Young Farmers Club Enjoys Exclusive Tour of Cranstons’ Cumbrian Food Hall
Cranstons was delighted to welcome members of the Penrith Young Farmers Club (YFC) to its Cumbrian Food Hall this week for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and industry discussion. The evening provided a fantastic opportunity for the group to gain a deeper understanding of Cranstons’ heritage, commitment to quality local meat, and traditional butchery skills, while also enjoying award-winning food and an engaging Q&A session.
The group, comprised of over 30 members, arrived at 7pm and was warmly welcomed by Cranstons’ Managing Director, Chris Thomson, who gave a brief introduction to the company and its dedication to sourcing and preparing high-quality, locally reared meat. From there, the members split into two groups for a more detailed look at different aspects of the business.
Each group enjoyed an engaging talk on Cranstons’ history and values delivered by Chris Thomson, and a factory tour led by our Senior Retail Area Manager, Peter Potts, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Cranstons’ expert butchery processes. From sausage-making to prime cuts, the tour showcased the craftmanship and care that go into producing Cranstons’ much-loved products.
Founded in 1914, Cranstons began with Stanley Cranston, who travelled the Eden Valley selling locally sourced meat from his horse and cart. Over the decades, the business grew, evolving into the award-winning butchery and food retailer it is today. Chris also spoke about Cranstons’ strong partnerships with local farmers, its commitment to high-welfare meat, and the challenges facing independent butchers in today’s market.
Following the tours and discussions, the Young Farmers gathered upstairs at Café Oswalds, where they were treated to Cranstons’ Topside & Cheddar Burgers — crowned Best Product in the UK at the 2024 Smithfield Awards — along with tea and coffee. The meal gave members the opportunity to relax and continue their conversations on farming, butchery, and the future of sustainable food production.
The evening concluded with a Q&A session, where the Young Farmers asked insightful questions about butchery techniques, sourcing local meat, and how Cranstons balances tradition with innovation. Reflecting on the visit, Chris Thomson said:
“It was a real pleasure to host the Young Farmers Club and share an insight into what we do here at Cranstons. Their enthusiasm for farming and food production was fantastic to see, and they asked some really thoughtful questions. Independent butchers like us rely on strong relationships with local farmers, and it’s always rewarding to meet young people who are passionate about shaping the future of British agriculture.”
As the event wrapped up around 9pm, the group gave a lively round of applause, a testament to their enjoyment of the evening.
Sophie Jones, the Club Secretary, also shared her appreciation:
“We had such a brilliant evening at Cranstons — everything was so well organised, and we were made to feel incredibly welcome. The tours were fascinating, and we all learned so much about the process behind high-quality local meat. The generosity with the refreshments was amazing too—the burgers were absolutely delicious! It was one of our best-supported meeting of the year so far, which just shows how much our members enjoyed it. Thank you to everyone at Cranstons for making it such a fantastic experience.”
The Penrith Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) is an active group within the Cumbria Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, dedicated to supporting young people aged 10 to 28 with a passion for farming, rural life, and the agricultural industry. The club offers members opportunities to develop practical skills, take part in competitions, and build a network of like-minded individuals. With a focus on the future of British agriculture, Penrith YFC plays an important role in preserving the region’s rural traditions while encouraging young people to engage with modern farming practices.
Cranstons is proud to have hosted such an engaged and enthusiastic group and looks forward to welcoming the Young Farmers Club again in the future. Events like these provide an invaluable opportunity to connect with the next generation of farmers and food producers, reinforcing the shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting local agriculture that has been at the heart of Cranstons for over a century.