Grasmere Gingerbread is celebrating the second anniversary of its second Lake District shop.
The iconic brand opened its second store in Hawkshead and celebrated with a large figure ‘2’ made from its world-famous spicy-sweet sensation which was cut into pieces and shared with customers.
Since openings its door two years ago, the shop on the corner of Main Street has become an integral part of the retail landscape in the Lake District’s ‘prettiest village’.
“Grasmere Gingerbread has been a fantastic addition to Hawkshead,” said Andy McGirl, retail and commercial development manager at the Lake District National Park.
“In our information centre we get numerous enquiries – and subsequent complements – from visitors about the shop.”
Hawkshead Relish said they were delighted when Grasmere Gingerbread moved in next door.
“It’s wonderful to have two iconic food brands in the village and Hawkshead is definitely on the up,” said Jonathan Robb, managing director at Hawkshead Relish.
Joanne Hunter, co-director of Grasmere Gingerbread, said their historic 171-year-old business was warmly welcomed to the village.
She said: “I like to think we are playing our part in making Hawkshead a vibrant place for visitors.
“Our ‘offer’ is different to our shop in Grasmere as we have nearly six times the floor space to stock more of our ginger-flavoured food products and ginger-themed gifts,” she explained.
“We also serve freshly brewed artisan takeaway coffee and Grasmere Gingerbread ice cream.”
The Grade II listed Hawkshead building dates to the early 19th century as part of a row of three-storey townhouses.
Customers James and Philippa Cook, of Bowness, helped celebrate the second birthday of the Grasmere Gingerbread shop in Hawkshead.
“Although not as famous as our shop in Grasmere it has its own unique ambience and it is an absolute pleasure to meet, greet and serve customers from all over the world,” said Alan Air, customer service assistant, who works in the Hawkshead shop every Sunday.
“Whilst most tourists have heard about the original shop in Grasmere our second shop in Hawkshead – with its large photo-friendly image of Grasmere Gingerbread inventor Sarah Nelson behind the counter – is attracting more and more people.
“Hawkshead is a lovely village to visit and boasts a beautiful church overlooking the valley and the Hawkshead Grammar School Museum where William Wordsworth was a pupil.”
