A couple from the Lake District are championing the region’s artisan producers with the launch of a new luxury food box delivery service. £1 from each box sold is shared equally between the Lake District Foundation and Growing Well charity.
Imogen Royall and Matt Kenyon, of Bowness in Windermere, have launched Dine in the Lakes, which offers people the chance to sample the best Cumbrian produce.
More than 20 local artisan producers and farmers, including Hawkshead Relish, Lovingly Artisan, Peter Gott, and Carvetii Coffee, have their products featured in the six boxes available online.
All boxes are accompanied by a selection of additional treats handpicked from Cumbria’s most talented producers; many of whom are the preferred suppliers of the region’s Michelin-star chefs.
The couple decided to launch the boxes when they returned from Croatia at the beginning of the first lockdown.
Imogen said: “When we returned to Windermere last November it was a real bittersweet moment – we were thrilled to be home and reunited with our family but devastated to see the extent of the pandemic’s impact on local businesses.
“We’ve always been passionate about food and in particular the incredible producers here in Cumbria and decided to combine our love of both with our desire to do something to support local businesses to create a gourmet food delivery service.
“It’s been an incredible seven months in the making, and not without its challenges, but we’re so excited to have made our vision a reality and to launch Dine in the Lakes.”
Matt added: “The support and generosity we’ve received from local artisans and farmers has been incredible. At a time when many didn’t know what their futures held, they provided us with their time, knowledge and expertise to help make Dine in the Lakes a viable business.
“It’s really brought what is already a close community closer together. We’re incredibly proud to work together to collectively champion Cumbria and to start sharing the region’s finest produce with the rest of the country as we spread the word about our fantastic local producers.”
Prices range from £35 to £65 and nationwide delivery is available every Friday with £1 from every box donated to Cumbrian charities The Lake District Foundation and Growing Well, an organisation dedicated to helping adults experiencing poor mental health.