By Sarah French

 

CAPTIONS:

WINNERS: Cumbria Life Awards 2023

HOST: Kate Walby

GREAT EVENT: 2023 awards in full flow.

AMAZING VENUE: Low Wood Hotel in Windermere

 

Your favourites have become finalists as, with great excitement, we share – and congratulate – the businesses, organisations and individuals lining up for this year’s Cumbria Life Awards.

We are delighted to reveal our finalists after your nominations ensured they have made the top three in one of our award categories.

Each of them now has a chance to walk away with a coveted award as we go out to you, our readers, once again and ask you to choose your winners.

From arts venues to visitor attractions, drinking and dining to shops, producers to fundraisers, the awards honour excellence and dedication and we know each and every one is delighted to have made the final thanks to your nominations.

They are all invited to the Cumbria Life Awards presentation and celebration dinner on Thursday, September 5 at Low Wood Hotel, on Windermere. Finalists will enjoy a three-course dinner before the awards ceremony, hosted by Border Television presenter Kate Walby, when the winners will be revealed, along with our Cumbrian of the Year.

Kara Jenkinson, from headline sponsor H&H Insurance Brokers, which is based in Carlisle and has nearly 40 years’ experience protecting businesses, said: “The Cumbria Life Awards bring together everything which is great about our county, from our fantastic tourism businesses to the individuals who are the heartbeat of our communities.
“We are proud to be the headline sponsor of the Cumbria Life Awards for a second year, and it is a privilege to have pledged our support for the awards for a further two years until 2026.
“Huge congratulations to all the finalists and we wish the very best of luck to them all for the awards night.”

Award sponsors also include Porsche Centre South Lakes, Pioneer Foodservice, Penningtons Tea and Coffee Ltd, Lakes Speciality Food, Herdwick Cottages, University of Cumbria, Thomson Hayton Winkley, Spirit Energy and Furness Building Society.

(Image: Supplied)

HOW TO VOTE

Over to you! All of our finalists would love to be winners – and that decision is in your hands. They, and we, would love you to vote for your favourites. Those with the most votes by our closing date of August 11 will win one of our prestigious awards.

Voting is easy. You can nominate your favourites via surveymonkey.com/r/3FTX9MV or simply scan the QR code with your smart phone.

You can vote in one or multiple categories but make sure you vote by 5pm on August 11.

Your finalists are:

ARTISAN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Cumbrian Baker

Cumbrian Baker was founded in 2020 by Sharon Rutland in her home kitchen and quickly led to her converting her garage into a new catering space. Driven by Sharon’s passion for delivering exceptional quality, two years ago the business moved into a dedicated unit in Cockermouth which is a bakery and takeaway serving cakes and bakes, fresh pies, breakfast buns, soup, salads and more. It now employs six people and is a leading wholesale supplier to eateries in Cumbria, supports other local food and drink businesses and recently launched an online shop, selling treat boxes nationally.

Northern Wine

South African born Stacey Raath and Cumbrian Harry Appleyard have brought their skills and experience in the world of wine to Kendal to create one of England’s most northerly wineries. They bring grapes grown in the south of England and make, bottle and label their wine with handmade paper from the nearby Paper Foundation in the winery at Dockray Industrial Estate. The wines’ names all have a story and a successful first year has seen them selling to some of the county’s top restaurants, to customers via their website, in select wine shops and from their own wine bar in Kendal.

Sweet Treats by Martin Frickel

One of Cumbria’s leading chefs, Martin Frickel launched Sweet Treats By Martin Frickel in 2021. The business, co-owned by Harriet Pugh, creates award-winning, high quality, innovative “naughty brownies, banging blondies and filthy treats” including gluten free and vegan options, all born and baked in Kendal and sold at local artisan markets, at its Cakeaway or via home delivery. Flavour combinations including Rhubarb & Custard Blondie or Black Forest Brownie evoke nostalgic memories from childhood. With an aim to be at the forefront of baked goods, their Gluten Free Black Forest Brownie has been named Britain’s Best Free From Cake 2024.

