Lakeland Coffee, a mobile coffee business, is under new ownership and has launched a Wellbeing Wednesday campaign in support of people returning to work after lockdown.
Entrepreneur Anna Salmon has taken over the Appleby-based coffee van and already added regular pop-up stops in Penrith, Brougham, and Ullswater, where she offers barista-prepared drinks and homemade cakes.
Anna said: “I’ve always wanted to run my own business; it was just about finding the right opportunity.
“Like so many people during lockdown, I really missed the coffee and cake get-togethers with friends and family, and as restrictions have started to ease, I hope that great tasting coffee on the go is a trend that’s here to stay.”
Born and bred on an Eden dairy farm and always in touch with the local surroundings, Anna is passionate about leaving no trace.
Every aspect of the business is about making as little environmental impact as possible — the cups are recyclable and the coffee grounds are kept for tree planting projects.
Her Wellbeing Wednesday campaign is a private coffee morning where the van comes to workplaces, funded either by the company or individuals, giving a unique morning break experience with 10 per cent of takings given to a charity nominated by the business.
“As soon as I bought Lakeland Coffee, I had a call from Sally Hay, headteacher at Langwathby Church of England School,” Anna said.
“Sally wanted to know if I’d like to do a coffee test run with her staff — using it as a way for her to say thank you to her team for their lockdown efforts. Sally said her team really appreciated the gesture from the school and it sowed the seed to offer the Wellbeing Wednesday service to others.”
Anna uses Threlkeld’s Carvetii Coffee to supply the van.
The Cumbrian roasting firm is passionate about ethically sourced beans and great flavours.
Her mother’s business, Marguerite of Mags-Makes, provides a daily selection of fresh bakes drawn from the family recipe book.
“It’s tatty but full of gems,” according to Anna who mentioned the lemon drizzle and sticky gingerbread as firm favourites.
Lakeland Coffee’s founder, Paul Crawford, started the business last year but stepped down in order to put the interests of himself and his family first.
He said: “I have no doubt that they will give Lakeland Coffee a new lease of life and continue to build on its initial success.”
