Silchester Farm & The Creation of The Drift, Trough Farm Shop & Pyggy Rooms: Another Step Towards Community and Diversity in Rural England.

Author: Alastair Winsey

Silchester Farm has established itself as a beloved destination for weddings and luxury events.  In our pursuit of constant innovation, Carla and I have spent the last nine months developing Trough Farm Shop. This new venture not only serves as an exciting opportunity for diversification, but also allows us to positively impact our local economy.

The concept of a farm shop housed within a pig ark-shaped building, embodies our commitment to creativity and sustainability. Designing and bringing this unique idea to life posed its challenges, but the outcome has been immensely rewarding. It’s a playful nod to our agricultural roots and a conversation starter for our visitors, creating a memorable and unique backdrop that enhances guest experience while supporting local producers.  
What is there not to love?

As we move closer to the Trough Farm Shop grand opening, on Sunday 22nd September, our aim is to provide visitors with a curated selection of fresh, locally-sourced products. This initiative will not only meet the growing demand for organic and farm-fresh produce, but it will also create connections between our guests and the local community. By sourcing our products from nearby farms and producers, we are reinforcing the importance of supporting local businesses and encouraging a sustainable future.

In addition, Trough Farm Shop complements our existing offerings at Silchester Farm, allowing us to extend our services and create an all-encompassing experience for our visitors. Whether guests are attending a wedding, a corporate retreat, or simply stopping by the shop, they will leave with a deeper appreciation for the richness of our surrounding area, and the beauty of Silchester Farm. 

The addition of Trough Farm Shop at Silchester Farm stands as a testament to our love for innovation, community, and sustainability. 

Why Are We Creating a Farm Shop?

At Silchester Farm, opening a farm shop is about embracing the abundance of the land and sharing this beautiful place with others. By showcasing fresh produce, homemade goods, and local artisan products, we aim to create a welcoming space for visitors to experience the heartfelt essence of the countryside. Imagine guests at an event visiting the farm shop, selecting fresh bread, local cheese, or a jar of handmade jam to take home. It’s a wonderful way to extend the magic of Silchester Farm and introduce our visitors to the essence of local produce. We are so fortunate to have so many local suppliers, making it a challenging task to fit so many delicious products into a charming piggy ark shaped building.  
Of course, Carla and I had the tough job of taste-testing everything!

The Importance of Diversifying

Given the challenges over the last few years for the hospitality sector, diversification into a farm shop brings several advantages. It’s not just about expanding our offering; it’s about creating an experience for all our visitors. We always strive to foster a sense of community, homely warmth and belonging that resonates with everyone who visits. The recent addition of our Pyggy Arc accommodation allows us to offer unique stays that stand out in a crowded market. Each stay can offer guests an unforgettable experience, whether they’re seeking tranquillity or a taste of adventure, all while maintaining that essential warmth and connection we prioritise and love at Silchester Farm. Ultimately, the relationships we cultivate with our visitors and the community can become a hallmark of visiting the farm. This ambition to connect and engage will set us apart, ensuring that our guests not only choose us again but also become advocates of Silchester Farm. 

Diversification is essential for our resilience and success in a competitive landscape. By focusing on creating enriched experiences and fostering community ties, we can establish a distinctive place in the hospitality sector that welcomes and resonates with everyone who walks through our doors.

Benefits to the Local Rural Economy

1. Supporting Local Producers:
A farm shop becomes a platform for local farmers and local suppliers. By stocking products from nearby producers, we not only support the local economy but also strengthen our community ties. Especially with our free tea & coffee for Farmers (just bring your tractor), supporting their incredible contribution to feeding us all year round.

2. Job Creation:
As Trough Farm Shop grows, it will create new employment opportunities for locals, from shop assistants to marketing roles, injecting vitality into the rural job market. Currently 90% of our team live within 5 miles of the farm. And we can’t wait to introduce our Farm Shop team to you all soon.

3. Encouraging Sustainability:
By promoting local, seasonal produce, Trough Farm Shop encourages sustainable practices, reducing carbon footprints and supporting eco-friendly initiatives. We only select the core of our product list from suppliers and family farms from within 50 miles of the farm, reducing food miles and heavy goods vehicles hitting our rural roads.

4. Attracting Visitors:
The natural beauty of Silchester Farm will draw visitors to our area, benefiting other local businesses such as hotels, pubs, restaurants, and attractions. Guests attending weddings or corporate events are likely to return to explore the beauty of the countryside and bring their families along.  

5. Fostering Community Spirit:
The farm shop at Silchester Farm, will be a social hub, hosting community events, markets, and tastings of the local delights. This will encourage interactions between our locals and visitors, further enriching our community. Trough offers a chance to contribute positively to the community and celebrate the richness of rural Silchester. It allows people to connect with the land, appreciate locally grown produce, and forge lasting memories—not just at weddings or events but in the vibrant atmosphere of our farm itself.

In the end, it’s about simple pleasures: a warm cup of coffee, a friendly chat with a local farmer, and the joy of discovering a homemade treat straight from Chef Daniel’s kitchen. This is what our farm shop will embody—a celebration of the rural way of life, a nurturing ground for community connections, and an inspiration for those who venture into the heart of our beautiful countryside, we call home. 

Carla and I cannot wait to welcome you to the Trough, we look forward to welcoming our guests to explore this exciting new chapter that will hopefully enhance your overall experience with us. The journey may have had its challenges, but the joy of creating a unique destination makes every bit of it all worthwhile!  We appreciate all the local support in the delivery of this unique project, thank you to you all for helping us create such a special place.

Bring on the 22nd September.

Al