Hutchinson Hobbs, a Yarm shop, marks a decade amid rising costs. They also are finalists for a major award.
Hutchinson Hobbs prides itself on whole carcasses. They believe they are the only local butchers doing this, and their kitchen prepares fresh food daily. They use ingredients from local farms to make pies, meals, coleslaw, and cheesecakes.
Jenny Hutchinson and her family own the shop. Barry is her husband, and Barry’s parents also own it. The shop has eighteen employees, and they will celebrate ten years on May 17. They are planning a ‘Meet the Suppliers’ day, and a ticketed party will occur in the evening.
Jenny says this is their way to give back. Local suppliers will have shops in tipis, and customers can meet suppliers and taste products. The party has an 80s theme, and Ryan Swain and Superficial Damage will perform. Tickets cost £30, with £5 going to charity.
Farmers are key to their business, Jenny said. A farmer chose the Great North Air Ambulance, and he donated beef for the anniversary celebration. The air ambulance helps many farmers. Family and community are important there.
Their daughter drew their pink tractor logo when she was five. Winning the award would be fantastic, the owners shared.
Jenny mentioned rising costs and beef shortages. Beef prices went up three times recently, and they may need to raise prices for customers. Being a finalist helps them, and celebrating ten years is exciting. This helps keep the business going.
They won an award in 2019 from the Farm Retail Association. They won for small farm shops, four years after opening. Jenny stated it had a huge effect, and everyone felt enthusiastic plus proud. That level of morale felt special.
Winning now would put them on the map, as some people do not know they exist. It’s nice to see last year’s winner growing.
The farm hosts a craft fair each October. Last year, 52 local stores set up there, and they did not pay an entry fee. They donated to Yarm Cricket Club, which helped projects increase participation. The shop also supplies meat for the cricket club’s BBQ, “giving back” to the community.
Award winners will be announced in April. The event is at the NEC in Birmingham and is part of the Farm Shop and Deli Show.