Coombeshead 2025 & Beyond

Greetings all,

A touch later than hoped; I had intended to get this out in early Autumn but Christmas fever took hold and somehow it's now December. But with the 3rd storm in recent weeks about to hit the West Country, today seems fitting.

I write to inform that this will be our final Winter running the restaurant at the Farm before we move to Summer-only from next year.

The restaurant and guesthouse will remain open this Winter and through next year as normal, before closing next October 2025 for an extended Winter hiatus, aiming to reopen in April 2026. From then on, we will run the restaurant and rooms from April through October each year, closing every Winter to all bar larger groups.

It is a decision that comes with a good deal of excitement; we will be entering our 10th year in operation next Winter and the time feels right for a break in play for the hospitality side of the farm. A good deal has changed since we first arrived at Coombeshead; the farm business is a lot more diverse than it used to be, and the time feels right to explore the opportunities arising from this. The bakery continues to grow and is a wonderful business in its own right, a fledgeling wholesale ham and sausage enterprise is gathering momentum, as is the retail and home delivery side of production, livestock is now a significant consideration, local workshops have developed a regular following, and we have begun to document many of the recipes and processes that form the daily doings here with half an eye on getting them bound at some stage.

And thus, a pause is due. The first time in a very long time. Some time to learn again, visit farms, see old mentors, find new ones, see friends & family, make ham, sell ham, feed pigs, make bread, deep dive into the world of sausages, move cows, write, cook, teach, learn some more, and reflect on the past 10 years here with the view to making the next 10 years much better.

We are incredibly blessed with the guests who frequent the farm throughout the year. Many of you have become good friends and we are so very lucky to have such an engaged and considerate group of people pass through the courtyard. I thank you all so much for supporting the farm over the past decade. Needless to say, without you and your generosity, the farm would not have got out of the starting blocks. I do hope to see you all here in the year to come. And from then onwards we look forward to seeing you each year in the warmer months, and with any luck, to sending you some nice products through the post in the colder months. For those of you who visit us each winter, I do apologise for upsetting the apple cart, so to speak.

Whilst the restaurant may be closed for regular service through the winter, the farmhouse and cottage will be available for larger groups who wish to enjoy some peace and quiet on a private hire basis. And we'll be delighted to cook for you. Just email to enquire.

There will be absolutely no change in service to the bakery and wholesale business which will be very much running as usual.

For those visiting us this winter, we look forward to seeing you soon.

Warm Regards

Tom