A Lake District butchers has been given the go-ahead to expand.
Garside Butchers in Ambleside will move to a new site at Ghyllbank, North Road – just 100 yards from its current premises.
It is run by Hayley Garside and her partner Seb Butlin, who said the existing shop was not big enough to meet the current or future needs of the business.
Their plans were approved by the Lake District National Park Authority.
The shop has been part of the town’s fabric for decades. It was opened by Hayley’s father Fred in 1984 and earned a loyal following by working directly with Cumbrian farmers to keep the supply chain fair, transparent and sustainable.
Hayley and Seb took over the family business in 2015.
The new premises will provide Hayley and Seb with the space needed to serve more customers and offer new services, including online orders.
The premises are slightly larger than the original and the couple are hoping to take on more staff to help grow the business.
Hayley and Seb had always rented their business space, but owning their own premises had long been a goal to add further security to the business.
When the opportunity arose to take on a premises nearby, they knew it was the right step forward for the future of the business.
Seb added: “We’ve always focused on doing things the right way, sourcing from Cumbrian farmers, minimising waste and buying whole animals. It’s not always the easiest option, but it’s the right one.
“Integrity is at the heart of what we do and our commitment to the community is central to everything we offer.”
Support from The Cumberland was key in making the dream of owning their premises a reality. The relationship between Garside Butchers and The Cumberland goes back years, with the couple managing everything from their business banking to their children’s accounts under one roof.
Hayley said: “What’s special about The Cumberland is that it feels like they’re part of the journey. Georgie, our relationship manager, really listened and genuinely wanted to help us succeed.”
Seb added: “It was important for us to work with a lender that values people, not just numbers. With The Cumberland, we always speak to a real person who knows our business and our community.”
The deal also marks a significant milestone for The Cumberland, as Garside Butchers becomes the first business to benefit from its newly expanded commercial offering, which now includes food and drink, professional services and healthcare sectors.
Georgie McRoberts, commercial relationship manager at The Cumberland, said: “Garside Butchers isn’t just a shop; it’s a cornerstone of Ambleside.
“Hayley and Seb are true community champions.
“They care about every detail, from sourcing meat responsibly to serving customers with warmth and respect. We’re thrilled to have played a part in helping them take this next step and grow the family business.”
