A real taste of Cumbria will be enjoyed by almost 200 employees, thanks to a partnership by Holker Hall and its resident farm-style shop, A Day’s Walk.
The food hall has been based at Holker Hall and Gardens, in Cark, Grange-over-Sands, since 2021, boasting an assortment of food and drink which is 100 per cent local.
This year, Holker decided there was no better way to reward its staff at Christmas than by delivering to them a hamper filled with the best Cumbrian fare on offer.
Colin Sneath, joint owner of A Day’s Walk, explained that he worked with Holker to come up with items which staff would truly enjoy over the festive period, before setting about making up 187 separate hampers.
These were then hand-delivered to six Holker businesses – including Cartmel Racecourse and Burlington Construction Material Group’s Kirkby quarry – to be passed on as a special thank you to the valued teams.
The hampers contained a range of items, including cakes from Cakes by the Lakes in Threlkeld; sauces from Wild & Fruitful in Keswick; damson jam from Hawkshead Relish; Kendal mint cake by Romney’s; and a small Christmas pudding from Cartmel to name but a few.
Colin said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been asked to create these, because not only does it mean Holker is supporting a local business, but in turn through us they are supporting half a dozen small Cumbrian producers. It means the support continues countywide.”
A Day’s Walk was set up in March 2020 just before lockdown hit, and so during the pandemic became a mobile shop.
Stuart Sims, Chief Operating Officer at Holker Group, said: “Here at the Holker Group, trading with local businesses and recognising our colleagues are integral elements of our ethos which puts people, place and pride first.
“What A Day’s Walk produced is bespoke, local and individual and showcases the best of Cumbrian products. A perfect treat for our team this Christmas.”
The Sneaths opened the foodhall at Holker Hall in 2021, before opening a second shop in Ambleside in 2022.
“It’s been great,” Colin continued, “and the reaction from visitors and residents alike has been fantastic.
“People want to support local businesses and to know where their food is coming from. We help them experience food, as well as the lakes and mountains.”
For more information on A Day’s Walk or to order your own taste of Cumbria, visit their website.
