Lake District: Windermere cafe celebrates first year of business

The Mission Cafe was established in May 2023 by the Lakes Christian Centre with the goal of boosting the local economy through the power of good food.

It has combined creating a place for people to visit in Cumbria with supporting and showcasing the talents of local food producers.

Café manager Rosanna McDonald said: “I’m doing what I love. Serving the community through The Mission Café is my privilege.”

The cafe's mission is to combine supporting and serving the community (Image: Lynda Horsman)

Following a successful first year, Rosanna, Nancy, Emma and the team, continue to be dedicated to creating a 'warm and inviting atmosphere' in which their customers can enjoy food, relax and linger a while.

The Mission Café is a not-for-profit business which employs three full-time members of staff supported by a team of volunteers.

Open five days every week from 9am to 5pm, locals and visitors alike have forged favourites such as oven-baked jacket potatoes, various sandwiches, traditional quiches, a choice of salads, and a range of home-made cakes and scones.

The Mission Breakfast, which is served all day, has grown to be a big hit with those who have walked through the doors over the past 12 months. 

The view from the outdoor terrace (Image: Lynda Horsman)

Wherever possible, ingredients are locally sourced and freshly made on the premises by chef Nancy Muraguri and local baker Kathy Bailey.

During the summer months, customers can enjoy al fresco dining on the outdoor terrace which offers open views across the park to the fells beyond.

Then, in the colder months, a 'cheerful and warm' welcome is provided by log burning stoves, traditional décor and cosy ambience.

The café has already proved very popular with the local community, with the team now hoping that they can build upon this initial success to reach even greater heights.