SOMERSET children greeted Father Christmas when he arrived by quad bike at an award-winning farm shop for his first grotto of the season last Sunday (December 11, 2022).
Santa arrived at Rumwell Farm Shop on December 11 and has now taken up residence in his cosy cabin for the season with dates still available to book to meet him on December 20 and 22.
Anne Mitchell, Joint Owner of the farm shop, located just off the M5 on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, said: “Father Christmas arrived with us on a farm quad bike, linking with our own farm just up the road, to meet all the boys and girls who came along to see him. Many had made banners and flags to wave to welcome him. It was a very exciting morning, with Christmas carols and tunes playing that everyone was able to sing-along to too.
“Santa spent time chatting with the crowds and his friendly elves handed out sweets. It was great to see such a good turn out and he is now set up for the season in his cosy cabin. We still have some availability for people to book to meet him on December 20 and 22. All our earlier dates in December are now sold out.
“Tickets cost £12.95 per child and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3Bpz85n. Booking is essential and must be made via our website and we can only allow a maximum of four children with an appropriate adult, or two.”
Rumwell Farm Shop, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is an independent, family-run, award-winning business owned by the Mitchell family. It was originally a potato store, when David and Anne Mitchell began selling their potatoes and free-range eggs at the gate 25 years ago.
Due to customer demand, the range of products soon increased, and the farm shop grew into the place it is today. David and Anne’s sons, James and Jack, are now also involved in the business, as well as daughters-in-law Sophie and Donna.
Rumwell Farm Shop, which has won nine Taste of the West Gold Awards this year for its shop and café and also for some of its made onsite products, has a traditional Butchery counter selling its home-reared and free-range pork and Rumwell Angus beef. It’s traditional, dry cured back bacon was recently given the title of overall Champion Bacon in the Taste of the West Awards.
There is also a Delicatessen, Bakery, Jam Kitchen, Food Hall, Wine Cellar and Gift Room. Its Café kitchen has also achieved Coeliac UK’s Gluten Free accreditation.
The food prepared in the Café kitchen is sourced from the Farm Shop, the Mitchell family farm, which is just four miles away, and other regional suppliers.
Families are welcome to the Café and there is a menu especially for children. It also serves afternoon teas, Sunday carvery and is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.
For more information, please call Rumwell Farm Shop, which is located in Rumwell between Taunton and Wellington, on 01823 461599 or visit www.rumwellfarmshop.com.
