A farm shop that has served the Kirkby community for approximately 40 years is entering a new chapter under the ownership of a local man who first worked there as a teenager. Dave Melling, 37, has taken over the Melling Farm Shop, located on Bank Lane, after leaving his career as an estate agent to return to his roots and revitalize the beloved local business.
The shop, a long-standing fixture on the Melling and Kirkby border, has been described by its new owner as a “staple of Kirkby.” Melling is now focused on preserving its heritage while introducing new features to attract a new generation of customers, blending tradition with modern enhancements.
Key Takeaways
- Melling Farm Shop, a business operating for around four decades, is now run by former employee Dave Melling.
- Melling left a career in real estate to purchase the shop from its retiring owner, fulfilling a long-held ambition.
- The business continues to prioritize locally sourced produce from nearby farms and meat from butchers recommended by customers.
- New additions include an outdoor coffee garden, with future plans for a pumpkin patch and a children's allotment.
A Return to Familiar Ground
For Dave Melling, owning the Melling Farm Shop is more than a business venture; it's a homecoming. Having grown up just down the road, the 37-year-old Kirkby native began working at the shop as a teenager and continued until he was 20. The experience left a lasting impression on him.
After leaving the shop, he pursued a career as an estate agent. Despite his professional change, he maintained a strong connection with the business and its previous owner, Peter. Melling would often return during the shop's busiest periods, particularly around Christmas, to lend a hand.
A Promise Fulfilled
Throughout the years, Melling made his intentions clear to the former owner. He consistently expressed his interest in taking over the business whenever Peter decided to retire. That long-awaited opportunity finally arrived in 2023.
"I always said to him ‘when you’re ready to retire, call me.’ Then half way through that year [2023] I got the call," Melling explained. "I thought you know what if I don’t, I am going to regret it. I’ve been nagging him for years to say it.”
The decision to switch careers and take on the responsibility of the farm shop was a significant one, but for Melling, it was the fulfillment of a personal goal he had held for many years.
Muscle Memory and Familiar Rhythms
Despite years away, Dave Melling found that the skills he learned as a teenager quickly returned. He noted that tasks like operating the till felt like "muscle memory," allowing him to serve regular customers with the same efficiency he had two decades ago.
Championing Local Produce and Community Ties
At the core of Melling Farm Shop's identity is its commitment to fresh, locally sourced goods. The shop offers a traditional range of products, including fruit, vegetables, meat, and various seasonal items. Melling has ensured that the supply chain remains deeply rooted in the local agricultural community.
"We’ve got farmers who grow the swede, the broccoli, the carrots, some of the potatoes. So all of that is coming from the farm," he stated. This direct relationship with local growers ensures that the produce is fresh and supports the regional economy.
Customer-Driven Sourcing
The community's influence extends beyond just purchasing goods; it also shapes the shop's inventory. According to Melling, the meat suppliers were chosen based on recommendations from the customers themselves.
"The meat comes from two butchers essentially. It was customer based, it was people who came into the shop and said ‘we do meat, would you try it in here?’ So the customers have fed into it a bit," he said. This collaborative approach reinforces the shop's role as a community hub.
A Kirkby Institution
Operating for roughly 40 years without a formal shop sign, the business has relied on word-of-mouth and its reputation. Melling calls it "Kirkby’s worst kept secret," a place that regulars instinctively know and value as a permanent part of the local landscape.
New Vision for a Historic Shop
While honoring the shop's past, Dave Melling is actively introducing new elements to enhance the customer experience and secure its future. One of the most visible changes is the creation of an outdoor coffee garden, which provides a space for visitors to relax.
Hot drinks are served from a creatively repurposed trailer, adding a rustic and inviting charm to the premises. This initiative aims to transform the shop from a simple retail space into a social destination where people can gather.
Future Plans for Families
Melling's ambitions for the farm shop are centered on creating a more family-oriented environment. He has several projects planned to further develop the site and engage the community.
- Pumpkin Patch: He hopes to launch a pumpkin patch for the autumn season, providing a popular seasonal activity for local families.
- Children's Allotment: Following the Christmas period, Melling plans to establish a children's allotment, offering a hands-on educational experience for younger visitors.
These initiatives are part of his overarching goal to "build it up to what it once was." He recalls the bustling atmosphere of the shop during his youth, especially at Christmas, and aims to recapture that energy and sense of community.
"I remember when I was a kid at Christmas time, I'd open the gate and by the time I got back to the till I would literally spend hours there," he reminisced. By blending cherished traditions with fresh ideas, Melling is working to ensure the Melling Farm Shop remains a vital part of Kirkby for decades to come.