‘Everyone’s been really welcoming’: New owners of popular farm shop near Peterborough reveal plans for the future

A couple who have recently taken over a popular farm shop near Peterborough have pledged to maintain the same high standards that customers have become accustomed to over the past four years.

In late July, Jake and Darcey Crowther took the reins at Rectory Farm Kitchen in Warmington, which first opened in the autumn of 2022.

Located adjacent to a working farm, the cafe and farm shop was initially owned by businesswoman Sally Andrew, who recently confirmed her decision to sell up.

In an emotional Facebook post, Sally thanked the cafe’s “amazing” customers and “incredible” staff for the past four years.

Having just experienced their first full week running the cafe and shop, Jake and Darcey hope to build on the strong foundations laid by their predecessor.

Speaking to the Peterborough Telegraph, Jake said: “Coming from a restaurant background we’re going to look at doing some events and themed nights.

“We’re looking at getting an alcohol licence so we can do things like cheese and wine nights and offer wine with our meals.”

Jake, 31, who held the position of head chef at The Woolpack Inn in Islip for 10 years, also hopes to strengthen the business’s farm shop offering.

“At the minute we’re stocking local honey and homeware. I’d also like to look at selling fresh bread and fresh produce from the local community.

“It’s going to be a bit of trial and error, but I’d like to get to the point where we work with local people and promote their businesses as well.”

The couple plan to launch the cafe’s new menu over the coming weeks and start offering a range of freshly baked cakes.

“Everyone’s been really welcoming and wished us good luck,” Jake added.

“There’s been a good response on social media and going forward we’re going to get as many posts out as possible to try and find out what people want.

“It’s not just about what we want, we also want to find out what the public would like us to do.”