A coffee shop which sits next to Furness Abbey has been nominated by The Mail readers for the Best Coffee Shop 2024 award.

Abbey Mill Coffee Shop is an independent small family business in the amphitheatre next to the historic abbey.

Founded almost 900 years ago, the abbey was once the largest and wealthiest monastery in north-west England and was a place of prayer, piety and pilgrimage.

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The café opens daily through out the year - boasting a stunning hill for sledgers and hot chocolates in winter with flourishing gardens and iced lattes in summer.

It also offers outside catering for a variety of events with buffets, pie and peas or cakes for special occasions.

(Image: Abbey Mill coffee shop) Established around 16 years ago, the little café has a selection of breakfast and lunch options along with locally roasted coffee and English lakes ice-cream. 

Earlier this month The Mail launched a new campaign to find the best coffee shop that South Cumbria has to offer. 

Now, The Mail readers have selected Abbey Mill coffee shop to be in the top ten finalists. 

Owner and chef of the coffee shop Jackie Baxter said: "We’re over the moon to be selected as one of the top ten.

"This achievement is a testament to the incredible support from our customers and community - thank you for everything.

"It inspires us everyday to keep doing what we love. Thank you all."

The coffee shop is in the tranquil setting next to Furness Abbey grounds (Image: Abbey Mill coffee shop) Two weeks of voting will now ensue with readers encouraged to pick their ultimate champion to be revealed in December.

You can vote for your winner by picking up copies of The Mail which will have a voting slip in the paper until December 7.

To keep up to date with the Mail's campaigns, subscribe here.

Don't forget to keep an eye out for special articles such as this dedicated to the local businesses that are in the top ten.

Who do you think has the best coffee around? (Image: Unsplash) There will be one per day giving the owners' reaction and an insight into why they were favoured by The Mail readers - and don't forget to vote!