Rhug Estate

Rhug Estate: certified organic farm in North Wales

Rhug Estate is an organic farm located in Corwen, Denbighshire (North Wales), operating 6,700 acres of land certified as organic. The farm has been certified by the Soil Association since 2000 and its model is described as "pasture to plate, with nothing in between". The company presents itself as the only estate to hold the Royal Warrant, a recognition that its website highlights prominently.

Livestock farming focuses on rearing cattle on the Rhug Estate itself and in the coastal area near Caernarfon. Production includes beef, lamb, coastal lamb, pork, free-range chicken and free-range turkeys, all organic.

Organic produce shop and online sales

The estate shop brings together more than 3,000 selected Welsh and local products. The online catalogue is organised into several categories:

• Organic meat: beef, lamb, coastal lamb, pork, free-range chicken, free-range turkeys, meat boxes and barbecue meat packs.
• Pantry: delicatessen, bakery products, chocolates and sweets, sauces, oils and dressings, biscuits, Free From range and pasta and rice.
• Drinks: wines, champagne, spirits and mixers, beers and ciders, tea and coffee.
• Lifestyle: duvets and pillows, skincare and bodycare.
• Gifts: hampers, gift sets, gift vouchers and beauty products.

The shop offers a Click and Collect service and delivery to most mainland GB addresses, with a choice of delivery date. Brands it stocks include Halen Mon, Penderyn and Rhug Wild Beauty.

Dining: bistro, takeaway and drive-thru

The estate has several dining options. The Rhug Estate Bistro, formerly known as Café Rhug, is located in the heart of the estate and offers a wide selection of locally sourced produce. The takeaway service allows you to enjoy the food offering away from the premises. In addition, the Drive Thru, located at the main entrance to the estate, serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pastries, cakes, paninis, toasties, hot food and breakfast rolls.

Certifications and standards

The farm is accredited by Organic Growers and Farmers (OF&G), whose licences must comply with strict European laws on organic food production and meet additional requirements on animal welfare, protecting human health and safeguarding the environment. The website states that no system of farming offers higher levels of animal welfare than farms working to OF&G organic standards.

It also holds SALSA certification, a standard written by food safety experts that reflects both the legal requirements of producers and the enhanced expectations of best practice of professional food buyers. Approval is only granted to suppliers who demonstrate to a SALSA auditor that they produce safe and legal food and are committed to continually meeting the requirements of the standard.

The estate is also part of the British Game Alliance, the official marketing board for game meat in the United Kingdom, which promotes the consumption of game meat and runs the 'British Game' assurance scheme for participating shoots.

History and management of the estate

The history of Rhug Estate goes back to ancient times and has passed through several owning families: the Salusbury family of Bachymbyd, the Vaughan family of Nannau and, finally, the Wynn family in the 19th century, up to the present day. The estate is managed by Lord Newborough.

Additional services on the estate

In addition to its farming and retail activity, Rhug Estate offers other services: overnight parking, properties to let, electric car charging points, a farm walking route (Rhug Farm Walk), conference facilities, event organisation and caravan and boat storage.

Recognition and media coverage

The estate has received numerous awards, according to its own website. Rhug Estate meat has been highlighted by media such as The Independent, which praised its flavour and texture, and Wales Online, which noted the shop's reputation and its awards. The company has also announced that its lamb will feature on the new United Airlines in-flight menu, created by Michelin-starred chef Tomos Parry.

Location and contact

Rhug Estate, Corwen, Denbighshire, UK, LL21 0EH · Phone: +44 1490 413000 · Email: contact@rhug.co.uk