A coffee shop is set to open its first bricks and mortar shop on Saturday (September 28) due to the popularity of its events pod.

TV star and author Holly Matthews attended a VIP event on Sunday (September 21) which saw food, fizz, live music and goodie bags handed out.

The former Waterloo Road, Casualty and Byker Grove actress shared a video of her trip to Barrow on Instagram. 

READ MORE: Tesco: 'Fish and a Rice Cake guy' face of revamped healthy meal deal

READ MORE: Dumbbell Dining to open in Barrow mid-October

READ MORE: Lake District: The Old Smithy Fish and Chip Shop in Ambleside for sale

Ashley Holroyd and his wife Sarah, both 32, opened the pod just 14 months ago with its coffee earning a great reputation at events, private parties and festivals throughout Cumbria.

The pair could not have imagined however that their coffee community would grow quite so quickly.

For news of more local businesses opening in the area, subscribe to the Mail

Ashley said: "The shop was first suggested to us in September last year on a really horrible wet and windy day. A customer said to us ' you know I'd really like to enjoy this inside, you really need a shop'.

"It was from that point we had so many other customers say to us how they'd like to come in, sit down and enjoy our coffee.

"So here were are 14 months later.

"The VIP event was a really nice chance to thank our supporters. There aren't enough words to convey our appreciation and after so long, it was so nice to sit back and see it become a reality.

"Holly Matthews is a friend of a friend of my wife's. 

"We invited her as she's someone who shares very similar values to us around family and community.

"She's a very inspirational person and we're so happy and grateful that she attended."

(Image: Coffee D'ash) The pair have made everything happen without any capital to tap into and created a Go Fund Me page for help with funds.

One of the things they have done to keep overhead costs down is to continue using takeaway cups which is reflected in the pricing.

There are plans to upgrade this in the future however for anyone who can't do without their mugs they can bring in one of their own to be served in.

The couple seized upon the empty retail unit in Portland Walk six months ago which used to be the old Topshop building.

(Image: Coffee D'ash) The coffee shop will seat 75-80 people with future plans for outdoor seating. 

Ashley describes the inside as the 'classic Italian' aesthetic of a big city coffee shop.

"We want people to have the coffee experience that they might travel out of town for," he said.

"So it's that big city experience but here in Barrow.

"We can't wait to welcome the community in to try some of our awesome coffee and gorgeous cakes.

"We've kept the pod inside for people to see as a reminder of our journey, but it will still be used for events and as an emergency kitchen for when things get busy. 

Coffee D'ash is located at 10 Portland Walk and the current opening times are Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am and 4pm but may revised.