Cheshire’s Fell Family Farm Celebrates 40 Years of Ice Cream Innovation

The family behind the multi-award-winning Cheshire Farm Ice Cream and world record holding Ice Cream Farm attraction is celebrating 40 years in business. Founded in 1986 by Cheshire dairy farmers Margaret and Tom Fell, the origin of the ice cream enterprise was a creative response to the European Economic Community (EEC) milk quotas, which forced British farmers to restrict the amount of milk they could sell. The Fells decided to use their own herd's surplus milk to make "Real Dairy Ice Cream", and that innovative decision from the Tattenhall farmers founded a family business that's still going strong today.

Under the leadership of the next generation, the Fell's farm now comprises the Cheshire Farm Ice Cream run by eldest son Graeme Fell, and The Ice Cream Farm visitor attraction, headed up by younger son Jonathan Fell. Both businesses still operate from the original land within the Bolesworth Estate, the family's old farmhouse now home to their respective headquarters. Following a demerger in 2020, the original ice cream business separated to distinguish the Fell brothers' interests and expertise in manufacturing and leisure, yet it still remains underpinned by family values.

"Reaching 40 years is a deeply humbling milestone," said Jonathan Fell, CEO of The Ice Cream Farm. "When our parents first began making ice cream in a converted shed in 1986 nobody could have predicted it would lead to more than half a million visitors a year to our home. Their hard work, determination and foresight paved the way for us.

"What I'm most grateful for is that Graeme and I have been able to build on our parents' foundations, and that they've been here to witness the growth of their legacy and to celebrate 40 years of our family business together."

Since 1986 the Fells have transformed their dairy farm into a well-known powerhouse of the British food and leisure sectors. From humble farm-gate sales to a multi-million-pound national venture, the 40-year journey is a story of rural diversification yet staying true to your roots. While Graeme's focus has been on the ice cream product, Jonathan's has been on creating a unique marketplace for that product. At the heart of it all, both businesses are driven by the same mission their parents had back in 1986: "to create unforgettable moments of joy through the absolute highest quality Cheshire ice cream".

"The strategic demerger in 2020 was the best decision for the longevity of the brand. It allowed us to focus on what we each do best," said Graeme Fell, Director of Cheshire Farm Ice Cream. "Milk is still sourced daily from local Cheshire cows grazing just fields away, and we're fiercely maintaining the 24-hour, local milk supply chain that makes our ice cream taste so distinct.

"We're proud our wholesale business operates hand-in-hand with the visitor attraction Jonathan has built. They are two halves of the same family journey."

In the early days of Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, the focus remained on manufacturing and wholesale. Then in 2008, a major refurbishment saw the installation of the soft play area, party rooms and a new ice cream parlour. That same year Graeme officially joined, bringing his experience and expertise in food production. Under his leadership the business has remained committed to artisanal quality and local provenance, now manufacturing more than 50 flavours of ice cream, supplying over 1,000 outlets in the North West and hundreds more nationwide via distribution partners, and producing in excess of 10,000 litres a day.

Since joining the business after leaving school at 16 in 1987, Jonathan gained the invaluable benefit of working across every single department. Under his vision the Tattenhall site was transformed into The Ice Cream Farm following an ambitious £5 million redevelopment project in 2015. This one-of-a-kind attraction holds the Guinness World Record for the "Largest Ice Cream Shop in the World", with a focus on inclusive, accessible, all-weather and affordable family fun. Next door, the world's first Ice Cream Drive In was launched post-pandemic, an innovative model to meet the needs of the customer wanting the core, ice cream-only experience.

"I'm incredibly proud of the employment opportunities we've brought to our corner of rural Cheshire since 1986," added Jonathan. "There are now more than 300 people working with us and dozens of team members who have been with us for a decade or more. It's very special to hear their stories of starting with us as a teenager serving ice cream in the parlour, to being in the finance team today, or now working alongside the next generation of their own family."

People, planet and place are central to the mission of both businesses as they move into the next decade. Last year The Ice Cream Farm was awarded B Corp status, and began its partnership with Petty Pool College, supporting their SEND students with work placements. Cheshire Farm Ice Cream continues to invest in highly sustainable production, which has included the installation of extensive solar power and introducing eco-friendly packaging.

"It's a privilege to bring value to our community through employment opportunities and community outreach," added Graeme. "And to see the way our family business has been a part of the lives of local people. Children who came to watch the cows being milked in the 80s are now bringing their own children, and even grandchildren, for a scoop and a play. While fellow Cheshire businesses, like Chester Zoo and Brunning & Price, have grown with, and supported us along the way, for the mutual benefit of our county."

As the businesses look ahead to the next decade, the 40th anniversary marks an opportunity to reflect on their shared heritage, community impact and continued commitment to sustainable growth. For more information on Cheshire Farm Ice Cream's award-winning wholesale products, and new brand Elementi, please visit cheshirefarmicecream.co.uk.

To learn more about The Ice Cream Farm, please visit theicecreamfarm.co.uk.