A POPULAR West Cumbrian food chain has returned to Workington town centre, much to the delight of its strong customer following.

The Hungry Caterpillar, which is owned by Paul and Ashleigh McGee, has re-opened in a unit next to JD Sports in the town centre - with the venue bringing a 'healthy option' back into Workington.

The team previously had a premises in Workington which closed as the business expanded into Whitehaven and opened The Garden Workington.

Sharon Baxter, Ashleigh McGee and Kate BakerSharon Baxter, Ashleigh McGee and Kate Baker (Image: NQ staff)

Earlier this year, it was announced that The Garden would be closing down in June, as the couple hoped to bring the Hungry Caterpillar brand back to the fore of their business.

Speaking about the decision, Ashleigh said: "The Garden was obviously the biggest one (hospitality offering) we have done, but the core of that was the Hungry Caterpillar food. So it was well known as the Garden and we felt like we had sort of give it away, and we wanted to bring it back to the sort of forefront of the business."

Customers enjoying the new café.Customers enjoying the new café. (Image: NQ staff) And the customers are loving the move, with many telling the team that there is more of a 'personal feel' to the café since they re-opened in the town centre last Saturday, October 19.

Ashleigh said: "It's been amazing. Everyone is so chuffed to come back in and see us, and it has given us a bit more of a personal feel to the café now, everyone can see you, you can have a proper crack with everybody again... because it was quite big our old place, whereas this is a bit more intimate."

One of the tasty dishes on offer at the Hungry Caterpillar One of the tasty dishes on offer at the Hungry Caterpillar (Image: NQ staff) The Hungry Caterpillar are still doing all of their trusty favourites such as the lunch bowls and wraps, but have added a twist to the menu with new dishes such as flatbreads and smashed potato.

Ashleigh said:  "We have changed the menu up a little bit, so we are doing flatbreads, smashed potatoes: still all as healthy as we can get it, but obviously with a bit of naughtiness in there as well... but yeah we just want to give more healthier options for people in town."

The outside of the shop has been transformed.The outside of the shop has been transformed. (Image: NQ staff)