BEST ARTS/CULTURE VENUE – SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CUMBRIA

Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre

The Carnegie is described as “a venue true to the people it serves”. The Workington venue is much loved by those who use it and visit, whether young people learning to play a musical instrument; members of its youth programme who find a safe space to enjoy each other’s company and a sense of belonging; budding actors, dancers and musicians; participants and audiences at the annual music and dance festival, believed to be one of the longest running in the UK; or audiences coming to see shows, bands or An Audience With events. They all see the Carnegie as “their theatre”.

Kendal Calling

Since launching in 2006 Kendal Calling has grown into a major fixture on the live music circuit. Andy Smith first conceived the idea in 2005 when he was 17 with ambition to bring the best music in the world to Cumbria. He succeeded beyond his wildest dreams with the likes of Blondie, The Beach Boys, Mumford & Sons, Stereophonics and Snoop Dogg – and an annual crowd of 35,000 – coming to the fields. The festival team works to ensure it remains true to its Cumbrian origins supporting local businesses; introducing innovative sustainability and environmental practices; and supporting charities to raise £200,000 to date.

Zeffirellis

For more than 40 years Zeffirellis has been dedicated to bringing art and culture to Ambleside for everyone to enjoy, seven days a week. With five cinema screens across three sites in the village it screens major movies as well as opera, theatre and ballet performances from national and international venues. Its ‘meal deal’ offers guests a two-course meal in its vegetarian restaurants Fellinis and Zeffirellis before or after screenings. The jazz bar offers contemporary jazz and live world music, from local and world-renowned musicians, at weekends and August will see the in-house jazz festival, Ambleside Days, return.

(Image: Supplied)

BEST CAFÉ OR COFFEE SHOP – SPONSORED BY PENNINGTONS

Appleby Hub

The Appleby Hub is more than a café, it really is the hub of the community. The staff pride themselves on being warm and welcoming to both regular, local customers and holiday makers alike while also helping to support those who feel socially isolated, lonely or are bereaved. Most of the food is made on the premises including fresh bread and scones every day. Local produce is used where possible, including fruit and vegetables from customers’ garden and allotments. The Hub offers work experience opportunities and training for those with learning disabilities and unique art and local crafts are on sale in the shop.

Marra46

Described as “a wee gem”, Marra46, off Kendal Market Place, offers a unique experience and is a favourite with local people who enjoy meeting up with family and friends in character surroundings. Tucked away down a small ginnel, the fire is likely to be on in winter and, importantly, the staff are renowned for being super friendly, efficient and smiley. The menu is centred around a traditional sourdough recipe, which is made on site every day. Pizza, flatbreads and fresh piadina – an Italian street food sandwich – are specialities. Quality coffee is served alongside cakes and bakes including Portuguese tarts.

Force Walkers Cafe and Terrace

In just one year Force Walkers Café & Terrace has made its mark as a favourite with locals and tourists in Ambleside. Its elevated position close to Stock Ghyll Force offers panoramic view of the fells and creative head chef Dexton serves high quality food influenced by his Jamaican heritage. Brunch and lunch are offered seven days focused on local and seasonal produce. The team exceeds customers' expectations with attentive service and the warm atmosphere continues in active community engagement with locals’ discount, the Wansfell Dash, evening talks focused on environmental interest and a shop of items by local artists.

BEST CASUAL DINING EXPERIENCE – SPONSORED BY PIONEER FOOD SERVICE

Fellpack

“The quality of the food and service is excellent. I knew whatever I had chosen from the menu would have been exceptional,” said one of the nominators of this popular and busy restaurant in Keswick. The eclectic menu comprises wholesome dishes – known as Fellpots – that are innovative twists on classics served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere by staff who care about their guests. Pork belly ramen, Keralan fish curry, Indonesian lamb rendang and the Fellpack hotdog all sit together. The restaurant is lively with some walk-in tables available and some outdoor too.

Lingholm Kitchen

On the edge of Portinscale, Lingholm Kitchen lies at the heart of a lakeside estate and, according to one nomination, “never fails to provide excellent high quality locally sourced food and a reasonable price”. Located in popular walking country en route to Catbells, it is a busy spot with plenty of seating indoors and outdoors overlooking the walled garden. The menu begins with breakfast and continues through lunch and onto tea and cake time and afternoon tea at weekends. Food is freshly made on site including an extensive range of cakes all made in the Lingholm Bakery.

