THE owner of a new cafe which is set to open in Carlisle city centre in 2024 is 'dumbfounded' by the amount of support he has received since its announcement.

The Buttered Cat, which will open in Kinmont Arcade facing out into Treasury Court in the unit that was previously occupied by I Love Cafe, is expected to open no later than March 2024.

The announcement of the impending arrival of the new cafe in the city centre was made by owner Andrew Davenport, who also runs other local businesses including Get-Pierced and Get-Modified, at the beginning of November. 

Since this announcement, Andrew explained how the support from the local community has been 'overwhelming'.

He said: "The response online from the previous article and our launch online with social media has been very overwhelming. I never expected so much support, having people send me pictures of the newspaper with my name and newest business was insane and something I’ve never experienced before.

"I’ve had different companies messaging me offering to let me use their products in the cafe - I’ve even had people send me CVs asking if they could apply which left me a bit dumbfounded as we haven’t even started to paint let alone think about the staff."

The Buttered Cat's menu is yet to be confirmed, however, the new cafe will source their coffee from Bruce & Lukes Coffee and source their food from other local businesses, whilst using local businesses and tradesmen to help build the unit.

Speaking when the new cafe was officially announced in early November, Andrew said: "It’s a very exciting and scary time for me but I can’t wait to see my ideas come to life.

"While it is a solo project I don’t feel like I’m alone as all of my friends, family, and even clients have been so supportive throughout.

"I have an amazing team with me and I’ll never be able to thank them enough."