Oteley Estate at Ellesmere opens its farm gates with café, farm shop and Tasty Trail

The Oteley Estate overlooks the Mere at Ellesmere and has been in the same family since the 1500s. Today it is run by Ian and Clare Mainwaring, with the support of Ian's father Robert, and it has become a popular place to buy local food and see a working farm up close.

The 2,000-acre mixed livestock and arable estate keeps Beef Shorthorn and Highland cattle, sheep and pigs alongside 900 acres of combinable crops. Its on-site farm shop sells Oteley's homegrown beef, lamb and pork, Oteley Made pies and meals, fresh produce and local food, drink and gifts, and there is a café on site too.

In 2025 Clare and Ian were named Community Farming Heroes by people in their local community, one of 58 nominations across the UK in an NFU campaign ahead of Back British Farming Day. "Like most farmers, we care passionately about our land and community, and see the importance in sharing the produce that comes from our local landscape with the people who live here," Clare said.

In April 2026 the estate was the starting point for the return of the Shropshire Tasty Trail, the walk and eat event relaunched by Shropshire Festivals. The 9.5-mile route passed meres and crossed private land, with stations serving a three-course meal of local produce. The menu featured Oteley Made sausage rolls and Oteley's slow-cooked beef bourguignon.

In June the estate opened its gates for Open Farm Sunday, with a farm trail, a meet the experts area and its Highland cattle, Shorthorns and Saddleback pigs on show. "Here at Oteley we're passionate about responsible farming, feeding the local community, and sharing our knowledge," Clare said.

The estate also welcomed vintage tractors in March, when the Shropshire TVO and Petrol Tractor Run started and finished at Oteley.

For Clare, it is all about bringing people to the town. "Ellesmere is a wonderful place to live and visit. Make sure you come and see us soon!" she said.

The Oteley Estate farm shop and café are open Thursday to Sunday. Details of opening hours and upcoming events are on the Oteley website.