One has to go back to 1981 to unearth
the true origins of our family business. 

This was the year Nick & Joan Hardingham decided that something significant was missing from their lives. 

Politely choosing to ignore any well-meaning advice to 'think twice' they waved goodbye to their old lives, to run a small-holding deep in the Suffolk countryside whilst raising a family.

They immediately set about clearing the farm.  They grew potatoes, which were sold by the sack from the end of the drive.  They put in fruit for Pick-Your-Own, and set-up a ‘no-thrills’ farm shop in one of the old farm buildings.

1985 –

Started selling ‘unusual veg’ such as celeriac, travelling down to the London wholesale markets in an old Coma van.

1987 –

A bumper crop of raspberries led Nick to ‘borrow’ his mother’s ice cream recipe and make a few batches to sell in the farm shop.

1993 –

Branched into catering, starting the original tearoom which is now housed within an 18th Century timber framed barn moved, from Bradfield St George in 1997.

1996 –

The derelict dovecote, originally the buck of a windmill built in 1786, was moved and converted into a craft work shop.  The ice cream business was growing & a dedicated ice cream kitchen was built

1998 –

They started the first farmers market in the region.

2004 -

Stephany the eldest daughter returned to the family business to run the ice cream business.

2005 –

Eleanor the middle daughter returned with her husband-to-be Barry and began running the tearoom, and setting up a livestock business on the farm.