Our Story

West End Barns was an idea that was started during one of the many COVID lockdowns by Vicky and her family.

Noticing an increase in the number of people using Heartwood and Nomansland during the summer of 2020, Vicky set-up an ice cream stand on the farm gate after work and on weekends, with the aim of investigating what the appetite in a farm shop/ café would be.

The feedback was positive and during the winter of 2020 Vicky applied for funding from the Henry Plumb Foundation – an organisation who help young people to realise their dream of finding a future career in the farming and food industry.

Vicky was successful in her application and in January 2021 received a mentor, Hugh Oliver-Bellasis, and funding from the foundation which was invaluable in helping start the business (including buying the coffee machine!). Since 2023, Vicky also received mentoring advice from The Prince’s Countryside Fund & Forest Holidays via their rural start-up fund and most recently completed a part government funded course called Help To Grow.

One of the main aims of West End Barns is to support other local, rural businesses. We sell products which have been produced in Hertfordshire and where that isn’t possible, we use local family businesses. We currently stock a range of local products including ice cream, honey and cakes – all of which are produced in Hertfordshire.

We have come a long way since first opening in 2021 and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for West End Barns!