An opportunity has arisen for an established or new business to take over a National Trust cafe. The trust is looking for a local catering business (or start-up) to run the café at one of its visitor attractions – Acorn Bank, near Temple Sowerby. The lease would include use of the existing café facilities These include an indoor café, outdoor courtyard, kitchen and office), as well as use of the trust s existing furniture and equipment. The provider would need to serve light bites and refreshments between March and September. Amy McGowan, Operations Manager at Acorn Bank says, “We are really excited about this opportunity to work alongside a local business here at Acorn Bank.
The National Trust is looking for local catering businesses to run cafes at four of their visitor attractions in the Lake District. The cafes are at Acorn Bank in Penrith, Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top in Near Sawrey, Claife Viewing Station on Windermere’s western shore and Wray Castle in Ambleside. Gareth Fuke, area manager for food and beverage in the Lake District, believes this offers a fantastic chance for catering firms and is eager to welcome the new providers at the visitors centres. He said: “This is a great opportunity for a local food operator to grow their business within an already thriving visitor attraction, in a beautiful location.