The Yan at Broadrayne

Surrounded by breathtaking views, The Yan offers the perfect escape and sustenance after a day on the fells. Hearty soul food, boozy beverages and cool but cosy Nordic interiors combine to provide a casual and warm environment that feels like home. The team prides itself on the laid-back vibe and guests are encouraged to come as they are to enjoy food that not only fuels the body but also feeds the soul. Family-owned and run, they pour love into what they do and are determined to stay true to their roots as the business expands and the team grows.

(Image: Supplied)

BEST FINE DINING EXPERIENCE – SPONSORED BY PORSCHE CENTRE SOUTH LAKES

Base Restaurant, Ulverston

Base is a unique restaurant offering diners a flavour-filled daytime menu and weekly changing, evening seven-course tasting menus in the unusual location of a public park. Single service dinners allow chef-patron Mark Satterthwaite to cook only for customers who have booked, ensuring it is a near zero waste restaurant. Menus champion Cumbrian producers and artisan makers and utilise homegrown and foraged produce where possible in dishes such as Hoad Hill rabbit and Bay-caught plaice. A family business with a small team that “punches well above their weight”, Base puts consistency and locality at the heart of everything it does.

Dog and Gun, Skelton

Serving Michelin star, three AA rosette food in the surroundings of a humble village pub, the Dog and Gun has a loyal following of customers who return again and again. The star was awarded in 2022 and retained in 2023. “Food that people really want to eat” is a typical description, while the Michelin Guide says it provides “food that puts a smile on your face”. Opened in 2017 by Cumbria-born chef-owner Ben Queen-Fryer, dishes include suet puddings, soufflés and some of the best triple-cooked chips around while Szandra Csakvariova and the team provide a warm welcome to everyone including children and dogs.

Henrock

Henrock was the newest Cumbrian restaurant to join the Simon Rogan fold when it came on board in October 2019. The elegance of the space and the setting within Linthwaite House Hotel with its panoramic views of Windermere and the fells together with a shared drive for quality with hotel owner, the Leeu Collection, provided a new opportunity. New head chef Mark McCabe is already making his mark. He gained a Michelin green star and three AA rosettes at The Ethicurean, in Bristol, and is working with Rogan’s Our Farm to incorporate locally grown ingredients into his innovative seven-course tasting menu.

(Image: Supplied)

BEST HAIR/BEAUTY SALON OR SPA

COLMAN AND COLMAN

Kerry and Russell Colman who own the Kendal salon are loved by their clients and their staff for their warmth, kindness and for treating everyone like friends or part of their family. The salon is stylish, not clinical, with vintage furniture and antiques and offers a warm welcome, a hot drink with a handmade biscuit or even a gin and tonic to make clients feel at home. New efficiencies like online booking and a loyalty scheme that rewards clients with discounts and gifts continue the feel-good of the salon, alongside great haircuts and colour services for men and women by Kerry and her team of stylists.

FELL VIEW HAIR & BEAUTY

Fell View has brought glamour to Shap, offering high end hair and beauty services to clients in the town and across this rural part of Cumbria as well as those who travel in from further afield to the bright and contemporary salon. Its renovation was a five-year labour of love for owner Emma Topping, who was determined to bring city style to Shap following a career on multi-million dollar cruise ships, in Stockholm and Australia. Specialists in wedding hair, as well as ladies’ hair and men’s grooming services, clients can have facial and massage treatments, manicures and more and pick up professional products to take home.

POISON IVY

Poison Ivy is owned by sisters Brooke and Courtney Kellett who established the salon in Bowness-on-Windemere in 2021. Courtney works behind the scenes so it is hairdresser Brooke whom clients have the most contact with and speak of her reputation for “always going above and beyond what a 'normal' hairdresser does”. Brooke specialises in correcting colour mistakes and helping clients to feel better about themselves, especially by creating unique hairstyles and colour. “She is always very friendly and caring, always has a smile on her face and some lovely words for you and always goes the extra mile for all her customers,” said one nomination.

INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY THOMSON HAYTON WINKLEY

Bells Fishmongers

Carlisle is poorly served in terms of independent fishmongers, so customers say Bells is to be treasured and celebrated for its exceptional quality fresh fish, seafood and game which it has been supplying since 1970. Its selection is sourced from trusted suppliers and delivered to the Kingstown shop within 24-36 hours of being caught ensuring delivery to customers, who can order online, within 48 hours of landing. It sources from Scotland, England and the Shetland Islands, as well from the Mediterranean, including sword fish from Spain, with the same delivery guarantee. Bells offers bespoke platters for every occasion and its staff are praised for being knowledgeable and professional.

