A new Appleby cafe has been officially opened by the town’s mayor.
Gareth Hayes cut the ribbon on a new era for Bridge Street, officially opening Lilly’s Cafe and welcoming two new business owners to the town.
Owners Abi and Connor Ruehorn-Hyde are providing a full barista service in their new cafe named after their daughter, and have commissioned a special Lilly’s blend of Pennington’s coffee.
Gareth said: “Appleby is experiencing a real renaissance – Abi and Connor are prime example of a young couple starting a new business and deciding to make Appleby their family home.
“Abi and Connor are the next generation of business people building on our heritage of a rural centre of commerce, and crafting a future for themselves, their family and the town.
“The opening of Lilly’s Cafe is part of a rejuvenation of Bridge Street, with an Italian restaurant and other specialist retailers opening this summer in the town.
“Young people are seeing the great opportunities that Appleby has to offer to start a new business and enjoy a great lifestyle.
“The past 18 months have been very challenging for the retail sector everywhere; however, I am so proud of how the independent shops and hospitality businesses in Appleby have battled through and are now developing innovative ways to provide the very best customer experience and meet the needs of our local community as well as our visitors.”
Abi and Connor came from Rochdale, Lancashire to work in Cumbria five years ago and moved to Appleby in August 2020.
Abi said: “We want to be part of the community and when we saw the cafe was for sale, it was our opportunity to create our own family business and make Appleby our home.”
Connor said: “Coming from a farming background I know what it is like trying to find a decent sandwich and coffee on the way to work – especially with the very early starts.
“This is why we have set up a breakfast order service where you can place your order, even the night before and we will have it ready for you to collect anytime between 6am and 8am.”
