DropWorks Distillery
In 2021, Steve took on the challenge of restoring the kitchen garden back to its former glory.Â
Working closely with the estate's chefs, Steve produces trailer loads of vegetables, salads, herbs, and fruit for the estate's farm shop and café.Â
It’s not all sowing, planting, and harvesting, though, as Steve regularly welcomes visitors to take seasonal guided tours.
When the 5th Duke of Portland first commissioned the creation of Welbeck’s Kitchen Garden in 1860, it was inspired by the 17-acre royal walled gardens in Windsor Great Park. At 22 acres, Welbeck’s garden was just that little bit larger. Back then, the garden was equipped with all the latest advances in horticulture, including glasshouses, heating systems and water supplies.
Together, the gardeners produced vast quantities of vegetables and fruit all year round for the Duke and his household at Welbeck Abbey, as well as the staff who lived and worked on the estate.
A small flock of Portland Sheep made Welbeck their home in 2021. A rare breed, they are small and have a distinctive look that has earned the breed many devoted admirers.Â
They can be bucket trained and are well suited to life on a smallholding, making the fields near the kitchen garden the perfect spot for them to call home.Â
These happy hens roam free and safe, are served the best feed, stretch in the long grasses, sleep, and lay in traditional chicken houses.
Steve delivers fresh eggs to Welbeck Farm Shop, and the chefs use them in many of their recipes at the Harley Café.
Join us for an exclusive kitchen garden tour of Welbeck’s Victorian Walled Garden. Various dates are available throughout Summer and Autumn.
Join an expert brewer for a guided tour around our traditional microbrewery. Based on the privately owned Welbeck Estate, this is a rare opportunity to take a peek behind the closed doors.
This intensive three-day course will give you the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence you’ll need to bake a wide range of fresh artisan bread at home.
