More companies sign up for space within converted mill complex

A range of new retail and leisure businesses are opening at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, as the national lockdown eases.

These include the Amity Brew Co, Beckett and Beckett Interiors, Farsley Fire and Smoke and Anahata Yoga.

John Gaunt, joint managing director of Edwin Woodhouse and Co Ltd, the family company which owns Sunny bank Mills, said: “These are very exciting new lettings for us – and we are absolutely delighted at the range of businesses who are now joining us at Sunny Bank Mills.

“They broaden our appeal and provide wonderful new facilities for everyone who works at the mill and who lives in Farsley.

Credit: Lorne Campbell / Guzelian

“There is now genuine optimism at Sunny Bank Mills as we emerge from lockdown. I see the spirit of the local people and businesses reflected in these new lettings.

“If we can continue to attract people like this, there is a bright future for Sunny Bank Mills.”

Russ Clarke, co-founder of Amity Brew Co, said: “We have finally been able to open our doors and serve pints to customers. The reviews of the location have been glowing.

“Sunny Bank Mills is a beautiful setting with practical and convenient amenities that you don’t find easily around Leeds.

“Opening properly for the first time ever has felt very surreal, our brewery and taproom has been ready since December but to sit out on the terrace with the views of Sunny Bank Mills in the background and watch our customers drink it all in has been perfect.”

Deborah Beckett, of Beckett & Beckett Interiors, said: “Our interior design business involves using beautiful fabrics to create our interiors and fits in beautifully with the Festoon Rooms where we are based.

“We love the mix of great businesses sharing the amazing surroundings and beautiful landscaping, and feel proud to be working in such a great environment.”

Farsley Fire & Smoke is an American hot-smoked meat street food concept, using prime Yorkshire meat, run by husband-and-wife team Ashley Turner and Sarah Chandler.

Turner said: “We are hugely indebted to the landlords of Sunny Banks Mills for supporting us, first by allowing our vans to sell food to all the businesses here and then for providing a commercial kitchen and a wonderful Smoke Shack for us.

“This has enabled our business to grow swiftly, despite the challenges of the pandemic.”

William Gaunt, joint managing director of Edwin Woodhouse and Co, explained: “Farsley Fire and Smoke is a tremendous example of a new business flourishing despite the pandemic.

“We were delighted to help to incubate the business when it first started and now it has boomed.”

Finally, Anahata Yoga, which is run by Sarah McLaughlin, is moving into the historic Old Combing building at Sunny Bank.

McLaughlin said: “I wanted to open a studio with a real community feel and I love what Sunny Bank Mills has to offer.

“Filled with local businesses, art studios and designers, it just felt like the right place to be. In the heart of Farsley where I live, my studio’s location was key and Sunny Bank Mills ticked all the boxes.”