A fourth generation farmer and butcher has spoken passionately about his plans to reopen Skipton's Keelham Farm Shop.
The farmshop, which closed just after Christmas last year, will reopen in the spring next year with a new name - Robertshaw's Farm Shop of Skipton.
Owner, James Robertshaw says it marks a significant milestone and expansion for the family-run business, which already has the successful Robertshaw's Farm Shop at Thornton, Bradford.
Mr Robertshaw, with his sister, Victoria Robertshaw, was the founder of Keelham Farm Shop, which opened in Skipton, on the site of a former car dealership, in June, 2015.
He alone has now purchased the site for £2.2 million after its new owners, which bought the farmshop in 2020, put the business into administration earlier this year.
Mr Robertshaw says he is really excited about bringing the same winning formula of the Thornton farm shop to Skipton and hopes to have it up and running in around late February or March time.
He added he has also been really pleased at the positive comments he has received since the sale was confirmed last week.
The Thornton shop has an on-site butchers and delicatessen where it sells its own sausages, burgers and pies.
The business has also bought a large, off-site bakery so it could increase production of its baked goods.
Mr Robertshaw's son, Harley, 23, a butcher, will be in charge of the butchery at Skipton.
The family buys all its meat locally, from auctions at Skipton, Otley, Selby, Thirsk and Northallerton.
There will be a restaurant, selling breakfasts, pies, pizza and pasta; fresh vegetables and fruit, and possibly 'steak nights'.
Fresh vegetables and fruit will also be a large part of the farm shop - and customers may even see the return of the vintage, red tractor, which was a popular feature inside the original Keelham shop, and is currently enjoyed by young visitors to the Thornton shop in the 'animal croft' play area.
Mr Robertshaw said: “I am super excited about bringing Robertshaw’s Farm Shop to Skipton. This expansion represents a significant milestone for Robertshaw’s and presents exciting opportunities for growth and development.
“We are working hard to get the new farm shop up and running as soon as we can.”
Rob Cruikshank, associate director in Watling Real Estate's Leeds office, which handled the sale, said: We are delighted to have achieved a sale that will retain the property’s existing use.
“There is a lack of similar offerings in the surrounding area and I’m sure local residents will be pleased to see the property open its doors as a farm shop again.
“The reopening will help to boost the local economy and bring a number of jobs into the area.
“Robertshaw’s has been successfully operating its farm shop business in Thornton, near Bradford, for over 50 years.
“We wish them the very best with their plans to now replicate that success at the Skipton property, which is in an ideal position to benefit from the high volume of traffic passing through the area.”
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