Why Brotton petting farm, shop and café is being called 'spectacular'

Gripps Farm, in Brotton, opened to the public earlier this month and has been described by those behind the venture as a “dream years in the making”.

Brotton businessman Sid McAuley came up with the idea of transforming the dilapidated farm he originally bought in 2022 intending it to be his retirement home into somewhere special where families and their children could come together and get closer to both traditional farm animals and other quirky beasts.

Change of use planning permission was previously granted by Redcar and Cleveland Council.

But, sadly, Mr McAuley never saw his vision fully realised since he died from cancer in October last year, leaving wife Tracy, daughter Kerys and son Jordan to help deliver the project to fruition.

Mr McAuley had expressed his belief that there was “nothing in East Cleveland like this at all”, along with a desire that it would boost tourism in the area.

On social media, and after paying a visit, Brotton ward councillors Barry Hunt, Graham Cutler and Martin Fletcher congratulated the farm and said it “looked amazing”.

Councillor Barry Hunt visited Gripps Farm on its opening day, and, right, a family having a meal in the café. Picture/credit: Facebook. Free for use for all LDRS partners.

Meanwhile, a Facebook post from the farm paid tribute to Mr McAuley, who was the chief executive of HL Group, the main developer on Skelton industrial estate.

It said: “There have been so many moments over the last two years where we wondered if we’d ever get to write this post. 

“The long days, sleepless nights, setbacks, stress, tears and celebrations have all led to this moment.

“This isn’t just the opening of a new business, this is the fulfilment of a dream that started with one man’s crazy idea…but if you knew our dad, you’d know he never did anything by halves.”

The post described Mr McAuley as an “absolute legend”, adding: “Larger than life, full of ideas, endlessly determined and someone who made a lasting impression on everyone he met. 

“There isn’t a single day that goes by where we don’t wish he was here to see this.

“Every fence that’s been built, every animal that’s arrived, every shelf that’s been stocked and every corner that’s been created has been done with him in our hearts.”

Another post thanked people for their “incredible support” in the farm’s first week of opening and said there were further exciting plans for the future.

Gripps Farm, which is open six days a week including bank holidays, is home to more than 130 animals, while an adventure park is under development.

Its café menu has also been put together using local and regional suppliers, with the farm shop also stocking local produce where possible.