Northern Lights Gallery

Former press photographer Tim Fisher took over Northern Lights Gallery, Keswick, six years ago, opening a third floor of retail and exhibition space. The gallery has mounted around 35 solo exhibitions for a variety of artists, both fledgling and established. It also champions and supports local charities, organisations and events. The gallery has helped to put Cumbria on the art map with stands at Manchester and Edinburgh Art Fairs and has secured media coverage countrywide. The gallery will soon be joined by a sister business, Pole Star, just a short walk from Northern Lights in St John’s Street, employing local people and representing local artists.

Verey Books

The realisation of one man’s boyhood dream, Verey Books was 40 years in the yearning. The shelves of Al Verey’s Pooley Bridge shop contain a thoughtfully curated selection of books from bestsellers to Lakeland greats, practical maps and guides to children’s classics. Visitors are encouraged explore and discuss their next read with the knowledgeable and friendly team while experiencing a warm and welcoming space for conversation, coffee and cake. Saturday Storytime is for book-curious children aged six and under while the extensive Words on Wednesdays programme of author events, book clubs and launches, poetry slams and writers’ workshops bring people together through the spoken and written word.

BEST PUB OR BAR – SPONSORED BY LAKES SPECIALITY FOOD

The Club Inn

“A real community pub which welcomes families and dogs,” is how The Club Inn, at Endmoor, is described by one customer. What was a somewhat shabby and outdated bar has been transformed into a vibrant and comfortable area which welcomes both members and visitors. The bar area has recently undergone a complete refurbishment funded by local residents, with most of the work also undertaken by local people. There are regular quiz nights and bingo, together with live music, a pool room and live sport. Food trucks make a regular appearance in the car park so customers can buy food to enjoy in the bar.

The Old Crown

As England’s first registered co-operatively owned pub, The Old Crown at Hesket Newmarket was nominated for being “the perfect community hub”. Since 2003 the 18th century pub has been owned by around 150 customers and supporters from the local community and beyond. Customers praise its wonderful service, great atmosphere and enjoyable food. Beer comes from the community-owned microbrewery – started by Jim Fearnley in 1988 – but the pub also champions other small breweries with a rotating selection. A classic lunch and dinner menu is served along with Sunday lunches and the pub hosts events throughout the year engendering “a wonderful feeling of community”. 

Tweedies Bar

Tweedies Bar & Lodge, in Grasmere, has views of the fells from its beer garden and is popular with locals and visitors alike for its good food, award-winning ales and Cumbrian hospitality. Brian and Gillian Roberts are celebrating 20 years at Tweedies which they run with sons James and Alex. Alex curates the selection of craft beers and ales sourced from local breweries and beyond; chef James has the same passion for celebrating local produce on his menu including Sunday lunch. It’s a popular place to relax after a walk, welcoming muddy boots and dogs, with live music at weekends and community and charity events.

BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION – SPONSORED BY HERDWICK COTTAGES

Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Situated opposite the scenic Dubwath Silver Meadows nature reserve, Bassenthwaite Lake Station is a unique café in a restored railway station with a full size, replica Orient Express steam train on the former Cockermouth to Keswick line where customers can enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. A walk along the platform takes visitors through woodland and a wildflower meadow or they can spend time in the bird hide overlooking the wildlife pond. One customer said: “We always eat here when in the Lake District. The service, food, ambience and value for money is great. The staff and owners always have a friendly chat with customers.”

Lowther Castle and Gardens

Lowther never ceases to amaze first time visitors. It is anything but a typical stately pile, being just a skeleton of its former self, but the ruin and the gardens and parkland that surround it – and deliberately encroach upon it – make it a special place. The new exhibition tells the Lowther story encompassing its various guises as a home, its people, treasures, horses and gardens with pull-no-punches descriptions of the characters responsible for its ups and downs over the centuries. As well as the Rose Garden, spectacular Lost Castle children’s playground and wild gardens, gift shop and courtyard café, the castle hosts art installations and events throughout the year.

