History

The business began in 1947 with Arthur Conference Goatham and his partner Phyllis. They purchased a tractor the following year and began agricultural contracting, subsequently buying a crop of cherries, then a crop of apples the same year. Arthur delivered them to Spitalfields and Covent Garden markets in London. In 1967 their son entered the growing family business. Street Farm in Hoo was purchased in 1980 and Phyllis began retailing her own produce, soon establishing Street Farm Shop, which quickly started to vend all types of fruit and vegetables.

In 2007, BarnYard and Gore Farm were purchased. Son Clive wanted the business to develop into 'a fruit farm of excellence linked to a food place of excellence', and thence the restaurant was established. The owners subsequently had the further idea to redesign their grounds with 'the perfect wedding celebration' in mind, creating the hospitality areas and obtaining their civil ceremony licences. The farm itself has now won an impressive array of awards and the enterprise, as a farm, restaurant and wedding venue, shows little sign of flagging in the near future.

Facilities

Grand Marquee

With a civil ceremony licence, and also able to accommodate wedding breakfasts and evening celebrations, The BarnYard's permanent Grand Marquee is a lavish hospitality suite. For a splendid garden-themed wedding, some areas of the Grand Marquee can be opened up to the venue's grounds. The civil ceremony space is a part of the main marquee, but a separate room can be created by means of a portable curtained corridor.

The separate wedding breakfast area contains an 18-foot-long oak bar. Intelligent lighting is supplied by five glass and crystal chandeliers; for added comfort there are luxury indoor toilets.

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 140 Guests
Wedding Breakfast Capacity - 140-180 Guests
Evening Reception Capacity - 300 Guests

Breezehouse

Looking out across orchards, hills and woodlands, and ideal for al fresco celebrations, The Breezehouse is licensed for hosting charming outdoor ceremonies witnessed by up to 140 guests.

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 140 Guests

At night, The BarnYard is romantically illuminated by thousands of fairy-lights, reflected in the beautiful outlines of the buildings, which guests can admire while they enjoy their al fresco drinks.

Catering

Zest Creative Catering, the venue's in-house chefs, have been inspired by both homegrown and locally-sourced ingredients in creating their wedding menus. The BarnYard has earned many awards for the fruit it produces, which is frequently featured in breakfast menus. The team of chefs endeavour to make their cuisine deliciously fresh and organic, greatly benefiting from a surrounding abundance of food and their culinary knowledge.

Accommodation

There is no accommodation on site, but plenty of hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses will be found in the local Sittingbourne area.

To contact The BarnYard, use their contact details below.