THE owners of Carlisle's I Love Cafe are celebrating after marking five years in charge - and one year at their new location. 

Kerry Birkett bought the business back in 2019, taking over when the previous owner decided to leave, as her daughter Charlotte worked there.

The teamThe team (Image: Supplied)

Forced to navigate the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns in her first few years in charge, Kerry and her team continued to provide tasty treats in takeaway boxes, before everything re-opened.

And the support of the community allowed her to expand last year, as they opened up their popular new location on St Cuthbert's Lane, where snacks consistently sell out.

Kerry said: "We are so proud to have marked five years since we took over I Love Cafe. We have come so far over the years from the tiny quiet little cafe we started out with, to navigating our way through covid with our takeaway treat boxes and afternoon teas, to our biggest achievement yet - moving to a bigger premises one year ago.

"The last year had absolutely flown and we definitely made the right decision to expand."

The sweet treats at I Love Cafe nearly always sell outThe sweet treats at I Love Cafe nearly always sell out (Image: Supplied)

The business is very much a family one, as Kerry was taught to bake by her mother Jane Blacklock, and she still lends a hand with the cakes and scones now, while daughter Charlotte runs the front-of-house alongside Charley Colman, Rose Smith and Connie Irving.

Some delicious looking blondiesSome delicious looking blondies (Image: Supplied)

Kerry, whose favourite items to bake are the popular blondies, added: "The support we have received from our customers has been truly amazing. We are so thankful to them as we couldn’t do it without them.

"My favourite memories have to include delivering surprise afternoon teas on Mother’s Day during lockdown and seeing mothers and grandmothers reactions and happy tears.

"Also surprising one of our regulars with doorstep treats on Christmas Day when she was unable to travel to spend the day with family due to lockdown restrictions."

Inside the cafeInside the cafe (Image: Supplied)

Head chef Todd Elliot and chef Dani Mattinson complete the team at I Love Cafe, which remains a popular Carlisle destination.