Albion Farm Shop future secured by family handover

The future of Albion Farm Shop in Saddleworth has been secured after the popular farm shop and cafe was handed down to the next generation of the Hirst family. Laura Hirst, daughter of founders David and Annette Hirst, has taken over the business through her company LJ Albion & Sons Ltd, ensuring the site remains in family hands despite her parents' company facing potential liquidation.

The transfer includes not just the farm shop and cafe but also The Turkey Shed event space, which hosts regular food pop-ups and live musicians, plus a new website that's already live. All staff have chosen to stay on under the new ownership, maintaining the 30 jobs at the site. Laura, representing the fifth generation of the Albion Farm family business, runs the operation with her partner Jac and their two young sons, Sidney aged four and Gus aged 18 months.

The Hirst family has weathered decades of challenges to build Albion Farm into a community cornerstone. Laura acknowledged the difficulties her parents faced, including Foot & Mouth disease, BSE, recession, Covid-19, and ongoing pressures from rising wages, National Insurance contributions, business rates, and licensing fees. 'Hospitality is extremely hard and mentally draining, especially at this moment in time,' she said, noting that retirement has been well earned for David and Annette...

The business remains committed to its core mission of providing locally sourced British farm produce, creating jobs for the local community, and offering a gathering place for residents. With meat raised on their own farm and partnerships with local producers, Albion Farm continues to serve as both a retail outlet and a social hub. The Turkey Shed will keep hosting events, ensuring the site maintains its role as a vibrant community space in Saddleworth.