Why I love the Lakes, by Helen Coffey (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Why I love the Lakes, by Helen Coffey

4:10pm Wednesday 8th September 2010 in Why I Love The Lakes

What is the best thing about the Lake District? The scenery.

It’s just really beautiful around here and I feel really lucky to live and work right in the middle of it all.

And the worst? The rain. I do love sunny, hot weather and the rain makes it a bit of a downer sometimes. But so far this year we’ve had brilliant weather.

Favourite place in the Lake District? Buttermere, because of its spectacular and beautiful scenery. There’s a very pleasant walk you can take around the edge of the lake and it is a great place to take a picnic. I would definitely recommend taking the path bringing you out at Skye Farm at the end of the walk for the reward of a fabulous homemade ice cream.

Favourite place to eat? Deja-vu in Kendal is without doubt my favourite restaurant. Fabulous food, good service, great value and pleasant surroundings. Baba Ganoush in Berry’s Yard is also great for take-out lunch during the week.

Favourite place to shop? Maya Maya on Stricklandgate in Kendal is a fab little boutique when you are looking for something a bit different.

Favourite memory? When I was 17, I had a seasonal job at the tourist information centre in Kendal. I once had a group of very enthusiastic American ladies come in to ask me if I could arrange for them to have afternoon tea with Beatrix Potter. I had to explain that Beatrix Potter had died quite some time ago and that wouldn’t be possible. I remember them being very surprised and quite upset.