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When Andrew’s neighbour asked for support and backing to set up a cafe on the neighbouring farm, he was happy to help but the business relationship was short lived. At the end of it, he was leasing a farm complex with a garden and extensive outbuildings and running a catering business he knew nothing about. What next? For a man who couldn’t even make soup, the answer was find someone who could.

He recruited some of his former business team to help re-brand The Rocking Horse Cafe – a name suggested by Andrew’s friendship with National Hunt champion jockey, Richard Dunwoody – the cafe initially opened on 17th April, 2017. Richard supplied the gallery element: his magnificent photographs (primarily aerial) of the Northumberland coastline and castles hang on the walls. His ‘Northumberland Collection’ is sold exclusively in the small shop, along with a selection of local crafts and produce.

The Rocking Horse Cafe occupies the old dairy, with overflow into the attached farmhouse and access to tables in the garden. A cosy snug caters for more reclusive spirits. In its short existence, it is currently rated the leading cafe in Northumberland by Trip Advisor.