A much-loved butchers facing financial pressures will be closing at a farm shop today.

Bosses at Harvel House Farm in Meopham say the butchery side of the business “has not been financially viable for some time”.

The farm was set up in 1976 and all of its output is sold in its shop in Harvel Lane, which has been running for 15 years.

During this time, it has offered a range of meat including beef, lamb and pork.

However, the farm shop has announced its butchers’ final day of trade will be today (Saturday, January 4).

Posting on social media, a spokesperson for the shop said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision for us to make.

“We have worked tirelessly to keep the butchery going, but despite our best efforts, it has not been financially viable for some time.

We are deeply saddened, but we know this is the right step to ensure the future of Harvel House Farm

“Unfortunately, we can no longer continue operating the butchery without incurring significant losses.

“We are deeply saddened, but we know this is the right step to ensure the future of Harvel House Farm.”

In November, Harvel House Pizza and Grill opened at the site, which offers wood-fired pizzas made with handmade dough among other dishes.

It also has a café which will continue to sell its popular sausage rolls.

The farm shop added: “We want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your unwavering support over the years.

“Your kindness, encouragement, and loyalty have meant the world to us, and we are truly grateful for every visit and every purchase.

“While the butchery is closing, this is not the end for Harvel House Farm.

“We are restructuring and have lots of exciting new plans on the horizon.

“Our café, sweet shop, and pizza and grill remain open, and we look forward to welcoming you for a cosy coffee, a sweet treat, or a delicious meal as we begin this new chapter.

“Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time.

“We remain committed to serving our community and are excited to continue building a space of warmth, quality, and connection for all to enjoy.”

Customers have flocked to social media to share their disappointment at the news.

One person said: “That is an absolute shame. I’ve only ever bought meat from there for the past 14 to 15 years and am so gutted.”

Another added: “Really really sad to read this, it's the end of an era. The butchers has meant a lot to me, and has a lot of happy memories, but at least the café is still open so I look forward to continuing to visit.”

Wye Butchers and Deli, in Wye, near Ashford, also closed this week after almost 60 years in Wakelin family.

Martyn Wakelin and his wife Sarah ran the shop for the past 20 years, and have now retired to set off across Europe in their motorhome.