Concerns are being raised that Britain's affluent shoppers may be starting to tighten their purse strings, according to the wife of billionaire Conservative Party 'super-donor' Lord Bamford. Lady Carole Bamford's luxury Daylesford Organic farm shop, a firm favourite with the wealthy 'Chipping Norton set', has flagged the uncertain economic environment as a significant threat to its high-end business.
The Opulent Empire of Daylesford Organic
The flagship store, situated on a sprawling 3,500-acre estate in the heart of the Cotswolds, is the crown jewel of Lady Bamford's homeware and hospitality empire. This artisanal destination is equipped with its own Michelin-starred restaurant, a culinary school, a juice bar, butchers, a cheese cellar, a homeware studio, and an exclusive members' club, epitomising rural opulence.
While customers expect premium prices, an investigation by the Daily Mail found ordinary household items carrying extraordinary price tags. These included a deep red scarf priced at £995, a mint green watering can for £135, a brown engraved cooking apron at £145, a miniature dog coat for £125, and a simple wicker basket selling for £175.
Divisive Figure, Expanding Empire
Despite the eye-watering costs and Lady Bamford's own warning about consumer spending pressure, the store was reportedly heaving with customers, some willing to spend £15 on a single glass of kombucha. Local resident Kate Molloy, a self-described 'Lady B fan', acknowledged the mix, stating, "Some things are very reasonable and then they have ludicrous things... I think she needs to get back to basics and forget the silly fancy stuff."
Lady Bamford is a divisive figure in the Cotswolds. Her company owns four pubs and 32 holiday cottages in the area, and a scheme to revitalise the dilapidated Mill House Hotel in Kingham was approved last August. Her rapid property acquisitions have led some locals to dub their once-quaint village 'Bamfordshire'.
Political Connections and Pandemic Deliveries
The Bamfords are deeply connected to the Conservative Party, with Lord Bamford having donated tens of millions over the last decade. They are particularly close to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whom they hosted at their Daylesford estate for his wedding to Carrie Symonds. Notably, during the pandemic, Johnson received daily deliveries of Daylesford Organic ready meals to 10 Downing Street, a service that reportedly cost £27,000 and was delivered via a 'Boris bike' to avoid detection.
The store also attracted high-profile international visitors, with US Vice President JD Vance touring the premises for around three hours during a visit last year, accompanied by an 18-vehicle motorcade.
Financially, the company remains robust, reporting a pre-tax profit of £1.3 million in its latest financial year, with strong demand for homeware gifts. Visitor John Clark summed up the appeal for many: "You don't go to Harrods because it's cheaper... you go because it's an experience." However, as the economic climate remains uncertain, even this bastion of luxury is watching its wealthy clientele closely for signs of a spending slowdown.
