The awards judges loved the team atmosphere, the smiles on everyone's faces, and the fact we are supporting so many local independent producers."

Sam Steggles at the Goat Shed farm shop in Honingham (Image: Newsquest)

The business continues to develop, gaining planning approval for an extension to the kitchen and shop area, creating space for a butchery and more deli produce.

Electric car charging ports have also been installed - adding to the green energy credentials of the solar panels on the roofs.

During the Bank Holiday weekend, from 2.30-4pm on Saturday and Monday, the shop is offering "coronation cuddles" with its new goat kids, for a £3 charge which will be donated to the Nelson's Journey charity.