In the two years since the Dunston Hall Estate Food Hall first opened its doors, the business has become a destination for customers seeking exceptional food & drink.
The shop is part of the 26-acre estate Dunston Hall Estate, which is located near Chesterfield on the edge of the Peak District and was acquired by local entrepreneurs David and Lynsey Harrison in 2020.
When Dunston Hall, then a private residence, came on to the market, the couple originally considered the property a potential location for a high-end bed & breakfast. After they recognised the close relationship between the hall and its neighbouring garden centre, they saw an opportunity and acquired both businesses.
Following the purchase, they began a three-year restoration and refurbishment programme, starting with the garden centre and café, which has since evolved into a bistro. Attention then turned to the site’s former garages, which were transformed into a dedicated ceremony space, before the hall itself was restored to become a wedding venue offering 10 letting rooms and a function suite.
“Every aspect of the project was completed to an exceptionally high standard, with a commitment to preserving the estate’s heritage,” says operations director Mark Lancashire.
The latest chapter in the story of the estate is the food hall, which is housed in buildings that were originally part of Dunston Farm. These had fallen into significant disrepair and were in danger of being lost altogether before being transformed into a striking retail space that opened its doors in summer 2024.
“From the outset, the focus has been on offering customers something genuinely distinctive,” explains Lancashire. “The aim was to create a destination where people could discover exceptional food and drink products – many of which are not readily available in supermarkets.”
The business sources locally where possible and is keen to support regional producers and showcase food and drink from Derbyshire and the surrounding area.
“Many of our products are from independent producers and small-scale suppliers, giving customers access to unique products with real provenance and a story behind them,” says Lancashire. The food hall team enjoy being able to tell those stories and connect customers with the people who produce them, he adds.
In the two years the food hall has been open, the product range has expanded significantly. Alongside fresh produce, meats, cheeses, charcuterie and bakery items, it has broadened to include speciality foods, local beers, wines, spirits and delicatessen products. These are complemented by products freshly prepared on site in the estate’s own production kitchen.
“Ultimately, our approach to sourcing is simple: if it’s a product, we’re proud to put on our own table, made by people whose values align with ours, then it’s something we want to share with our customers,” says Lancashire.
Sustainability is a key consideration in sourcing decisions. As well as sourcing locally to reduce food miles, the business seeks to build long-term relationships with businesses that care about how their products are grown, reared, made and packaged.
“As a family-run business based on a historic estate, we’re always thinking about the future and how we can leave a positive legacy for generations to come,” Lancashire adds.
Standard of service is also important at Dunston Hall, and the business prides itself on having knowledgeable team members who are passionate about food and will offer recommendations, serving suggestions and information about where products come from.
“Combined with the setting of the historic estate, we believe this creates an experience that goes far beyond a traditional shopping trip,” says Lancashire.
The judging panel for the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards agreed with such sentiments, awarding the business the coveted title of 2026 Newcomer of the Year, which was presented at the Farm Shop & Deli Show in April.
“Winning the award is an enormous honour and a proud moment for everyone involved in the business,” says Lancashire. “The category was exceptionally strong, so to receive this recognition from such a respected panel of industry judges is incredibly rewarding.”
He adds that what makes the award particularly special is that it acknowledges not only the quality of the food hall itself, but also the vision behind it, the commitment to sustainability, the restoration of the historic building and the experience created for customers.
“For a business that has been open for less than two years, it provides fantastic validation of what we’ve achieved so far and gives the whole team confidence and motivation for the future.”
That future will include the introduction of a self-service café offering coffee, light refreshments and a comfortable setting where people can meet friends and family, catch up over a drink, or unwind after shopping.
“We see this as a natural extension of the customer experience, helping to make the food hall even more of a destination rather than just a place to shop,” says Lancashire.
“We’re still at the beginning of our journey and are incredibly excited about what lies ahead. Our focus will remain on strengthening relationships with local suppliers, introducing new products and continuing to enhance the customer experience.”
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