Press Release – 1st July 2008
Echo and the Bunnymen star Will Sergeant has officially opened West Lancashire’s newest tearoom, farm shop and B&B.
The new-wave rock star has become a regular at the new tearoom and shop since it opened for business in March this year.
Echo and the Bunnymen have a massive worldwide following and recently announced a 30th anniversary concert at the Liverpool Echo Arena in November.
They are currently in the middle of a world tour with dates in Japan, Brazil and the Netherlands, including a sell-out gig at the Royal Albert Hall.
But the legendary guitarist took time out from touring the globe to officially open the business – which is just a few miles from his Scarisbrick home.
The Farm Burscough is quickly becoming renowned across Lancashire for its fresh award winning produce and home cooked meals.
Mother and daughter team, Freda Neale and Cathy Grice, make and prepare the food for the tea room and shop which also sells produce from the farm, homemade chutneys and preserves, local cheese, meat and bread.
Will Sergeant has been a regular customer over the years paying for his free-range eggs in an honesty box in a small outhouse at the Martin Lane farm. But now the business has grown he is delighted to continue that support.
He said: “I was really pleased to officially open The Farm Burscough. I have been coming for years and like to support local businesses.
“Their free range eggs and other produce are fantastic and the family have managed to keep that quality homemade style in their new business.
“I have seen how much hard work has gone into restoring the barn and they have done a fantastic job. I feel like I have seen the whole thing develop so it was really good to be part of their official opening.”
The Neales have been farming on Martin Lane for generations have developed the large farm shop, tea room and Bed and Breakfast in a newly renovated 18th Century brick-barn.
Freda said: “When we started this we never thought we would have a global music star to officially open the business! But Will was the ideal person to ask because of his passion for quality produce and supporting local trade.
“He has been very supportive of, what has been, a life-changing project for us and encouraged us throughout. We are all thrilled that he was able to fit in the time in his hectic tour schedule to come and open our business.
Cathy added: “We had the official opening to thank everyone who has helped us develop the business. More and more people are now coming to see us and it is very encouraging that so many are returning and becoming regular customers.
“There is a real enthusiasm for quality local produce, whether it is served in the tearoom or bought in the shop to take home.
“People are certainly realising the benefits of eating good local produce so we are very grateful to Will for helping us spread the word.”
