Top notch, fresh and vibrant produce are the key ingredients to the Farmyards successful menu. We wouldn’t be able to serve up our tasty dishes without our fantastic local suppliers in Norfolk and this is our opportunity to share with you the people behind the produce.
Less mothers ruin and more mother’s saviour – artisan gins have exploded over the last few years and lucky for us, Norfolk is fast becoming the bedrock of some rather tasty tipples.
Read below for the full Q&A in our ‘From the Farmyard’ series with one of our favourite local Norfolk gin producers – and Farmyard restaurant gin supplier, WhataHoot and dream husband and wife team – Nicky & Jason.
Farmyard restaurant gin and vodka suppliers What a Hoot
Tell us a little about the ethos behind your business?
WhataHoot is a family run business with only 3 employees in total. We believe in a few great products made really well.
The name is inspired by our life-long love of the barn owls which inhabit the skies in Norfolk, so we took the owl’s calling card as the calling card for the company.
Where are you based and how long have you been operating?
We are based in the heart of Kings Lynn in a beautiful 16th Century warehouse which has been converted into a modern bespoke distillery. We launched What a Hoot in 2017 in a converted barn on the Sandringham estate before moving into our new premises in August 2020.
When did you start supplying Farmyard Restaurant?
We started working together in October 2021 and haven’t looked back. We offer a range of lip-smacking gins and vodkas, including our Signature Gin flavoured with Norfolk samphire and lavender!
What makes the partnership successful/meaningful?
For us it’s all about having a great working relationship and shared philosophy when it comes to supporting local and each other. The Farmyard Manager Chris and Bianca are wonderful which makes working together a hoot – pun intended!
Why is buying/supporting local so important?
When you buy local you are supporting a business that employs local people, uses local ingredients, and supports local farmers markets, shops, and restaurants. All helping to keep the local economy thriving.
What is your favourite day out/place in Norfolk?
Our favourite place in Norfolk to visit is Well-Next-to-the-Sea. I love having a walk with my family to the beach and either, getting ice creams in the summer or a nice hot chocolate in the winter.
What is your favourite dish/drink using your product?
Boozy Tawny Orange Hot chocolate
For more information and to buy WhataHoot gin direct, visit www.whatahoot.co.uk