Frozen food has gained a bad reputation over the years for being bland and processed, but a Norfolk duo is on a mission to change this. 

Chef Andrew Jones and his wife and business partner Hannah Springham opened Farmyard Restaurant in St Benedicts Street in 2017.

It has proved a huge success and it features in the Michelin Guide and holds three AA Rosettes for culinary excellence. 

Norwich Evening News: Andrew Jones and Hannah Springham run both Farmyard restaurant in Norwich and Farmyard Frozen, based at Broadland Food Innovation CentreAndrew Jones and Hannah Springham run both Farmyard restaurant in Norwich and Farmyard Frozen, based at Broadland Food Innovation Centre (Image: Farmyard Frozen)

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But as they say, necessity is the mother of invention and the pair launched Farmyard Frozen in May 2021 in response to the pandemic.

The concept of the new business was to deliver restaurant-quality food to people's homes. 

Fast forward to 2023 and Farmyard Frozen delivers nationwide, has 30 independent stockists and a production unit at the Broadland Food Innovation Centre in Easton.

Norwich Evening News: Some of the dishes in the new Celebrate dinner box - L-R Truffled Wild Mushroom & Stilton Mac Cheese, Mushroom and Truffled Norfolk Chicken and Baron Bigod TartifletteSome of the dishes in the new Celebrate dinner box - L-R Truffled Wild Mushroom & Stilton Mac Cheese, Mushroom and Truffled Norfolk Chicken and Baron Bigod Tartiflette (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Springham said: "The range was inspired by Andrew who was catering for a stressed out, home-schooled family during lockdown. 

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"His high-end cooking still tasted delicious after freezing it and we spotted a gap in the market for a frozen food revolution.

Norwich Evening News: Hannah Springham and Andrew Jones at the Frozen Food Awards Hannah Springham and Andrew Jones at the Frozen Food Awards (Image: Farmyard Frozen)

"We have since won a Gold Star Great Taste Award plus two accolades at the British Frozen Food Federation Awards 2023 for 'innovation' and 'best dessert'."

The frozen dishes, which just require heating up or defrosting at home, can be bought individually or you can get a dinner box delivered - either for yourself or as a gift. 

Norwich Evening News: The new praline profiteroles dish from Farmyard Frozen The new praline profiteroles dish from Farmyard Frozen (Image: Farmyard Frozen)

There are two new dishes, which are praline profiteroles and wagyu welly, and festive-themed boxes have just launched.

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The Fine Dine In Deal is also new, with three courses for two people for £29 from Bakers & Larners of Holt, or £41 online with a bottle of Rosé.

Norwich Evening News: Pork belly bites and crispy chicken wontons in the new Celebrate box from Farmyard Frozen Pork belly bites and crispy chicken wontons in the new Celebrate box from Farmyard Frozen (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Springham added: "Restaurateurs learned to become reactive to rapid change during the pandemic - now during the cost of living crisis this is even more pertinent.

"Our new Fine Dine In option caters to that need to spend less on not only the food but also on travel."

See the full range and order at farmyardfrozen.com