From the fields and the farms to The Yard

The entrepreneurs behind kidsunlimited nurseries are bringing an exciting new venture to Alderley Edge.

A new retail and community space uniting conscientious foodies, creative craftspeople and holistic energies is opening on South Street this month.

The Yard is the brainchild of local husband and wife team Stewart and Jeannie Pickering, who founded kidsunlimited in Wilmslow nearly 30 years ago, and recently revamped the fresh produce shop at Horseshoe Farm, which has since closed.

Located in the premises of the former Alderley Autos Centre, The Yard comprises two zones. In the Front Yard, an organic bakery, artisan butchers and co-operative greengrocers will offer sustainable local produce alongside a fresh juice bar. The Back Yard provides a creative space for art exhibitions, vintage markets, cookery classes, ayurvedic workshops, supper clubs, open mic music nights, film nights and a host of other seasonal events for the community.

Jeannie Pickering said: "We're opening The Yard for the same reason that we established kidsunlimited: if you can't find what you're looking for, do it yourself.

"We want to bring nurture and nature together here by exploring and enjoying basic earthy pleasures: seasonal food and drink prepared by masters of their crafts, imaginative artwork, spiritual activities and cultural events, all inspired by the mystical legends of Alderley Edge and its surrounding countryside.

"It's also very much a community project; we're open to ideas and contributions for 'pop-up' events of all kinds and encourage the creative minds of Cheshire to get involved."

The Yard officially opens on Thursday 22nd November, to coincide with the switching on of the Christmas lights in the village.

The butcher's at The Yard will be run by Simon Chapman, previously of Alan Jackson Butchers, who specialises in preparing cuts as well as pre-packed meat. All meat is sourced from regional farms and the greengrocers will be run by a local co-operative. The bakery will be run by the Polish family behind Of Crust and Crumb in Saddleworth, who specialise in French, Greek, Italian and Russian naturally  leavened breads.