A new cycling cafe has opened in Temple Sowerby.
TempleVelo, in the grounds of The House, a Grade II listed 17th Century property, offers secure parking and a self-service on-site workshop for cyclists.
Owned by Alison and Andi Sambrook, TempleVelo is working with Cumbrian-based suppliers, including Kendal Mint Company, Bruce and Luke’s and Steely Pete’s Bike Maintenance.
The café has both indoor and outdoor seating set around a walled garden.
As the cafe develops, plans are in place to organise special events with a cycling theme – from art exhibitions to themed days based around the Queens Stages of major events in the UCI and UK race calendar.
The café can also cater for cycling groups or clubs to hire the venue for meetings and accommodation is available, with secure cycle storage, bike wash and workshop.
Alison and Andi, who have a combined experience of 50 years working in the marketing and hospitality industries, worked with Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, and were awarded a Cumbria Kickstart Business Grant, which allowed them to turn their award-winning restaurant and hotel into a coffee shop and B&B during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The couple said: “The chamber were instrumental in supporting not only the change and longevity of our business but in securing local jobs.”
They said the opportunity to pivot the business during the pandemic was key in the conception of TempleVelo.
They set up a takeaway and food delivery service during the first lockdown, staffed with volunteers and run as a not-for-profit service to support the community, which they said had welcomed them since their arrival three years ago.
Villager Norma Ogden said: “Alison and Andi were a breath of fresh air. Last year, they put one of the few lockdown smiles on lots of faces.”
