Diners in Keswick can look forward to a new way of eating when the town centre reopens from its third lockdown.
A new business, called Lake Road Brunch, will open in May and it is the brainchild of a four-person team.
Sam Rowley will manage the business and he will be joined by Mark Swider, Zara Barua and Stephen Stables from Bar Es in Packhorse Court in Keswick and also in Ambleside.
The business will be next to Morrells, in Lake Road, and will be run along the lines of brunch establishments in large towns and cities such as Manchester and Liverpool.
The style of the new premises will be light, white and bright, with lots of plants, wood and an open front which will be great for the summer.
The idea is that it should give a minimalist Scandinavian feel to the whole area.
Sam has worked for Bar Es for five years, the last two in Ambleside. He says he is really excited about the latest venture from the management team who brought a Mexican feel to Keswick at Bar Es,
He said: “Think brunch, pancakes and cocktails — that is our aim. Initially, we plan to open from 9am to 6pm or 7pm. But, if it takes off, we could be open longer.”
Sam and the team have taken advantage of lockdown and have been able to concentrate on getting the Lake Road site ready for opening.
He said: “Not working long into the evening as we do when Bar Es is open has been a bit of a blessing because everything will be ready for the opening in May. But it has still been hard work for the whole team here.
“I am so pleased that Bar Es have put such faith in me. This will be my baby and I am ready to meet all the challenges. It is something new for Keswick and I am certain it will be well received.
“By all accounts, everybody is forecasting a boom time for places like the Lake District, as people will be looking at staycations for at least the next couple of years, but we will be ready to meet the demand.”
As the outside and inside of the restaurant nears completion, Sam is already looking at the next hurdle and is on the look out for a full staff team to help him run the business.
This covers full and part-time team members, including an assistant manager, head barista, chefs and kitchen porters.
Already Sam has been working on a menu for the new brunch bar, which will include not only classic brunch dishes but also lunch-time and afternoon specials.
Classics include poached eggs with avocado on home-made sourdough bread to more exotic dishes like the middle eastern shakshuka.
There are many variations of shakshuka but traditionally it is eggs poached in a spiced tomato and green pepper stew ,with onions and garlic.
Shakshuka requires very little equipment to make, just a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. It starts with sauteing some onions, garlic and bell peppers with spices.
Dishes can be paired with a bloody Mary or espresso martini.
Sam says the signature dish will be pancakes. They will be American-style and light and fluffy, with a number of different toppings from classic maple and bacon to a favourite chocolate offering, the Kinder Bueno.
Not wanting to miss anyone out, there will be gluten-free options available and also a special vegan brunch menu, with pancakes and cocktails.
Lunchtime specials will be available, changing weekly and for the middle afternoon crowd, there will also be classic sandwiches with LRB’s own twist.
Bar Es has been in Keswick’s Packhorse Court for many years, serving Mexican-inspired tapas food and offering a range of craft beers and cocktails, all in a rustic and relaxed atmosphere.
They use a range of fresh ingredients, with plenty of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options available.
