Bar eS in Keswick celebrate their 10th year in business

The anniversary is on June 26 but the bar has already celebrated its birthday as they closed on June 16 and 17 to host staff, supporters, friends and family. They marked the special occasion by having music and DJ performances, and pizza.

The Keswick bar opened back in 2014, before the team decided to expand to Ambleside in 2017.

Co-owner, Mark Swider reflected on the last ten year, he said: “It has been a really good journey, looking back it is great how we haven’t stayed still. We have updated the design of the bar, the back room has been changed 3 times, we have gone from being a drink heavy model to more of a restaurant style, and we have DJ nights each week. We have changed with the times and reacted to the market

Bar eS in Keswick (Image: Bar eS)

"The main thing is we are so lucky to have really good team members and we make sure they are happy. If they are happy, they enjoy their work and customers come in and see that."

Bar eS have focused on their staff satisfaction throughout their journey, all staff members get passes to Armathwaite Hall gym and spa, and they make sure to host three staff parties per year. Mark said: "We have always prioritised having a good team and we are very lucky to have the team we have got."

The bar is owned by Mark Swider and Stephen Stables. However, Zara Brewer became a partner is the business as a later addition after joining as a team member, and moving through the ranks to become a manager and later, a partner.

Mark described how it feels to celebrate 10 years in business, he said: "I think it's been surreal, we didn’t have great aspirations when we opened we just looked as it as lifestyle business.

"When we opened in Keswick, we knew a lot of locals but we wanted to do Ambleside to develop and see if we can be as successful. We are really grateful for the local support, and customers in a seasonal place like Keswick, in the winter,  it is our locals that make the big difference. It is always humbling to see whose driven over from afar."

Dj nights at Bar eS (Image: Bar eS)

Going forward, Bar eS have no plans to expand but simply want to keep up their good work. Mark said: “I think we just want to not get complacent at all. We are ten years in and if we don’t move with the times, we get left behind

“The teams turn over, there are always new challenges but is is nice to see our managers go off and do well. Sam is our old manager and is now part owner of Lake Road Brunch which we have a share in."