Congleton: The Little Cow Shed to celebrate a year in business
By Alex Greensmith
17th Feb 2022 | Local News
A Congleton milkshake business is about to celebrate their first birthday.
The Little Cow Shed, of Davenport Lane, Brereton Heath, opened up during April 2021.
They are located just two miles from the centre of Congleton.
The Little Cow Shed has three flavours of milkshake, with milk straight from their farm.
Dale Farming Family, who have milked cows for our town since the 1940s, wanted a way to sell milk directly to their consumers
After seeing an automated milkshake machine at a trade show, they knew they had to bring the idea to Congleton, and thus The Little Cow Shed was born.
By cutting out the middle man, the family farm gains more money than they would if they sold it to a national supermarket.
It is also better for our local economy as it keeps more money in our town.
Etty Holland has managed The Little Cow Shed since it began, amid COVID-reopening restrictions of April 2021.
"How it works is you buy a glass bottle, fill it up and take it home. And next time you come back you can use it again," she said.
"As soon as we opened, it took off. We made an Instagram page but at the time we didn't have any advertising or roadsigns up.
"But people were taking photos for social media and were queueing up from out the gate.
"Restaurants weren't open yet, but lots of people were going for walks. And still today people like to drink their milkshakes on their walk around the Brereton Country Park.
"We have banana, chocolate and strawberry flavour milkshakes on all the time. And then we have two specials on in a week. One for weekdays, and one for the weekend.
"The special changes all the time but white chocolate is the best-selling special.
"And locals can also come and get their milk here [without any flavouring in] as well.
"We chose glass bottles as it reduces plastic waste. And can be reused for a lifetime - as long as you don't drop it!
"We're trying to be as eco friendly as we can be."
For those who want smaller sizes or prefer not to use glass, there are also recycled paper cups and paper straws.
As well as deliciously-fresh milkshakes, The Little Cow Shed sells coffee and reusable cups as well, because so many people come here to Brereton Nature Reserve to walk their dog.
"Our customer base isn't just from Congleton," Etty added.
"A lot of people will come here just to go for a walk and come for a milkshake, some even come just for our milkshake!
"Our customers are a complete mix of everyone. We get retired people that have come for a walk, mums with little babies and pushchairs. Kids love it after school as well.
"And as we're open 24 hours and near to the motorway, a lot of young adults come here as well just for a milkshake."
The Little Cow Shed is open all-year round except Christmas Day.
The automated operation means it can be open for 24 hours.
It costs £2 for a milkshake glass. £1.50 for a cup.
The Little Cow Shed are currently hiring for more staff, as they prepare for their busiest time of year for when it gets sunnier.
Their milk is best enjoyed within four days - but given how tasty the milkshakes are - you'll drink them way before then!
290 New Zealand Fresian cows produce the milk just a few hundred yards away from the milkshake machine.
They are a very small, grass-fed breed of cow, and are calving as of publication of this article.
Unlike milk you can buy in the shops, The Little Cow Shed's milk has all the goodness because it is not homogenised.
The milk benefits from gentle pasteurisation and includes a special protein that even people with dairy issues find it easier to digest.
"Our favourite thing about being a business in Congleton is the people," Etty also said.
"Everyone is just so friendly, supportive and helpful. We never have anyone that is grumpy or waiting in queues.
"We would just like to share the message to buy local. We're trying to sell a little of our own milk and hope that people will buy local for other products as well."
The Little Cow Shed is located just two miles from Congleton town centre.
The full address is Wood View, Davenport Ln, Brereton Heath, Congleton CW12 4SU.
You may know the site from their pumpkin selling, which will continue again this year.
As well as their second anniversary, the Congleton business will have another reason to celebrate, as they will hit 6,000 followers on Instagram.
They also have Creme Egg and Hot Cross Bun special flavours every Easter.
Further details to mark their anniversary will be released on their social media.
You can also follow them on Facebook.
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