Taking in the world-famous views of the Lake District while enjoying a spot of lunch and a cup of tea could rank for many as one of the most pleasant ways to spend an afternoon.
Located just off the A66 between Keswick and Cockermouth, Bassenthwaite Lake Station has become a must-visit destination where people can enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea aboard a replica Orient Express, the actual train that featured in the 2017 film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic tale, Murder on the Orient Express.
Owners Diana and Simon Parums have now expanded their business by launching an Afternoon Tea Tour Bus. The vintage double decker bus has been completely renovated to provide the perfect setting for visitors to enjoy the spectacular Lake District scenery.
Passengers can sample a specially created afternoon tea menu from station head chef Jon Bell while the wheels of the bus go round and round on a trip to Grasmere, starting and ending at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
Attention to detail has been taken with every aspect of the experience; Jon’s clever culinary creations range from mini-Scotch eggs to an array of mouth-watering cakes and sandwiches. Prosecco and beer are available to buy too for those who may want to toast the special trip.
As an added bonus, passengers get to take home the bespoke keepsake boxes and travel cups specially made to fit correctly on the tables as a permanent souvenir of their unique trip in the Lakes.
Simon said: “We are always looking for ways to develop the business and offer our customers something special. Our aim is to help people create memoires and enjoy unique experiences in the Lake District.”
The Afternoon Tea Tour Bus is an exciting and innovative addition to a visitor attraction regarded as one of Cumbria’s most unique dining destinations.
The Parums have lovingly brought the former station back to life since realising its potential back in 2019. Over the past seven years, they have transformed the space into a café, a shop selling local produce and a kitchen where Jon creates locally sourced dishes.
They have also breathed new life into disused outbuildings, with a bakery, office and storage space contributing to the ongoing development of the expanding business.
“We’ve never looked back since buying the site”, said Simon. “Hospitality can be extremely challenging, but we’ve created something unique which draws both visitors and locals.”
Guests at Bassenthwaite Lake Station are well looked after, thanks to the Parums, who have assembled a friendly and welcoming team of waiting staff led by Senior Supervisors Kelly Johnston and Aimee Morfoot.
Aimee has been instrumental in launching the Afternoon Tea Tour Bus and has poured endless hours of hard work, passion and dedication behind the scenes to get the show on the road.
Her commitment to improving the customer experience and her impressive attention-to-detail ensures that every passenger feels like they’ve received special service.
For her ongoing drive and dedication to Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Aimee has been named as a finalist in the Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero category at the upcoming Cumbria Tourism Awards. [CS1]
If successful, it will add to the many accolades the Station has secured over the past few years including the Taste of Cumbria - Casual Dining Award at last year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards, Best Tourism Attraction at the 2024 Cumbria Life Awards and a Silver in the New Tourism Business of the Year Award at the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2023.
Find out more about Bassenthwaite Lake Station at www.basslakestation.co.uk
Kara Jenkinson, head of HHIB’s commercial team, said: “Bassenthwaite Lake Station is a fantastic, unique and multi-faceted business which is a huge hit with visitors from across the world. As with all businesses, it’s important to ensure you have the right insurance in place.
“By really getting to know our clients, we have an in-depth understanding of their businesses and their plans for the future, and our team can provide expert guidance to ensure you have the right cover in place. We also understand that every business is different and use our industry knowledge to advise clients on any potential threats or risks.”
With the support of the H&H Insurance Brokers team, it's all steam ahead for Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
Simon said: “H&H Insurance Brokers took the time to visit us, listen to us and get to know our business so they could understand what we needed from day one. They were clear about what cover we needed - and, just as helpful, what cover we didn’t need.
“The team are great to deal with and are always very knowledgeable and helpful.”