A Cumbrian business is urging the county to get behind it as it is in the running for a prestigious award.
Levens Kitchen and Bakery, at Levens Hall and Gardens near Kendal, has been shortlisted in the Local Food and Drink category in the Countryside Alliance Awards.
A public vote, opening next month, will determine whether the business can represent the north at the House of Lords finals.
The awards, which celebrate both the countryside and rural businesses, are now in their 16th year. Over 17,000 businesses were nominated this year, so even achieving a shortlisting is a huge achievement for Levens Kitchen and Bakery.
Levens Kitchen and Bakery’s owner, Richard Bagot, said: “The team has worked exceptionally hard to make Levens Bakery a phenomenal success in its first six months, whilst continuing to ensure that Levens Kitchen celebrates the best of local and seasonal produce, in mouth watering and innovative ways.
“We hope our customers – and others who like to support local Cumbrian businesses – will get behind us in the public vote and enable us to secure a route to the final. As we are the only Cumbrian business in our category, it would be fantastic to be able to fly the flag for Cumbria and highlight why food lovers should head to the county.”
This award success is not the only feather in the cap for Levens Kitchen and Bakery this month. The business is a finalist for the Café of the Year title, in the Cumbria Food Awards 2024, while front of house manager, Tom Kilshaw, is also shortlisted, with his potential award coming in the Service of the Year category.
The results of these awards – the only ones dedicated to Cumbria’s hospitality sector – will be announced on March 14, at an awards ceremony at Kendal College, hosted by Simon Rimmer.
The opening of Levens Bakery followed a rise in demand for the cakes and bakes produced by Levens Kitchen’s team, following the appearance of head chef, Robert Stacey, and pastry chef, Mireia Ferreres Luna, on TV show, Bake Off: The Professionals, in 2022.
