A CAFÉ operating from a barn at a family-run farm near Droitwich has become the latest food outlet in the area to be recognised for offering healthier food choices to its customers.

Churchfields is well known locally for its award-winning ice creams and has now received a new accolade from Worcestershire Regulatory Services for its healthy choices in the café. Only outlets having a four or five star food hygiene rating are eligible for the award.

The award recognises Worcestershire food businesses that cater for customers by offering them a variety of healthy and flexible options, with a special Gold Award for businesses that also use food grown or produced nearby.

Churchfields Farm was established 100 years ago when it was purchased by Thomas Davies. The farm was 45 acres at the time and was home to 15 shorthorn dairy cows and all of the milk was delivered to Droitwich by horse and trap.

The farm is now owned and run by Michael Davies and his daughter Gillian Kerton, who are the fourth and fifth generation of the Davies family.

Gillian said: “In 2004, we made the first batch of our now famous vanilla ice cream and this began the start of a new family business. Many years and awards later and here at Churchfields we now produce over 30 flavours, all from the milk of our pedigree cows.”

“In 2015, we beautifully restored an old barn on site and turned it into a café that boasts oak timbered beams and gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside.

“The Barn Café has gone from strength to strength and offers healthy, delicious home cooked food, which includes vegetarian and gluten free options. We’re delighted that all of our hard work has culminated with this prestigious Healthier Choices Food Award and the five star food hygiene rating.”

Wychavon Councillor Gerry O’Donnell, who is responsible for promoting health improvement across the district, said: “Healthy eating plays an important role in healthy lifestyles and a lifestyle that incorporates a healthy diet – as well as regular, moderate physical activity – will help us live longer and improve our quality of life.

“Churchfields Barn Café, and other establishments offering healthy and fresh food, play a valuable role in helping us achieve this lifestyle.”

As well as showing customers that the food business is part of a scheme putting customer satisfaction first, the Healthier Choices Food Award comes with a range of additional business benefits such as nutritional analysis of recipes, discounted training for staff and networking and informative events.

For full details of the award scheme visit www.worcsregservices.gov.uk/food.

Previous recipients from Wychavon of the Healthier Choices Food Award are The Angel Hotel (Pershore), Bridge Street Kitchen (Evesham), Eckington Manor, and Fusion Brasserie (Stoulton).