Husband-and-wife team James and Sarah Bridgewater, of Fell and Bean, have opened a new coffee house at Brougham Hall.
Having originally set up their catering business in March in the form of a converted horse box at Penrith railway station – they are now expanding their operation.
Sarah made the decision to leave her teaching job to pursue her love of home baking and James’s passion for coffee.
Their successful mobile unit was quick to be spotted by Brougham Hall, who invited Fell and Bean to take on the lease of its café.
“We were looking for somewhere to open a coffee house and when we viewed the café space at Brougham Hall it just felt right – like when you walk into a house and know it’s the right one for you,” said James.
Just outside Penrith, Brougham Hall is a 14th century hall with a fascinating history.
Partially restored, it is now home to an array of artisan studios, including ceramics, a jeweller, an antique shop, a gin distillery, a blacksmith, a wildflower weaver and a screen printer.
As well as visiting the new coffee house, visitors can explore Brougham’s grounds, see artists at work and buy locally made arts and crafts.
The café space has been given a full refit by Fell and Bean, including a new custom made counter, seat covers made by James’s mum Marilyn and a new La Spaziale coffee machine.
The café at Brougham Hall was previously run by Cafe 4 Eden, who moved to a premises in Penrith town centre in May 2023.
“We’re thrilled to be following our dream of opening a coffee house and are delighted with the cosy space we’ve created at Brougham Hall,” said James, adding: “We are really looking forward to meeting all our new customers.”
