FARM, CAFÉ AND SHOP – AND DON’T FORGET THE ICE-CREAM!

In less than three years, something quite wonderful has been created at Orton Grange Farm, on the outskirts of Dalston. It was in June 2004 that brother and sister Richard Martin and Claire Scott opened the first stage of an ambitious farm diversification, just a mile or so from Dalston, near Carlisle in Cumbria.

And for a growing number of regular customers, it’s proving to be a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of goods for presents and essentials for the house and kitchen. But not just that – there’s now even more to tempt people to this quite wonderful conversion of a sandstone barn.

Recently, Richard and Claire extended the premises to include a café (which includes a mezzanine floor) and which has added a new dimension at Orton Grange. On the upper floor there’s a fabulous grand piano on which local musicians will serenade guests. There’s also Quiltessentials, a haven for embroidery enthusiasts.

Orton Grange can be found 4 miles west of Carlisle on the A595 Wigton Road and opposite the Dalston turnoff. The ample car park and excellent disabled access makes a visit easy and extremely pleasant. Coming from Carlisle you just turn right at the Orton Grange crossroads and then first right into the car park.

It doesn’t matter whether your needs are for beautiful greeting cards, pictures, decorative household items, soft toys, clothing, locally produced food or flowers, farmhouse ice-cream, a delicious lunch or just a cup of Fairtrade coffee, you will find something to please at Orton Grange. The range of goods is huge and browsing is a pleasure.

Flowers and flower arranging is just one of Claire’s many talents (another being the eye catching display of items for sale around the 4 roomed shop). If you are looking for a bunch of flowers on your way home from work, then a quick visit will provide you with just what you want. Claire is also very busy providing flowers for weddings and funerals. The quality of her blooms is fantastic and, if well looked after, will last beyond the normal life expectancy of supermarket sourced bouquets. She will even advise reticent husbands on how to do a presentable arrangement when they get them home!

The range of items suitable for gifts is too large to list, but if you are looking for something for a special occasion, and you live close to Orton Grange, then you are sure to find something to suit. You might even be tempted to buy a picture from one of the featured local artists.

Local people are now going to Orton Grange for fruit and vegetables, which are sourced locally whenever possible. There is also an ample opportunity to stock up the fridge from the chiller with meat, sausage, smoked salmon and other produce. The food hall is just brimming with unexpected treats.

If you find the walk around the beautifully appointed barn conversion too much for your feet, you can take a break in one of the sumptuous sofas. Or if you’re more peckish, why not decide on a more substantial meal in the café, overlooking pens of cattle and calves from the Orton Grange herd of pedigree Holsteins. No doubt children will want to come and see the Tamworth pigs Holly and Ivy, Joey the donkey and the calves being fed while the parents browse the shelves or sip their tea or coffee.

And you simply must try the Orton Grange Ice-cream. It’s made in a wide range of flavours, using Orton Grange milk, cream and free-range eggs. It’s just so rich and creamy! Naughty – but absolutely divine!

Richard and Claire have lots of plans for future development on this roadside site. The next stage features a swimming pool which will be available for hire by the hour. While the present customer base is mainly from a radius of 4 miles around the shop, improved signage and advertising on holiday publications will see a big increase in visitors from further afield.

Orton Grange Farm Shop is a very good example of farm diversification in traditional farm buildings. Great care has been taken with the presentation of everything. It is a great facility for Dalston providing quality products, food and refreshment within a few miles of the village. You can pop in for a coffee and do your shopping at the same time, all under one roof. Listening to Richard and Claire’s plans for the future there is no doubt in my mind that Orton Grange will become a major attraction for lots of different activities in the future.

You can contact Claire Scott at Orton Grange Farm Shop or by telephoning 01228 711410