The mission we set ourselves is very simple:
"to bring you the best meat you will ever taste in your life!"
At Gate Farm we get back to farming like it used to be. All our animals come from traditional British breeds and are outdoor reared and grass-fed. They live happy, normal lives in Cheshire’s rolling fields.
Our Beef
Hereford and Aberdeen-Angus cattle are the breeds of choice for the GTMC’s succulent beef. The Hereford has its origins in the red cattle of the southern end of the Welsh Marches, and dates back to the early 17th century. They are docile, adaptable and calve easily – an important welfare point. The Aberdeen-Angus originates in the early 19th century, when local black cattle in north-east Scotland were first selectively bred to start the bloodline.
Why do they both taste so good? - well, it’s a combination of the slow growth, the fat marbling, and the long maturing period the meat receives at the GTMC.
Our Pork
Gloucester Old Spots, British Saddlebacks and Large Black are the breeds chosen at the GTMC. The Old Spot was known as the ‘orchard pig’ in its native Severn Valley, where folklore had it that the spots were bruises caused by fallen apples! The Saddleback was formed from Essex and Wessex saddleback breeds, incorporating the best traits of both. The Large Black dates back to the 19th century and originated in Devon and Cornwall.
All the breeds benefit from the long maturation we give the meat at the GTMC.
Our Lamb
The Suffolk breed arose from the crossing of Norfolk Horn ewes and Southdown rams, around Bury St Edmonds in the 18th century. Suited to the rotational cropping system that rapidly became the norm, it flourished and spread across the country. You can now see its familiar black face on GTMC land. Once the meat is fully matured, as it is at the GTMC, it makes for wonderfully tasty joints and chops.