A FAMILY who started a cafe because they have a passion for Italy and wanted to do something 'different' will celebrate one year of trading at the end of next month. 

The Popov family-run Barista Brothers on Main Street, Grange, has been offering coffee and Italian delectables for the local residents and tourists to enjoy.

On the lunch menu are small dishes that could be served in an authentic Italian cafe such as jambon-buerre baguette, spicy spianta calabra focaccia, three cheese toasted sourdough and salmon ciabatta. 

The Westmorland Gazette: The food on display in the caféThe food on display in the café (Image: Dena Popov)

The cafe also offers meat and cheese platters.

Barista Brothers uses 'Italian ingredients' from a supplier that visits the country, but the coffee has been roasted locally. In the summer, there is also a space at the side of the cafe where delicious gelato is served for those with a sweet tooth. 

Dena's husband Rob serves up the food, and she runs the cafe with her children.

She said: "It was quite quiet to begin with but it has been picking up. When we had the bad weather it was the best week since we opened so that was encouraging. We weren't established and we just had to build up our business."

She said that the cafe is trying to do something 'different' in the area by embracing Italian culture. The couple does not have any Italian heritage - they just share a passion for the cuisine. 

The Westmorland Gazette: The coffee on offer at the cafe, which uses locally roasted beansThe coffee on offer at the cafe, which uses locally roasted beans (Image: Dena Popov)

Dena said: "My husband is actually half-Russian but he has always liked Italian food. We have visited a couple of places in Italy and thought what can we do that is different around here? 

"We really do like Italian meats and cheeses and we thought we would try and support that around the local area." 

In terms of the future, Dena continued: "We are going to continue as we are. We will probably do some dishes as specials. We are going to try and get some more selections and also a new breakfast." 

The couple broadened their range recently by selling Italian turkey meatballs for Christmas. Barista Brothers may extend into evening opening hours if the cafe continues to pick up traction.