Over the past few months, there have been many much-loved Cumbria businesses that sadly had to close their doors for the final time.

From cafes to restaurants, the cost of living crisis has had a devastating impact on some of the Lake District's most beloved spots for tea or coffee.

Although the Lake District is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK, periods of bad weather alongside soaring costs have made it a nightmare for independent businesses to turn a profit.

Here we take a look at some of the most missed cafes and businesses that sadly had to close:

The Good Sister - Carlisle

The Good Sister closed as of December 2023.

In a post on Facebook, the owners said: "We will be closing the cafe doors for the last time on the 23rd of December.

"We would like to say a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone that helped our dream of a friendly little neighbourhood cafe really come to life.

"Unfortunately the whole concept of doing something like this is no longer financially viable and the struggle has been real,but enough of the sad stuff.

"We are sure it won’t be forever because we’re so passionate about good food, good people and good times so let’s see what happens next.

"Love to you all and again thank you because you are the ones that made it a reality." 

Recommended reading: Cockermouth café announces permanent closure with 'heavy heart'

Little Tinkers Parent, Toddler, and Baby Cafe - Cockermouth

The cafe's owner Claire Ascroft, who also owns the Lanes Cafe & Bistro in the town which recently began a free meal ticket scheme, announced the closure on social media and cited the ongoing cost of living crisis as the main contributing factor.

She said: "It is with heavy hearts we are having to write this, unfortunately, due to the cost of living Little Tinkers will be closing permanently on Friday, December 22.

"We have loved seeing all our regulars and have worked very hard to make it a success but sadly not enough funds to keep the business running.

"We want to thank you all for your support."

Claire also discussed her disappointment with the closure after initially opening the cafe as a safe place for parents to bring their children for food and drink.

She said: "It's a shame, we only opened up because I have got two grandkids who are my daughters and it is so hard going out for something to eat and trying to keep them quiet.

"I thought it would be nice if you could go out and the kids could play and that kind of thing but in the end the busy days did not make up for the quiet days.

"It was lovely, I sold my caravan to buy all the stuff for it and it just hasn't worked but it is one of those things where if you don't try you will never know."

Kat's Kitchen - Keswick

Plant by Kat's Kitchen, a vegan cafe in Keswick, confirmed on Facebook that it would be closing permanently on October 29.

Owner Kat Hale has welcomed celebrities and mainstream media to her cafe in Keswick over the years and also introduced many people across the county to the wonders of plant-based food.

She wrote: "We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our kind and compassionate customers.

"Each person who stepped through our doors, generously parting with their hard-earned money, contributed to our success. Keswick's diverse culinary landscape didn't make this feat easy.

"Our heartfelt appreciation extends to our team. Over the years, we've had the privilege of providing many local youths with their first jobs. Several of them continued with us during their higher education. Witnessing their growth has been a genuine joy. 

"Beyond our youthful team, we've been buoyed by an exceptional group of individuals who consistently had our backs. The warmth and friendliness frequently highlighted in reviews speak volumes about their dedication. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who joined us on this remarkable journey.

"On a personal note, I cannot thank family and friends enough. You've been with me through this dream, offering invaluable advice, hugs, wiping away tears, and cheering on even the most modest successes.

"My husband, Nigel, has been my unwavering support, setting aside his own aspirations to help me realise mine. 

"There is so much to be thankful for."

Tognarelli's Coffee Shop - Workington

In a post on social media, Angela and Martin Tognarelli said: "It is with mixed emotions that we are announcing our retirement from September 30, so next week will be our last week that we will be open.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful customers for their loyalty and friendship over the years.

"The last five generations of our family have been privileged to be a part of your lives and it has been extra special for us to see customers who came in as children, returning with their children and even grandchildren.

"We are closed on Monday but open next Tuesday - Saturday and it would be lovely to be able to say goodbye in person.

"Thanks once again for all of your support and enabling the Tognarelli family to be part of Workington town's history for over 120 years."

Greens Bar & Restaurant - Gretna 

Greens Bar & Restaurant, located at Gretna Green, was one of the top wedding destinations in the UK and closed on January 19. 

The restaurant previously won the Best New Restaurant Award at the 2023 Food Industry Awards. 

Despite the closure, no jobs will be lost the firm has stated. 

Executive chairman John Holliday said: "It’s with a heavy heart that we make this announcement and we’ve moved staff into other parts of our wedding business.

"We had the pleasure of serving the local community and visitors alike and we are immensely grateful for the support and patronage we have received," he said.