Sandie Mander formed The Cumbrian Way with the singular vision of supplying only Cumbria made arts, crafts and fine foods such as delicious jam, jelly, preserves, conserves, chutney, relish, pickle, chocolates, sweets, toffee, biscuits, tea and coffee all from Cumbrian makers. Sandie had worked in a deli which sold a wide variety of foods from all over the world but didn't promote the fabulous range of locally produced cheeses, jams, jellies, relishes, chutneys etc.
Through talking to customers, visiting trade shows and exhibitions Sandie found that there was a huge range of quality products, all locally produced, often homemade or in very small batches and which gave customers the chance to take away a real taste of Cumbria and the Lake District.
She decided to open her own shop and The Cumbrian Way was born.
Sandie says "If you get chance to visit the shop, please let us know you saw our website and what you think of it, we love to hear from you. Also in the shop we love to have a chat and to put the world to rights." Hi, my name is Gill and I've been working for Sandie at The Cumbrian Way for about a month now. 10 hours a week and I've found my perfect job. Dressing the window is right up my street. Teddy bears, hiking boots, a map of Cumbria and a deck chair. Put them together and what have you got? Teddy bears picnic, Oh I do like to be beside the seaside, and I love to go a rambling, complete with a Vale de ree!
Of course, everything edible on a picnic, at the beach or up a mountain can be bought freshly-made at the shop.
The last weekend in November in Ulverston is given over to everything Victorian. Our Dickensian weekend has become extremely popular over the years. Picture this - people trawling round the town, up and down the cobbled streets dressed up to the nines in costume. Queen Victoria herself is in the parade. Look out for Bill Sykes, Bullseye, and Nancy, Chimney sweeps, mudlarks and beggars, hot chestnut sellers, mulled wine, rope making and of course - fantastic Cumbrian food and drink.
Coach trips turn up now and the town really buzzes. Most of the shop windows are given a makeover. We are toying with a Mrs Beeton theme, and putting on the weeks specials board some great Victorian recipes.
Apart from the shop displays, Sandie lets my creativity run amok in the kitchen. One of the local fruit and veg suppliers came round with a box of mushrooms going spare. Stuffed mushroom suppers, garlic mushroom pasties and veggie lasagna were all on the menu - and in the chiller - next day. Sunshine tarts evolved around some gorgeous yellow courgettes (from a customer's allotment), and some smokey Lancashire cheese. Am I wetting your appetite? Remind me in the next instalment to tell your why we now cater to Canary Wharf!!
Gill AKA Slick 2 |
