Plans have been unveiled to transform the highest and most iconic café in Britain into a destination for all.
Hartside Café, which sits on the A686 Hartside pass, is nearly 2,000 feet above sea level. It was a favourite stop-off point because of its views of the Lake District and North Pennines – two areas of outstanding natural beauty.
However, in March 2018 it burnt to the ground. It led to an outpouring of support for the family who had run the venue, where cyclists and motorists would regularly stop off on the high-rise and winding road between Penrith and Alston.
It’s been bought by Cumbrian businessman Andy Barr, who owns award-winning R&D nuclear engineering company Barrnon in Appleby.
He said: “We want to give the community something back. This was an iconic café, with breath-taking views and although popular with motorcyclists, supercar owners and cyclists, it will become a stop-off for all the family. We want to restore it to something emblematic and evocative.”
The new plans include an ultra-modern, environmentally friendly café designed in steel and glass.
In addition to be it being built with a local stone base, the cafe will have an internal viewing area, overnight accommodation, an exhibition space and car parking for 50 vehicles.
Hartside café ascends from Cumbria’s Eden Valley and according to AA Magazine, the route past it is one of the top ten drives in the world. With a steep gradient and notorious bends it provides a zig-zagging journey to the heart of the North Pennines. From this viewpoint, you can see across the Solway Firth and straight to Scotland.
Mr Barr bought the café from Penrith-based property developer, Dawn Dixon for an undisclosed sum. The new Hartside Café plans are now before Eden District Council planners.
Hi, I have recently just stopped at Alston & visited the area with a friend on motorbikes. I also went last year too. I’d be interested to know if plans have been excepted to build the café? Where exactly is it? I’d definitely come next year & check it out.
The cafe site has been bought by local businessman, and owner of Barrnon who also owns the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald and Cumbria Crack. Here is their latest update on plans https://cumbriacrack.com/2022/02/04/ambitious-plans-revealed-to-raise-hartside-top-cafe-from-the-ashes/