North Yorkshire farm shop remodels business to showcase local creatives during ‘challenging’ business environment

Jo Barnes, who owns the long-established business with husband Colin, said: “We have been in business here for 25 years. The last couple of years have been challenging, as they have for many small and family-owned hospitality and retail businesses like ours and forced us to relook at our business model.

“We decided to give our shop space over to small, artisan businesses who can rent space, be it an apple crate, a cabinet, shelving or wall space. They simply fill the space once a month and we sell their arts, crafts, jewellery, clothes, antiques, retro and vintage items for them.

“By making these changes, we can support other small businesses, and keep trading as a shop. Given that there's nothing like this one-stop gifting shop in the area, we’re hopeful The Mile Emporium will also attract people to the cafe and to Pocklington.”

Businesses that have already signed up include AmaDablam Cashmere, Dizzyrich Designs, Fetlock & Feathers, Ferribots, Free to Live, Holistic Kitchen, Jenbocrochet, Melts and More, Resin Revery and Rosefield Studio Shop.

In addition to the Emporium, the Mile team are also hosting a series of events in the cafe including a Halloween painting workshop, a charity fashion show, Christmas afternoon tea and cocktails and a Christmas stag painting workshop. The Mile is owned and run by the Barnes family who have farmed in the area for decades. In addition to the Showcase and Sell Emporium, it is also home to a cafe, feed shed, a Fuji photo and gift studio.