The Badger Hide at RSPB Wild Haweswater

The new Badger Watching Hide at Wild Haweswater was built last winter by a team of staff and volunteers. Despite limited opening, the old hide successfully offered visitors close up views of one of the UK's most iconic mammals and generated income towards landscape restoration work. Visitor experience manager Annabel Rushton recruited volunteers to extend the opening times, but the old hide had limited accessibility. With funding from the Icthius Trust and the carpentry skills of volunteer Graham, the new hide has ramp access with a dedicated parking space next to it. Alongside work to restore a traditional Cumbrian spinning barn, there is more for visitors to see.

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT – SPONSORED BY SPIRIT ENERGY

Power of 10 – Another Way

Power of 10 is a community and an app that allows like-minded young people to connect on issues regarding the climate crisis and environment and support them to make changes in their schools and their communities. The app offers resources and a platform for them to learn about government action and sustainable switches, a place to share their own action and the support so they feel they can make a difference. The brainchild of Amy Bray, it was launched at a major event for young people at Rheged in February where the speakers included Tim Farron MP and campaigner Matt Staniek. Campaigns devised at the festival, for which Power of 10 offered funding, are ongoing including plastic free schools or green spaces.

Pure Lakes Skincare Ltd

Pure Lakes started life in Grasmere 2007. Long-standing customers Claire and Gareth McKeever bought the business in 2016 after it had moved to Staveley near Kendal, then last year they moved it to Far Sawrey, where their children are the fifth generation of their family. They invested their life savings into building a new workshop on an old site hidden in the woods to provide well-paid, year-round jobs that allow local people to live in the community and help to sustain community facilities and a strong local economy. Pure Lakes is grounded on clear sustainable decisions: biodegradable ingredients and sustainable packaging sourced close to home for its products and EV chargers, air source heat pumps, solar panels at its workshop.

The Rebuild Site

The Rebuild Site takes surplus materials from construction sites and puts them to good use. Its goal is to inspire others to rethink how they use materials by supporting the reclamation of resources that have been wasted or downcycled. Reusing surplus and ‘nearly new’ materials whenever possible is the Carlisle company’s mission, with an emphasis on the value found in what is often considered waste. It aims to advance sustainable practices in the industry and cultivate a culture of resourcefulness. Surplus materials are recycled and provided to charities and community groups to use for building, gardening, crafting and repair projects. Workers and the general public are offered practically new and excess products at discounted prices.

FUNDRAISING FEAT OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY FURNESS BUILDING SOCIETY

Broughton Young Farmers

In February Broughton Young Farmers organised and took part in a charity car pull to raise money for Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team’s new base. The challenge was organised in memory of cherished club member Edward Gabbert who passed away in a farming accident a decade ago aged just 15. Sixty members of the club managed to pull the modified Toyota Rav4 17.3 miles (27.8km) from Millom School on a route taking in Buckman Brow, Duddon Woods, over Ulpha to Broughton Square. They aimed to raise £5,000, but with support from local businesses – 106 paying to have their logo on the car – charity buckets, sponsorship of members and donations, they raised around £14,000.

Donna Mills (for CRY Eden)

In 2022 Donna launched a campaign to bring Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to Eden. To date she has raised £30,000 to bring heart screening to Penrith for young people aged 14-35. “What Donna has done for the local community is absolutely phenomenal and so selfless. She's the driving force and hasn't wavered in her commitment to tirelessly fundraising for CRY Eden,” said a nominator.  Donna has raised the money  through numerous events including walking the Ullswater Way annually, paddleboarding the length of Ullswater, a 12-hour ‘boogie bounce’ and a 24-hour runathon/family fun day. “She absolutely deserves some recognition for what she's done by going above and beyond to fundraise to literally save lives.”

Frankie McMillan

Frankie McMillan has won international media coverage, raised thousands of pounds for charity and helped to inspire young people to focus on their physical and mental health – all stemming from his passion for the fells. He set a new world record by becoming the youngest Briton to climb Mount Olympus, in Greece, aged just seven, raising over £3,000 for Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team. Since then, he has conquered Everest Base Camp, a feat so unusual for one so young that sourcing specialist equipment small enough to fit him was difficult. Frankie is raising money for Make-A-Wish Foundation which supports poorly and life-limited children to fulfil ambitions and makes hiking fun for youngsters via his YouTube channel.