Sir Gavin Williamson was given a tour of Canalside Farm Café in Great Haywood, situated alongside the idyllic Trent and Mersey Canal, by the manager Geoff Barton.
Sir Gavin visited the family run farm café and shop that has been running since 1983. The farm shop sells its own produce from strawberries in summer to pumpkins in the autumn, and offers a Christmas market during the festive season, as well as graze boards and breakfast boxes for other special occasions. The farm shop was one of the first in Staffordshire, and has expanded several times due to its popularity with local communities.
Sir Gavin is a keen advocate for family owned businesses in South Staffordshire, and recently championed Small Business Saturday in the run up to Christmas to highlight how important it is to celebrate our local vendors.
Sir Gavin said: “It was great to visit Canalside, a picturesque location for a great day out, to see all of the wonderful local produce for sale, in particular the products grown on their own family farm. I’d encourage anyone who can to support local farmers in the run up to Christmas, as it is great to see family businesses thriving in Staffordshire.”
