Ballykenver Farm Shop & Kitchen

Overview

Ballykenver Farm Shop & Kitchen sits on a working 200‑year‑old dairy farm in the rural townland of Ballykenver, just a ten‑minute drive from the iconic Dark Hedges. Owned and operated by Amanda Hanna, a fourth‑generation farmer and award‑winning pudding maker, the venue combines a genuine farm shop, a kitchen‑style workshop space and a small‑batch production kitchen. Visitors can wander among 180 grass‑fed dairy cows, sample locally sourced cheeses, breads and honey, and purchase hand‑crafted jams, chutneys, curds, sauces and the celebrated Christmas and sticky‑toffee puddings that have earned Great Taste Awards.

History & Background

The farm’s story stretches back two centuries, but the commercial food venture began in 2016 when Amanda discovered an abundant rhubarb crop and turned it into a batch of jam that sold out from her doorstep. The success sparked a gradual expansion into a full‑range of preserves and desserts, all made in the farmhouse kitchen. In 2023 the original shop underwent a modest extension and was relaunched under the new branding Ballykenver Farmshop & Kitchen – a change highlighted by the Taste Causeway blog. Amanda’s background in Food Technology, Quality Assurance and Food Supply Management underpins the meticulous standards that have seen her products recognised by Slow Food and multiple national awards.

Awards & Recognition

• Great Taste Awards 2023 – Ballykenver’s All‑Butter Sticky Toffee Pudding earned a 1‑star rating, the first star awarded to the farm’s signature pudding.
• Great Taste Awards 2022 – Several of the farm’s jams and chutneys have also received 1‑star accolades.
• Slow Food Certification – The farm is certified by the Slow Food movement, confirming its commitment to sustainable, low‑food‑mile production.
• Taste Causeway Feature – The farmshop is regularly highlighted in the Taste Causeway “Shop Local this Summer” guide as a must‑visit food producer on the Causeway Coast.

What to See & Do

• Farm Shop Treasures – The shop showcases a curated selection of artisan foods: small‑batch raspberry jam, lemon curd, cranberry‑apple chutney, chilli jam, salted‑caramel sauce, and the award‑winning Christmas and sticky‑toffee puddings. All items are made by Amanda or sourced from nearby producers such as Neills Flour, Ballyrashane butter and free‑range eggs.
• Hands‑On Workshops – Interactive sessions let guests make jam, chutney or lemon curd in the farmhouse kitchen. Workshops run about two hours, are suitable for beginners and conclude with a tasting of the freshly prepared preserve alongside a cup of tea. Private bookings and group sessions (including hen parties, school groups and corporate events) are available via the online booking portal.
• Afternoon Tea Experiences – Seasonal themed teas – for Mother’s Day (29 March) and Easter (26 April) – are served at the farmhouse table, featuring home‑made treats made from locally sourced ingredients. A special Christmas tea, featuring the award‑winning sticky‑toffee pudding, is offered from November to early January.
• Farm Walks & Animal Spotting – The surrounding fields provide a pleasant backdrop of rolling green pastures, grazing cows, calves, chickens and dogs. The historic farmhouse retains original features such as a range cooker, grandfather clock and a large family table, offering a glimpse into traditional rural life.
• Meet the Maker – Amanda shares anecdotes about the farm’s four‑generation history, the evolution of her jam‑at‑the‑doorstep tradition, and the ethical principles that guide her Slow Food certification.

Seasonal Highlights & Events

• Mother’s Day & Easter Teas – Limited‑edition teas with seasonal pastries are available on the dates listed above.
• Christmas Pudding Launch – Each December the farm releases a fresh batch of its 1‑star Sticky Toffee Pudding, perfect for festive gifting.
• Local Market Participation – Ballykenver frequently takes part in the Ballymoney Country Market and other regional food fairs, offering visitors a chance to sample products on the road.

Sustainability & Local Food Network

Ballykenver’s production ethos centres on low‑food‑mile sourcing and minimal processing. All dairy products come from the farm’s own herd; honey is harvested from on‑site hives; and most pantry items are produced in the farmhouse kitchen. The farm is a member of the Taste Causeway network, collaborating with other local producers such as Ballyrashane butter, Neills Flour and regional cheese makers to promote the culinary heritage of the Antrim Coast and Glens.

Practical Information

Getting There

The farm is located on Ballykenver Road, Armoy (BT53 8RP). It is a 6‑mile drive from Ballycastle and easily reachable via the A2 coastal route. GPS coordinates are 55.13859, ‑6.33673. Public transport options are limited; most visitors arrive by car.

Nearby Attractions

After a tasting session, consider a short drive to the historic beech‑tree avenue of the Dark Hedges, explore the Giant’s Causeway, or visit other farm experiences such as Dunfin Farm Sheep Experience and Croaghan Breen Forest Walk. The Antrim Coast and Glens offer numerous coastal walks, historic sites and scenic viewpoints that complement a visit to Ballykenver.

Ballykenver Farm Shop & Kitchen offers a rare blend of culinary craftsmanship, family heritage and the warm hospitality of a working farm. Whether you are hunting for a unique souvenir, learning the art of preserve‑making, or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea amidst rolling fields, the farm promises an authentic taste of the Causeway Coast’s food culture.