Visitors to Keswick town centre can look forward to a new healthy eating cafe and take-away, which is set to open in Packhorse Court once the latest lockdown is over.
The Hungry Caterpillar is the brainchild of husband and wife team Paul and Ashleigh McGee, whose small chain of outlets began five years ago in Workington’s Finkle Street.
Since then, its success has snowballed and the couple have gone on to open similar premises in Whitehaven and Cockermouth.
The couple set their heart on opening two new branches this year, with one in Keswick and another in Maryport.
Paul said: “We have been looking at opening a branch in Keswick for a while but the timing never seemed quite right. But now we have found the right premises we can’t wait to sort it out and open.”
It is hoped they will be able to open at the end of May or beginning of June in the former Evergreen’s florist shop.
There will be space for around 20-25 covers.
The couple think the menu will be slightly different to suit a Keswick audience but the aim is the same – to provide healthy, tasty dishes and have something on their menu to suit all tastes.
Paul said: “We know there are plenty of locals and walkers in the town who will want to eat healthy, balanced food. We are quite famous for our wraps and can also cater for vegetarians and vegans too.”
Already the couple are on the look out for staff for the cafe. Initially they will be seeking five to six people, full and part-time, but this might increase once they are established.
The couple have learnt to develop and adapt during the pandemic and do things a little differently.
This has led to a new service for 2021 – The Hungry Caterpillar Meal Preparation Service. This aims to provide nutritionally balanced meals delivered direct to its customers’ doors, all with calorie/carb/protein and nutrient measurements already calculated.
The couple have designed a variety of packages which can be ordered and delivered twice a week, so all the ingredients are fresh.
Once the cafe opens in Keswick, the service will run from Monday to Friday, with the delivery split into two delivery days on Wednesday and Sunday evening.
Food preparation menus can be made up to suit individuals but recipes include beef stroganoff, Mexican lasagne and slaw, steak spiced new potatoes, sweet and spicy stir fry, fajita chicken pittas and cajun chicken, mash and greens.
