Mainsgill – The Farm shop near Darlington, the A1(M) and A66

Mainsgill Farm Shop, located off the A66 near Richmond, was named best farm shop or deli in Yorkshire at the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026 in June.

The awards celebrate independent businesses across the UK, with finalists chosen before winners are decided by public vote.

For Mainsgill, the recognition adds to an already glowing reputation among shoppers, families and travellers who regularly stop off at the site between North Yorkshire, County Durham and Cumbria.

Outside Mainsgill (Image: SUBMIT)

The farm shop, four miles from Scotch Corner, has become a landmark on the A66 and is popular with both residents and people passing through the area.

On its website, Mainsgill describes itself as being “brimming with the finest local and unique foods”, with produce fresh from its home-reared stock and products made in-house.

The site sells a wide range of products, including fresh meat, cheeses, fruit and vegetables, pies, sausage rolls, cakes, deli items and gifts.

Visitors can also browse its gift hall and clothing department, with homeware, kitchenware, pottery, cushions and other items on offer.

But the farm shop is only part of the appeal.

The site is also home to the Mainsgill tearoom, where visitors can stop for breakfast, hot meals, cakes, scones and drinks.

Families are also drawn to the animals on site, where visitors can see animals including camels, alpacas and ostriches, making it a popular stop for children as well as food shoppers.

Online reviewers have repeatedly praised the farm shop, tearoom and wider visitor experience.

One Tripadvisor reviewer said they “cannot speak highly enough” of their visit, praising the tearoom, farm shop, staff and the overall experience.

They wrote that there was a “lovely selection of food and drinks” and said the service was “absolutely great”.

Another visitor described it as “such a great day”, while others have praised the choice of produce, the butchery and the chance to see the animals.

Mainsgill’s scale is another reason it stands out.

Inside Mainsgill (Image: SUBMIT)

The business began in the 1990s after Andrew and Maria Henshaw moved from Lancashire and started selling home-reared meat.

It has since grown into one of the largest farm-retail operations in the North of England, covering more than 20,000 square feet of retail space and farming more than 1,200 acres of land.

The shop first opened in a converted garage before expanding into a permanent site, with further developments added over the years.

Recent improvements have included a major extension, upgraded food-processing facilities and additional seating, helping the business cope with its popularity.

Its position close to Scotch Corner also makes it a convenient stop for people travelling between Teesside, North Yorkshire, County Durham and Cumbria.

Its focus on home-reared meat, regional suppliers and in-house products has helped it stand out at a time when shoppers are increasingly interested in where their food comes from.

The Muddy Stilettos win places Mainsgill among Yorkshire’s standout independent food destinations.