We’ve got two great tours coming up in May and one in June, all with the aim of helping you make new connections, grow your business and learn from others.
Grasmere Gingerbread – Thursday 8th May – 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Our site visit to Grasmere Gingerbread® will give you an insight into why and how the business began in 1854. You will learn how The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop developed into a major international tourist attraction and how unique Grasmere Gingerbread® itself - a spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and a cake - is celebrated around the world. You will experience at first hand the successful mail order operation which has expanded over many decades, learn about the unique branded products, and see the on-site development since Covid to accommodate new staff. No visit would be complete without refreshments accompanied by freshly baked Grasmere Gingerbread® and other local goodies.
Book here (only 12 places available)
We’re then going back to Torpenhow Farmhouse Dairy on Wednesday 14th May 10.30am to 2pm.
The Torpenhow Cheese Company was formed at Park House Farm near the village of Torpenhow (pronounced ‘Tra-pen-ner’) on the edge of the Northern Fells in Cumbria. Established in 2019, they turn the rich free-range milk from their Jersey/Friesian herd, into creamy deep flavoured cheese. Much has changes over the years not least the introduction of gelato making and there are exciting further plans in place.
We'll begin with a farm walk and talk hearing all about the journey through Organic conversion on their dairy farm and the process of being 100% pasture fed, see the production area and enjoy networking with a lunch of cheese toasties and cake. Mark and Jenny share their story with 100% passion and complete honesty, it's a great chance to see first-hand what vision, drive and a lot of hard work can achieve.
Please bring along suitable footwear and clothing.
To celebrate World Environment Day on Thursday 5th June we’re off to visit Shed One Distillery.
Come and join Zoe & Andy at Shed One Distillery on World Environment Day to find out more about their award-winning micro distillery. Environmental sustainability is also at the heart of their business. As an enterprise that rents their building and has no outside space they have to think outside the box when it comes to fully embracing green initiatives.
Begin with a welcome (choice of alcohol or non-alcohol) tipple followed by a tour of the distillery where they will talk about how it all began with 3 gins in a shed in their garden, to where they are now creating and distilling gin, vodka and liqueurs and hosting experiences. Plus, their plans for the future. Back in the visitor bar, relax with some savoury and sweet canapes (inspired by the botanicals in their spirits), tea, coffee and tasters. Zoe & Andy will be on hand to answer any questions.
Shed One Distillery won The Gin Guide’s Environmental Sustainability award for 4 years running; Cumbria Food Awards, Sustainable/Ethical Business 2024; in-Cumbria Business Awards, Best Community Involvement of the Year 2024 and Cumbria Tourism’s Makers & Producers Award 2024.
*Canapes are gluten free & vegetarian. Book your place here
We’re also scheduling in Lakes Distillery in July and Bowness Bay Brewing in September. Site tours are a great opportunity to learn from others, collaborate and network! Our first tour of 2025 at The Toffee Shop resulted in some great knowledge/contact sharing and we don’t need a big group to have an impact.
