A sustainable, innovative, rural enterprise is bringing together the best of Cumbrian produce, baking and rescued alpacas.
Basecamp North Lakes opened on May 31 last year and has only closed for Christmas and Boxing Day, providing great local food in the cafe and farm shop – and the surrounding 155 acres of land providing a home for more than 200 alpacas and llamas.
The site, just off the A66 between Keswick and Penrith also has a four acre lake, which provides the perfect vista for the cafe customers and beyond to the Lakeland fells.
Manager Ruby Nicolson explained: “We are home to Alpacaly Ever After, an award winning social enterprise that re-homes and rescues alpacas and llamas from all across the UK.
“Originally it was a home for Alpacaly Ever After that owners Emma Smalley and Terry Barlow were looking for. When the former Cocklakes Farm Shop came on the market it was the ideal place to base the social enterprise and the existing farm shop and cafe provided the basis for a new business.
“Everything we cook and sell is bought as locally as possible, and we are championing sustainability, low food miles and supporting local independent producers. We offer a healthy, enjoyable and sustainable shopping and eating experience. We work with Cumbria Farmers Direct for our meat and source our cheeses and milk from the Torpenhow Cheese Farm.
“And we are delighted to welcome a new member of the team, experienced butcher Sean Melton. Sean has worked locally and in Europe for more than 20 years and has brought new products to our shelves.
“Using Mr Vikki’s award winning products, Sean produces our special homemade meatballs and we have a new range of sausages made in-house. Sean works with a local Herdwick supplier in Grasmere and we have a butcher on site Monday to Friday and every other Saturday.”
Basecamp North Lakes will also be offering meet the alpacas sessions and visitors will be able to take part in feeding time and walking around the grounds.
Ruby added: “From spring to autumn, visitors will be able to take alpaca walks, surrounded by the beauty of the Lake District. The alpaca sessions are available to all ages and abilities.
“Also in the next 12 months we are planning to develop a community garden. Our mission is to champion high quality, eco-friendly, forward thinking, local suppliers and prioritise people and planet over profits.”
