Which Farm Shop Won A Family Business Award in North Yorkshire?

Ever driven past a farm shop and wondered what the story is behind it? Well, one little spot in North Yorkshire has a brilliant one. The team at Cedarbarn Farm Shop, Café and Miniature Railway in Pickering are probably still smiling from ear to ear after nabbing a pretty big award last week. It’s not just any old prize; they won the Agri-Business Excellence Award at the Yorkshire and Humber Family Business Awards 2025. It’s a bit of a mouthful, but it basically means they’re smashing it when it comes to being a modern farm that does more than just farming.

From a caravan to an award-winning business

Picture this: it’s nearly 30 years ago, and a family decides to start selling PYO strawberries from a caravan. It’s a humble beginning, right? Fast forward to today, and that little strawberry stand has blossomed into a massive success story. That’s exactly what happened with Cedarbarn. This isn’t just a farm shop; it's a destination, complete with a café and even a miniature railway. Talk about a glow-up!

This whole journey is a perfect example of something called 'diversification'. Think of it like this: instead of putting all your eggs in one basket by just growing crops, you create lots of different baskets. So, Cedarbarn didn’t just stick to farming; they added a shop, a café, and a train. Each of these is a different way to make money, or what business-y people call 'revenue streams'. It’s a clever move that shows real innovation and helps ensure sustainable growth for the future.

The co-founder, Mandy Avison, was clearly chuffed about the award. She said:

“We were over the moon to win this award. Little did we know when we started selling PYO strawberries from a caravan almost 30 years ago how popular our farm diversification business would become. We are indebted to our team and our customers for making it the success it is today.”

It just goes to show how much this family business values its team and the local community that supported it from the very beginning.

A big night in Leeds for a family business

The award was handed out at a swanky dinner in Leeds. It was a proper celebration of the best family-run businesses in the region. A family business is special because it’s often passed down through generations, with everyone chipping in. The Yorkshire and Humber Family Business Awards is all about giving these hardworking families a massive pat on the back. The whole evening was hosted by food writer and broadcaster Nigel Barden, so you know the food must have been good!

The event’s co-founders, Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth, were buzzing about how the night went. They really wanted to create a special atmosphere to celebrate the brilliant community of businesses. Sue Howorth and Dave Clarkson said:

“We always aim to create an unforgettable experience, and hosting the awards in Leeds this year added something truly special. The incredible turnout of family businesses and their supporters was a testament to the strength of the community. We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate the achievements of these truly fantastic businesses. It was truly a night to remember!”

It sounds like it was a fantastic evening, recognising the hard graft that goes into running a successful business with your relatives.

What makes Cedarbarn a winner?

So, what was it about Cedarbarn that made the judges pick them for the Agri-Business Excellence Award? It’s all about being a shining example of a modern agri-business. Gone are the days when a farm was just fields and a barn. Today, it’s about creating an experience, a place where people want to come and spend their day. The award celebrates exactly that kind of forward-thinking and innovation.

Sue Howorth from the awards team summed it up perfectly. She said:

“This remarkable family business has transformed its farm and land into a thriving hub of diverse revenue streams, and a destination experience. Combining sustainable growth with an impressive ability to adapt and stay resilient through every challenge. Their warm, welcoming atmosphere, deep commitment to community, make them a shining example of what modern agri-business can be.”

That really says it all. Cedarbarn isn’t just a shop; it’s a core part of the Pickering community. It’s a place that has managed to grow and change over the years, proving that a family business can be both traditional and incredibly modern at the same time. The addition of the miniature railway is a stroke of genius, turning a farm visit into a proper day out.

Tough competition and a well-deserved win

Winning this award was no walk in the park. Cedarbarn was up against some seriously tough competition. The other finalists included Drewtons, The Balloon Tree Farm Shop and Café, and Pasture House Holiday Cottages. All of these are fantastic businesses in their own right, which makes the win for the Pickering farm shop even more impressive. To be chosen as the best in a category celebrating innovation shows that the team at Cedarbarn are really leading the way.

This award isn't just a trophy for the shelf. It’s recognition of nearly three decades of hard work, from selling those first PYO strawberries to building a beloved local landmark in North Yorkshire. It celebrates their journey of diversification, their commitment to the community, and their success as a thriving family business. So, next time you’re near Pickering, it might be worth popping into Cedarbarn to see what an award-winning modern agri-business looks like. You can grab a coffee, browse the farm shop, and maybe even take a ride on that famous miniature railway.