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Bosses behind a farm shop and cafe are \u2018optimistic\u2019 for the future as they plan an expansion amid growing customer demand.<\/p>\n
The team at Silcocks Farm Shop and Cafe, near Tenterden, have submitted a proposal to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) to add two shipping containers to the site to house a new kitchen.<\/p>\n
There are plans to expand Silcocks Farm Shop and Cafe, with a new kitchen and bigger butchers\u2019 counter<\/p>\n
They say the additional space will enhance the cafe’s offerings and help it keep up with future customer demand.<\/p>\n
By relocating the current kitchen, the plans will also allow for the expansion of the butchers’ counter, which has been a staple of the site for years.<\/p>\n
The farm, in Grange Rd, St Michaels, has been in the Fenton family for more than two decades. They converted old outbuildings into a farm shop, which originally opened once or twice a week to sell their beef.<\/p>\n
Over time, it became what it is today, with a fully-fledged butchery, farm shop and cafe for punters to buy all manner of local products.<\/p>\n
Farm manager Matt Britton, who started as a farm hand himself around 16 years ago, said despite ongoing pressures in the hospitality industry, hopes are high for the future.<\/p>\n
How the proposed shipping containers at Silcocks Farm Shop and Cafe are proposed to look. Picture: Hobbs Parker<\/p>\n
He told KentOnline: \u201cWe have a loyal customer base here in Tenterden who understand the importance of supporting local businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the building of a new kitchen for the cafe, it will not only improve the cafe\u2019s functionality, it will also give our butchery room to expand by taking over the current kitchen space.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite the financial strains facing many farm shops and cafes, we are still holding onto some optimism for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Documents submitted by Hobbs Parker on behalf of the applicants to ABC state the scheme reflect the \u201ccontinued evolution of the site into a destination for visitors\u201d.<\/p>\n
Farm manager Matt Britton\u00a0is hopeful for the future at Silcocks Farm Shop and Cafe<\/p>\n
It will also eliminate \u201coperation inefficiencies\u201d during busy service, as staff cross the butchers\u2019 counter to take food to the dining area.<\/p>\n
The issue was flagged as a food-safety concern during Environmental Health inspections due to its conflict with best practices for food hygiene operations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe existing kitchen is of insufficient size to meet the service demands of the cafe, which has expanded since its introduction,\u201d planning documents add.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe limited floor area restricts both preparation space and work flow efficiency, constraining the cafe\u2019s ability to operate safely and effectively at peak times.<\/p>\n
The plans will also allow for the expansion of the butchery counter at Silcocks<\/p>\n
\u201cA new purpose-built kitchen is required to maintain compliance with food-safety standards and to ensure the cafe can accommodate current and future customer demands.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis reflects the continued evolution of the site into a destination for visitors, enhancing the retail offer and expanding the direct-to-consumer element of the farm\u2019s operations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Silcocks Farm Shop and Cafe is located on the edge of St Michaels, near Tenterden
The shipping containers will be attached to the existing farm shop and cafe. Picture: Hobbs Parker<\/p>\n
Tenterden Town Council expressed support for the application, with no other comments lodged on ABC\u2019s planning portal.<\/p>\n
A decision is expected by the authority later this year.<\/p>\n