Lake District café thanks community for promising first year

Gavin Dale is the owner of Force Café in Ambleside, which opened this year in the summer.

He said: "Business has been great for us so far and we’re really happy with how the first five months have gone since we opened.

"In particular I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the locals who have shown us so much support, regularly coming up to the café and continually recommending us to friends and visitors."

Gavin Dale in running action (Image: Gavin Dale)

Read more: Lake District Café sets up new running and hiking challenge 

Mr Dale's love of fell running has seen him use the new business to create events for lovers of the Lake District's landscape.

The Wansfell Dash tests competitors on how fast they can make it to the top of Wansfell Pike from the café and back again.

"I’m an avid fell runner myself, and Wansfell was my first Wainwright when I moved to the Lakes, so it’s always held a special significance for me," Mr Dale explained.

"Fell running is an integral part of the local community and with the café being halfway up the hill we’ve always wanted to celebrate such a key part of what is so fantastic about the Lake District."

Every three months, a name will be drawn at random from the competitors, with that person receiving free coffee and cake for two.

After 12 months, the fastest man and woman will be given a trophy each, along with a free lunch for two at the café.

"We’re also thrilled to be hosting Ambleside AC for the Wansfell Race on December 27, which starts at the bottom of Stock Ghyll Lane," he said.

"The local support has made a huge difference and we are so happy to be able to welcome so many people through the door – both our regulars and those who are visiting the area on their holidays - and we’ve still got lots of exciting things in development."