Keelham Farm Shop sold to Robertshaw’s Farm Shop Limited

In a statement, Watling Real Estates said it advised on the sale, and the farm shop is set to re-open. 

The business on Gargrave Road in Skipton closed at the end of last year and fell into administration in January 2024.

Keelham Farm Shop closed its doors last December (Image: Watling Real Estate) But now Watling Real Estate has successfully concluded a purchase by Robertshaw’s.

Rob Cruikshank, associate director in Watling Real Estate’s Leeds office, explained the value to the surrounding area in maintaining the property’s existing use. 

He said Robertshaw’s was a long-established farm shop business now in its fourth generation.

Mr Cruikshank said: “We are delighted to have achieved a sale that will retain the property’s existing use.

James Robertshaw with some of the produce (Image: Newsquest) “There is a lack of similar offerings in the surrounding area and I’m sure local residents will be pleased to see the property open its doors as a farm shop again.

“The reopening will help to boost the local economy and bring a number of jobs into the area.

“Robertshaw’s has been successfully operating its farm shop business in Thornton, near Bradford, for over 50 years.

“We wish them the very best with their plans to now replicate that success at the Skipton property, which is in an ideal position to benefit from the high volume of traffic passing through the area.”

When the property went on the market, Mr Cruikshank said: “ We are pleased to be bringing the property to the market and hope to secure a sale that will bring such a well-known site back into operational use.

"This is a property that could be suitable for a variety of uses, subject to the necessary planning consents.”

Earlier this year, Robertshaw's made it to the final of the T&A Best Bakery 2024 competition. 

Owner James Robertshaw said at the time: "We are all about people and we put our team, customers, and suppliers first," he said. 

"Although we have only had the bakery for a few years, Robertshaw's is a long-running family business with great values. 

"We use the best quality, local ingredients and we keep it in the community. 

"Our bakery uses milk, eggs and many other ingredients from local farmers.

"We keep our prices reasonable and the meals in our bakery café are great value for money.

"Our customers like the viewing window in our bakery as this lets them see what is going on behind the scenes."