history of denstone hall farm
family farm
Family is at the very heart of our business.
Between us, the Boden and Evans families have been rearing livestock and farming for generations, since 1840 in fact. Throughout this period, we have always been involved in promoting and encouraging the success of agriculture in the UK.
The Boden’s – Denstone, Staffordshire
The Boden family have been synonymous with farming in Staffordshire for many generations. How many we can’t be exactly sure!
Harry Boden was one of the first, making his mark as a founder member of the Milk Marketing Board. Tom Bennion Boden O.B.E. was involved in milk politics, as well as serving the NFU for 40 years, during which time he held the office of Deputy President. David and Joyce Boden are the current stewards of the countryside and have seen the highs and lows of farming over the past 60 years.
OUR FOUNDERS
In 2006, Rupert and his late wife Emma gave up their jobs in London and returned to Emma’s family farm in Staffordshire with the idea of creating a farm shop. Inspired by the farmers’ markets they had visited in London, they saw an opportunity to bring together great local produce, food from the farm and a closer connection between farmers and customers.
Denstone Hall Farm Shop opened in 2007, with Rupert and Emma building the business together from the outset. Sadly, Emma passed away in April 2023, and her loss was deeply felt by her family, friends, colleagues and the wider community. Her contribution remains an important part of the Denstone Hall story, and the business continues today with many of the same values that Rupert and Emma shared from the very beginning.
The Evans’ – Olney, Buckinghamshire
Rupert’s side of the family are much newer to the agricultural scene. After studying at Harper Adams back in the 60’s Rupert’s father Anthony, took a Duchy of Lancaster farm tenancy at Olney – Park Farm in Buckinghamshire. There, he had a mixed livestock and arable farm, eventually specialising in poultry and, at it’s peak, reared over 20,000 turkeys a year. Rupert’s brother James has now taken over the poultry business and supplies Denstone Hall Farm Shop with free range turkeys at Christmas.
farm history
1840 – 1963
Farm tenanted by the Boden family.
1963 – 1990
Denstone Hall Farm with its 120 acres, was purchased by T.B. Boden and Son. Following the purchase, the farm steadily developed to its present size of 428 acres, two thirds owned and one third rented. During this time the dairy herd developed with significant investment during the 1970’s, taking the herd to 320 cows. A B&B opened by David’s wife Joyce in 1986 helped support the business through 20 years in agriculture – some of those years were challenging!
1990
Diversified out of dairy and the beef herd was started.
1996 – 2006
The beef herd increased to 60. The farm became self-sufficient, growing cereals and forage crops for the livestock enterprise.
2007 – 2013
Emma and Rupert gave up their corporate careers in London and moved back to Staffordshire to launch their new venture, a farm shop and café in the converted milking parlour building. The success of the farm shop and café continued to grow year-on-year and a plan of action was swiftly put into place to move into a custom built Farm Shop and Café next to the existing shop.
2013
The brand new Denstone Hall Farm Shop and Café opened on October 19th with fantastic reviews, more awards, lots more homemade produce and an influx of staff with great customer service skills.
2018
A large two storey extension to the building was added to the farm shop which is now home to the gift & homewares shop.
2021
The Garden room was built outside as an area for dogs and their owners to enjoy in all weathers.
2024
The Herdsman's Hut was added outside the Farm Shop, serving takeaway hot & cold drinks, pastries and cakes.
2026
Our café refurbishment has been a great success, giving our regulars and new visitors a fresh, relaxing space to settle into.