Covid has hugely reshaped Honeywell’s flourishing farm shop.
Home delivery and click and collect were so popular that they are now a normal part of the business. And you are now able to order online as the website converted to e-commerce towards the end of 2022. “It’s lovely to see lots of new faces and to have helped a lot people, particularly older custmers worried about coming out of the house – home delivery’s been a lifeline,” says marketing manager Liz Gornall.
The business began in 1973 with the Gornall family selling their own reared pork from their garage. People asked for lamb and beef, persuading brothers Anthony and John to teach themselves butchery skills. The family began offering meat and produce from nearby farms, including lamb from the Thornton family, which they still stock today. Sales expanded into the barn and in 1996, the sons took over from their parents Francis and Doris. In 2003, long before the days of farm shops, they built their modern purpose-built shop – and saw sales soar.
Honeywells has 80 staff, including 11 family members, on sites at Eaves Lane, Barton Grange Garden Centre in Bilsborrow and Bents Garden and Home centre near Leigh. They also supply shops, pubs, schools, colleges, restaurants and hotels. The secret, Anthony says, is being farmers at heart. “We provide people with the very best produce at a price we feel is very affordable. We are producers – we rear cattle in Broughton – and we buy direct from other producers. Nearly everything is from within a 50-mile radius. And we have a fantastic band of loyal customers.”
It’s now far more than the core meat business, with quality pies, delicious ready-meals, pastries, sweets, bread, vegetables, cheeses, wines, herbs and spices – anything you need to make a fantastic meal.
Visit the store to find out more.
Opening Times
Mon to Fri: 9am – 5.30pm
Saturday: 9am – 4.30pm
Sunday: 10am – 4pm
