THE owner of a Kendal deli is putting the passion and experience she learned in Africa to work selling the best Cumbrian produce available.

Maxine Muir runs the Deli @ 95 on Highgate with help from her mum Pat.

Maxine grew up in the UK before moving to South Africa as a child. She worked in the hotel trade in Johannesburg before coming back to the UK five years ago to work as director of people and talent for MacDonald Hotels.

She started the Deli @ 95 in March last year.

She said: “I love travelling in Europe and one of the countries that I love the most is Italy.

“Going to the delis in Italy really piqued my interest and I began thinking about how I could start my own selling local Cumbrian produce and also making sandwiches and coffee. I trained as a chef when I did my studies in South Africa, as well as running restaurants and hotels, and so that whole skillset is being put to use in this business.”

The deli consists of a takeaway where people can by sandwiches, coffee and other items and a retail section with seating.

"It works really well because when people are having something to eat they can take a look around the shelves,” said Maxine.

"Having worked in hospitality all my life I'm passionate about quality and customer service. Every single person that walks into the shop needs to know that their business is valued and that what I will then create for them will be the very best product prepared extremely well.”

Maxine spent six months researching and finding the best local suppliers before opening up.

"Ninety-five per cent of our products, if not more, are all locally sourced,” she said.

“I spent a lot of time building up a portfolio of people that I would like to stock in the deli and of products that I think would interest both local and international visitors.

"It's just lovely to be part of a community, working alongside people. I'm really good friends with the neighbouring businesses on either side and you greet all the shop owners as you're on your way down the street, because you know them and they know you. That sense of community is wonderful.

"The way I would like to see the business expand is to do the grazing and charcuterie boards for people who have functions or want to have a dinner party at home. I've got a couple of requests  for weddings as well as to do smaller functions. I would love to be able to see that side of the business expand.”