Two pioneering Yorkshire coast businesses, Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery and Wold Top Brewery, have achieved national recognition as finalists in the 12th annual British Farming Awards.
These sibling companies, both deeply rooted in their local agricultural heritage, have been shortlisted in the Diversification of the Year (Large) category, an accolade that celebrates innovative farming practices across the UK.
A Celebration of Local Farming and Innovation
Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery and Wold Top Brewery, both based at Hunmanby Grange farm, owe much of their success to the farm’s sustainable practices. The farm not only supplies the high-quality barley essential to both businesses but also plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy by providing jobs for over 40 residents in the area.
The co-founder of both businesses, Tom Mellor, expressed his pride in their achievements, stating,
“We’re proud that Hunmanby Grange farm sustains the two businesses with home-grown barley and provides employment for over 40 local people. We’re naturally delighted to have been shortlisted for a second prestigious farming award.”
A Family-Run Success Story
Wold Top Brewery is managed by Tom Mellor’s daughter, Kate, and her husband, Alex Balchin. Meanwhile, his other daughter, Jenni Ashwood, oversees marketing at Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery. This close-knit family involvement has played a significant role in the companies’ success. In addition to their shortlisting at the British Farming Awards, both businesses are also finalists in the Diversification Farmer of the Year category at the Farmers’ Weekly Awards, further underscoring their impact on the farming and beverage industries.
Facing Stiff Competition
The winners of the British Farming Awards will be announced during a prestigious dinner event at The Vox in Birmingham on October 17th. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery and Wold Top Brewery will be up against tough competition from notable Scottish businesses,
The Rhynd and Marshall’s Farm Shop and Kitchen, as well as Otter Tarn from the Lake District and Staffordshire’s Play at Lower Drayton Farm.
Recognising Farming Excellence
The British Farming Awards, organised by Farmers Guardian and sponsored by Morrisons, are a celebration of the innovation and dedication within the UK farming sector. The awards honour those who are leading the way in technology, science, food production, and sustainability. The black-tie event is expected to attract more than 800 farmers and industry professionals, showcasing the best of British farming.
Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery: A Field-to-Bottle Approach
Founded in 2016, the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery has rapidly become a symbol of quality and innovation in the whisky industry. The distillery is known for its commitment to the field-to-bottle ethos, using 100% home-grown barley to produce its acclaimed Filey Bay single malt whisky. The first bottles were released in 2019, marking a significant milestone for the distillery, which is one of only a few worldwide to maintain such a close connection to its agricultural roots.
Wold Top Brewery: Brewing Excellence Since 2003
Wold Top Brewery, established in 2003, has built a reputation for crafting exceptional cask, keg, and bottled ales. The brewery takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients, including malting barley, hops, and pure, chalk-filtered water from the Yorkshire Wolds. This commitment to quality and sustainability has earned Wold Top a loyal following and a respected place in the UK’s brewing community.
As the awards approach, both Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery and Wold Top Brewery are not just representing Yorkshire but are also shining examples of how traditional farming can be innovatively diversified to create thriving, sustainable businesses. The anticipation builds as they prepare to face their competitors at the British Farming Awards, with the hope of bringing another prestigious title back to the Yorkshire coast.
