Cheshire's Ice Cream Farm submits plans for new addition

The award winning, The Ice Cream Farm, home to the world's largest ice cream shop, has submitted plans to open 'Popsicle Park' on the site.

Like many other businesses, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on trade, and this has forced the company into thinking about new ways of operating.

The idea follows the success of the much-loved ‘Drive-Thru’ concept, which launched during the first lockdown back in March 2020 as a contactless way for visitors to enjoy its famous Cheshire Farm Ice Cream.

The Drive-Thru continues to be a huge success and paved the way for Managing Director, Jonathan Fell, to reassess The Ice Cream Farm’s offer.

"Due to the Covid crisis, we have been required to control visitor numbers and have recognised how much this has improved The Ice Cream Farm experience," Jonathan said.

"As a result, we will continue to control the number of people who visit, which will not only vastly improve the experience but also reduce the volume of traffic that we have seen in recent years during peak season, which I know first

hand will be welcomed by our neighbours.

"After seeing the success of the Drive-Thru over the last few months, it reminded me how much people love our ice cream and the idea of Popsicle Park was born.

"We feel this new concept goes back to where it all began for us, ensuring ice cream enthusiasts, walkers, cyclists, families and friends alike all get the opportunity to enjoy an ice cream in the Cheshire countryside."

Popsicle Park is specifically designed for those visitors who wish to visit purely for ice cream or a quick snack.

The concept offers exceptional views of the surrounding countryside and features a fully landscaped grassed arena centred around a large wildlife pond which can be accessed on foot, as well as by car and bike.

Jonathan added: "Popsicle Park will not only provide a place where visitors can enjoy our ice cream in lovely surroundings, but it will relieve the pressure inside the main attraction improving the visitor experience for all.

"In such challenging times we all need a place where we can escape from the day to day."

Edward Timpson CBE, Member of Parliament for Eddisbury has offered his support and said: "As a frequent visitor with my family to The Ice Cream Farm over many years, I know what a fantastic place it is for children and adults

alike to enjoy our amazing Cheshire countryside, animals, food and sense of fun.

"With the significant challenges Covid-19 has presented and as one of the largest employers in the area, I’m delighted that the team have found a creative and exciting way to allow us all back to experience their attraction safely.

"Most of us don’t need an excuse to eat their delicious ice cream."

Chief Executive of Marketing Cheshire, Joe Manning, has also shown support for the proposed plans.

He said: "It has been a tough 12-months for all businesses but the leisure and hospitality industry in particular has been hard hit by the pandemic.

"It’s therefore fantastic to see such innovation and adaptability coming from one of Cheshire’s most-loved visitor attractions.

"The visitor economy sector is a vital element in the economic wellbeing of Cheshire – it is worth over £3.8bn to the economy and provides over 45k full time equivalent jobs.

"It is imperative that Cheshire continues to benefit from this momentum and can only do this by providing high quality experiences and products and continued investment.

"The proposed new plans at The Ice Cream farm will add to the economy of local businesses in the area and will undoubtedly improve the venue’s customer experience and offer a memorable visit, whatever your budget may be.

"At Marketing Cheshire we’re eagerly awaiting the opening of the new concept and we’re sure others throughout the region are too."

The Ice Cream Farm is currently closed due to Covid-19 but the existing Drive-Thru is open Monday-Sunday, 12-4pm offering 30 flavours of scooped ice cream and take home tubs.