RESTAURANTS and bars have been severely hit during the Covid-19 lockdown but one family business in a quiet corner of Flintshire is booming.

In the unlikely setting of Berthengam, near Holywell, queues form each day to sample what farmer Einion Jones and his wife Elliw have to offer.

The roadside attraction is a machine where fresh dairy milk is sold in bottles, along with flavoured milk shakes and hot chocolate.

The machine, which is available 24 hours a day, is believed to be one of the first of its kind in North Wales, and although the Joneses had done some research before investing in it they have been astounded by its success.

They have a 280-strong herd of Jersey-cross milking cows on their farm at Mynydd Mostyn, which is on the Mostyn Hall estate and most of the milk goes to South Caernarfon Creamery.

“We first considered having a machine about two years ago but did nothing about, and then in June last year we looked into it in more detail,” said Elliw.

“During the pandemic more people have been trying to buy local produce, and so we thought it would be a good time.

“It’s been amazing. The coffee and hot chocolate machine has been here a while and people have got to hear about it through Facebook,” she said. “On the day we started selling milk people were queuing from 10am until 9 o’clock at night.”

“People really seem to appreciate it because it is so fresh, unlike some of the milk on sale in supermarkets,” said Einion.

Full milk and semi-skinned is available and it is supplied in glass bottles which are returnable. Payment is by card, so the facility does not have to be manned.

Many residents of neighbouring villages such as Berthengam, Trelogan, Sarn and Whitford walk along the country lanes or across fields to reach Mynydd Mostyn, while there is also a steady flow of traffic .

Sara Bevan and her daughter Charley, 15, from Flint, were among those queuing - and they considered it worth the wait.

“I was brought up in Trelogan and I felt we should support a local business,” said Sara.

“It’s the best milkshake I’ve ever had,” commented Charley.

Among those who called by on their horses Gracie and Ted were friends Wendy Williams and Laura Hafwen Jones, who enjoyed cups of piping hot chocolate before continuing their ride.

“It’s gorgeous, and nice to have somewhere like this to pop into,” said Wendy.