A CUMBRIAN cafe is vying to be named the best local food and drink establishment in the north.
Twenty-six businesses from across the north of England have been selected as finalists in the Countryside Alliance Awards.
After thousands of nominations from across the country were whittled down, Levens Kitchen and Bakery has been shortlisted in the ‘best local food and drink’ category.
The ‘Rural Oscars’ are now in their 17th year and judged on a range of criteria including their passion and commitment, sense of community, championing local food and the energy and diversity of their business.
Winners will be chosen via a public vote before representing the region at the House of Lords as the national champions in June 2024.
The owner of Levens Hall and Garden Richard Bagot said: “We’re keen to push this award and hopefully win. I think we could gain more local support and even gain national appeal. I applied to see if we were good enough.
“I am nervous because we’re in competition with so many businesses but I think there’s a good chance especially if we make sure we get the word out and get enough votes."
Mr Bagot shared his aim to offer a high quality café that compliments a historic house, reflecting the building’s beauty with good value and fresh produce.
Levens Kitchen is home to a ‘very good, strong team’ who have been working together for five years, he said.
The business has seen steady growth since it started in 2019 and is currently looking to plan some ‘spin off attractions’ to the kitchen and bakery.
As well as planning more afternoon teas, Mr Bagot hopes that by summer the kitchen will be able to introduce a new experience that allows customers to take a hamper of food into the garden to eat among the topiary.
Richard revealed their best seller is eggs benedict, which is topped with fresh pea shoots from the onsite garden as well as bacon they smoke in-house.
Levens also grow their own wild garlic, which is perfect for soups, as well as courgettes, asparagus, squash, salad leaves and tomatoes.
Richard said they grow more every year while their farm yields around 70,000 eggs per year as well as beef and lamb and venison which is hunted near Kendal.
Businesses which go on to become finalists or champions often receive regional and national recognition.
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