07/10/2025
The response, support, memories and wonderful comments shared around Hackwood’s decision to close has been incredible. We never ever expected anything like it.
It therefore seems fitting to share a bit about the person that made it all possible. Because you won’t often read about unassuming, quiet and humble people like George either in the press or from the likes of Marketing Derby and because the business or community awards probably won’t be there to give her the exposure she richly deserves.
So here is the tale of the Mickleover girl who achieved more than what most could only dream of. Moving to a farm in her late 20’s wasn’t ever in the plan!
George founded Hackwood in 2010 having previously worked as cabin crew out of Birmingham Airport and before that at Waves in Mickleover Court Hotel. She had no previous experience of business, catering or events.
Like anyone stepping into business for the first time, the stress was high and the learning curves steep.
Any role associated with the general public can be hard and George has carried herself with patience, poise and a huge smile for over a decade.
From humble beginnings, George transformed an old barn into a business that collected awards for fun and she has employed hundreds of local people and supported plenty of local businesses. The awards weren’t just in one year or one region either. The collection is National - and hugely impressive.
Hackwood collected awards for best breakfast, best cafe, best newcomer, best restaurant, and received great taste food awards for her produce - not just once but on multiple occasions across Derbyshire and, at its peak across the region - winning best cafe in the Midlands. Finally, after 8 years of trading, Hackwood was crowned in the top 5 cafes in England. Just take a second to think about the scale of that achievement!! No wonder people have spoken so highly of it.
Hackwood was never fancy or trendy. Occasionally, in the early days the electrics didn’t work and you were plunged into darkness half way through breakfast service, people fell through old wooden chairs and sat with their coats on as in the winter it was freezing! Sometimes the log burners blew back smoke and you were sat, eyes streaming as you waited for the air to clear. Dogs barked and farm animals escaped.
It was far from perfect (there’s some people in society that like to make you aware of that) and in the early days the negative reviews were taken quite personally.
But it was always honest, fun and welcoming. They say a business is a reflection of the people that lead and work in it. And Hackwood was the best example of that. It wasn’t for the pretentious - it was for those that got it. That’s what made it special - the food was homemade, tasty and plentiful and the welcome warm.
Not only did George run the cafe but the farm too. The livery yard was full for the entire time she had it and the children’s farm was free and brilliant. The days were long, challenging and fun.
One of the biggest hurdles for Hackwood as for any business and business owners during that time was Covid and lockdown.
Despite having a new baby, George rolled up her sleeves and delivered quite literally thousands of food parcels to vulnerable people across Derbyshire over those difficult months. With a small, loyal team they provided a genuine and caring outlet for people that needed help - or a hot chocolate through a hatch!
Sadly after lockdown, the vast majority of the public that had used the shop when the supermarkets let them down decided not to return. And Hackwood evolved again. With a new kitchen and bar.
But with change inside the building came change around it. The impact of the housing development on Hackwood’s ability to trade was huge. Road closures, temporary access, and noise, dust and mess. It felt hard and unfair. Especially when people thought it was Hackwood’s land to sell.
It was a far cry from what Hackwood had known. We’d been told tales and had visits from people that had worked on the farm pre war - we learnt of the names of the people and the animals that lived and worked there. Those tales and memories had meaning and depth and held a special place for those of us who knew it. And especially for George.
Throughout that time and despite the changes that resulted from being in a housing development, George has maintained that, rare poise and humble positive outlook and Hackwood maintained its warm welcome to customers and lovely neighbours old and new.
14 years is a huge time to run any business, but it’s especially so in hospitality where people and businesses seem to come and go. It’s not an industry for the faint hearted.
With two young children, and no longer living on site, having moved away for more of the rural life, the time needed to steer a business that needs every hour of every day just isn’t there. Consecutive governments have hiked rates, minimum wage, National insurance and the cost of raw ingredients and services have remained high.
In the end it’s just good to take a break, and George more than most can be well deserving of hers.
Who knows what will happen next and if she will have another tale to tell in the beautiful old barn….
But one thing is for certain - this particular Mickleover girl can lift her head high and be incredibly proud of her impact on the community, the people she has worked alongside and served and most of all herself.
If she does decide to make a comeback, there’s no doubting she’ll lead the way in the industry once again - just as she has for over a decade.
Brilliantly done George. What an incredible achievement and legacy. All of your friends, your family, Mickleover and the rest of Derbyshire can’t wait to see what’s next! X
