After almost a decade of serving walkers, cyclists, visitors and locals the owner of a popular Eden Valley café is looking for a new challenge.
Kate Parsley, owner of Orton Scar Café says she will miss her regular customers and the team of 10 who help her run the business — which is open every day except Christmas Day, and this year the coronation from 9am until 4pm.
Kate said: “I have enjoyed building up the business and it has reached a certain point where it can be taken to the next level. I would like to do other things, and I believe there is potential for the café to open even longer, and have a licence again to become a bistro in the evenings.”
With its village location in the heart of Orton, the café has potential which Kate says new owners could enjoy developing — with 40 indoor and 36 outdoor seats and a big online social media following.
With diners including Kevin Kegan and Emmerdale actor Tony Audenshaw who plays Bob Hope among the celebrities who make Orton Scar café their stopoff, the popularity of the café has continued to grow since the pandemic.
Kate said: “I took over what was Silver Yard Café and Deli a year after it was established in 2013. I changed the name, created a new menu and opened it as Orton Scar Café and the place grew in popularity.
“We have our local regulars, and also those who call in every time they come up on holiday or pass for work, as well as our regular cyclists and bikers. The business used to be seasonal, however since the lockdown we have been busy all year round.
“The business certainly bounced back. We have the perfect location for people who enjoy getting out into the outdoors. Now people come with their caravans and camper vans, and to enjoy cycling, biking and walking in the winter as well as spring, summer and autumn.
“And we have grown a good reputation. We have been awarded the Trip Advisor Travellers Choice and were the Cumbrian and England winners of the England Business Awards 2021/22 for best customer service.
“The business is now for sale, and it will be the people who I will miss when I sell the café. The regular customers and the great team I have working with me here, who really do go the extra mile. To all these people I say a big thank you for helping Orton Scar Café become what it is today.”
