DUNKERTON’S: A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Taken from this month’s Cotswold Life magazine
Where socialising and great local food go hand in hand…
Working in food for however long I have, I know one thing to be true – put good food (and drink) in front of people, with an opportunity to socialise, and they’ll have a good time. It’s a simple recipe, but for some reason, not one that is followed too often. That’s why when someone does get it right, the result is clear to see.
Dunkerton’s Park, on the outskirts of Cheltenham, is a prime example. Yes, we may know the name from a certain local clothing brand, and we may have been partial to a few Black Foxes over the years, but the farm shop is another thing entirely. It could have any name over the door and people would still flock to it as they do now. Why? They’ve got the recipe spot on.
You see, at Dunkerton’s, they’ve collided social interaction with great local food and delivered something unique. It’s a space that works for all ages, at all times of the day, and for all occasions. From mums and tots enjoying coffee and cartoons, to runners needing refreshment after a 10k, to sports fans of all persuasions, right though to ’90s clubbers who want to relive their youth, at Dunkerton’s, it seems, there’s a place for everyone.
And at the heart of it all is, you guessed it, great local food. The premises centres around the farm shop, putting local producers right at the heart of things. There are several names who are well known by us at Warner’s – Martins Meats, Adlington Turkey, Cacklebean Eggs, Kitchen Garden Foods, Stroud Brewery are just some of the local suppliers that we’ve stocked in our Warner’s stores for years.
We’ve been proud to be part of their journey, working with some fantastic local producers, but at Dunkerton’s, they take it a stage further – it’s where socialising and great food go hand in hand. It’s a place where people can smell, touch and taste local food, all while enjoying good times with their family or friends.
So often local foods can feel inaccessible, and dare I say it, only for a certain few, but in this setting, they really are accessible to all.
And it’s not just inside the farm shop where this magic is happening – it’s also in the street food outlets that line the venue, the collaborations with local restaurants or caterers, where people can enjoy brunch, lunch and supper in a communal environment. Whether you want gourmet burgers, sourdough pizza, tandoori or crepes, there’s a menu that suits your mood, any day of the week.
I can’t help but take my hat off to someone who’s doing such a huge job for local suppliers and in such a unique way. It’s like a big magnifying glass for local foods – and whether it’s by design or chance – or whether it’s just evolved that way – it’s working.
If you haven’t yet tasted the magic of Dunkerton’s, there’s no better way to spend an autumn afternoon or evening – see you there!
To find out about events, food outlets and farm shop opening times, visit Dunkertonscider.co.uk.