The Field Kitchen at Coldharbour Farm Shop

Field Kitchen

How we launched our Field Kitchen

With our café closed during the pandemic in 2020 and new government guidelines only allowing outdoor dining a few months later, we were forced to put our heads together and focus on what we could do to reopen.

And the logical step seemed to be bringing our vintage horsebox out of retirement, building a new shed for food prep, and setting up in the field next door

With our socially distant seating in place, we were ready to serve a range of delicious cold food, drinks, and cake with a stunning countryside backdrop – and our customers loved it! Seeing how enthusiastic they were about us serving again – and the fantastic views – really helped give us the confidence to make even bigger plans. And so our Field Kitchen idea was born.

Field Kitchen

Our bit on the side...

In early 2021, the dream started to become a reality.

With planning granted, the big build of what would become our purpose-built field kitchen began. Using local tradespeople and suppliers, and as many reclaimed and upcycled materials as possible – including scaffolding boards for seating and the roofing sheets from our old sheep shed for fencing – we saw the project take shape week by week.

But what did we do in the meantime? Rather than lose momentum, we upped and moved the whole kit and caboodle into the open yard next to the existing café to create a small-scale field kitchen – which we cheekily called our ‘Bit On The Side’. With socially distanced tables and seating, we were amazed at how well everyone received it – and it helped us to create a buzz about what was happening in the next field.

Field Kitchen

Our solar-powered Field Kitchen

With the new Field Kitchen finally complete, we were proud to open our doors properly in June 2022 – and what an amazing space we have.

Inside, we have a full commercial kitchen, a licenced bar fully stocked with a range of spirits, ciders, lagers, and ales, and a fabulous indoor eating space for up to 40 people. But outside, we have our decked seating area for up to 100 people with 180º scenic views – and beautiful sunsets – across the East Devon countryside.

And keeping one eye on our future, we’ve added 36 solar panels to our south-facing roof that generate all the off-grid, green electricity we need to run the Field Kitchen completely (but we do have a backup generator, just in case!).

Perfectly blending rustic charm with unbeatable home-style food with a view, the Coldharbour Field Kitchen offers a dining experience with a difference – indoors or outdoors. We look forward to seeing you – and sharing our stunning views.