19 jobs to be created as new hospitality venue gets green light

A farm shop and café on Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire which promises to showcase the best of local producers and UK farming has been given the go-ahead.

The scheme, which received planning permission from West Northamptonshire Council on Thursday (January 9), will create 19 full-time jobs.

Courteenhall Estate is working with Appetite Me, a specialist in rural diversification, retail and hospitality, to deliver and manage the farm shop and café.

Dr Johnny Wake, managing partner of Courteenhall Estate, said: “This development is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability and regeneration, reflecting Courteenhall’s regenerative farming practices, where every activity and facility will serve as a tangible example of how responsible land stewardship, sustainability, and holistic living can be seamlessly integrated into daily life.

“A key part of the offer will see us championing local food producers in Northamptonshire and the wider UK farming community at a time when the sector is facing a number of challenges.”

Robert Tate, managing director of Appetite Me, said: “We are excited to partner with Courteenhall Estate, aligning our shared commitment to local, artisan food and thoughtful design to create a unique, customer-focused experience that drives both community connection and commercial success.”

In October 2024, Wake was named Sustainable Farmer of the Year at the British Farming Awards.

Work is expected to start on the site at West Lodge Farm, near Northampton, in the next month or so.