Our Family Story, 1987 and into the Future
40 Years of Sustainable Farming Heritage.
Experience the superior quality of rare-breed pork and grass-fed beef, reared slowly on our own lush pastures. Our livestock thrive on a natural diet of farm-grown silage, haylage, oats, and barley.
By grazing cattle on permanent County Durham pasture—a land used for centuries—we champion true sustainability. These fields act as a vital carbon sink, supporting a thriving local ecosystem.
The Vision (1987)
In 1987, Matthew and Tracy Betney began their journey at Broom Mill Farm. Starting with a single field and no existing infrastructure, every building, barn, and counter you see today was built from the ground up by the family’s own hands.
What began as a pure farming venture has blossomed into a landmark "Field to Fork" business, serving the community of Bishop Auckland and beyond for nearly four decades.
Field to Fork Evolution
Around 15 years ago, we established the Farm Shop & Bakery to bring our own traditional butchery and deli goods directly to our customers. Our ethos is built on sustainability—producing our own pork, beef, and chicken to ensure absolute quality and provenance.
The Mill Kitchen café originally started in a "large leaky shed with a terrace," but through years of hard work, it has been transformed into the lakeside destination it is today.
2021 Reopening!
A New Chapter (2021)
Following a major renovation during the 2020/2021 lockdown, the Mill Kitchen was officially reopened to welcome guests back into a revamped, modern space.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was carried out by former MP Dehenna Davison who said after the Ceremony,“I was honoured to be invited to reopen The Mill Kitchen. This is the kind of small, independent business our local communities need. I hope to be back soon for another burger and chips at the cafe and I wish them all the best". The reopening marked more than just a renovation; it celebrated the resilience of our family business and our commitment to staying at the heart of the Bishop Auckland community.
Today, whether you are visiting our butchery or enjoying a Sunday Lunch at the Mill Kitchen, you are experiencing the results of 40 years of dedication to traditional family farming.
Growing for the Future
We aren't done building yet. Subject to final permissions, we are excited to announce an upcoming major expansion to Broom Mill Farm.
This new chapter includes plans to further extend the Farm Shop, Kitchen, and Café, alongside the addition of a dedicated Nursery & Garden Centre. It’s our way of continuing to invest in West Auckland and helping the local community grow their own "Field to Fork" legacy at home.
Visit the Farm
Farm Shop: Tuesday – Saturday | The Mill Kitchen: Tuesday – Sunday
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