This year we revisited Taste Cumbria’s young entrepreneurs market and tried out some of the best scran, drinks and goods the west coast has to offer.
The market was placed at the top of Stenson Street on Maryport’s High Street.
There were traders both local to Maryport and from other parts of Cumbria, offering high-quality goods.
First, we headed down to the sunny harbourside. There we checked out the traders from the young entrepreneur’s market. They offer young Cumbrian’s the chance to pitch up and showcase their small businesses.
The Victorian Candle Co.
Led by Ru, a 21-year-old based in Carlisle is the Victorian Candle Co.
Ru standing in front of his stall
Born out of a need for hobbies, Ru initially tried his hand at soap-making. He later realised there was a gap in the market for handmade candles in Carlisle. The Candle shop has an array of bespoke candles made from classic scents such as peony and lavender.
They also have some exciting scents that you wouldn’t be able to buy in any major retailers such as Caribbean coast, lemon sherbet and my favourite fairy dust.
When we asked Ru what his favourite candle was, he said it had to be the black, plum & rhubarb and that he really favoured Christmas fragrances.
You can buy from The Victorian Candle Co here
Arty Abigail
Aloha! Lyndsey (left) and Abigail (right) speaking to us about their stall
10-year-old Abigail and her mum Lyndsey run a small business that features all different types of art made by Abigail. On display they have a variety of handmade pots, mugs, bowls and even plates with scenery of Maryport, which is where their business is based.
The Arty duo not only have a great selection of pottery they also have a variety of pom poms, rock art. Abigail’s personal favourite is painting canvas which are all inspired by the nature in Cumbria.
The Legendary Sauce Company
This saucy shop, based in the lake district, offers a wider range of spices, sticky sauces and jams to spice up your cooking.
Our personal favourites are Sarah’s rum sauce, peach habanero sauce and their pineapple scotch bonnet.
These would make the perfect gift to any spice lovers out there. You can whack the jams and sauces into sarnies, onto meats or as a base for curries, pasta sauces and more.
You can buy from The Legendary Sauce Company here
Kick Ass Cheese
Kick Ass Cheese takes cheese to the next level with their crazy flavours of sriracha, charcoal and even wine combined with their award-winning cheddar.
Cheddar Cheese galore! Their cheeses range from spicy, smoky and sweet- so there's a flavour for everyone. You can find their business based in Workington.
You can buy from Kick Ass Cheese here
Pie Demand
Pie Demand, based in Carlisle, offers a sumptuous selection of golden, flaky pies and pasties.
They have pie fillings you won’t find in Greggs, like their pork cheddar & caramelised onion pie, steak and haggis pie.
Our personal favourite was the pork & chorizo sausage rolls. They also offer vegan sausage rolls, with a golden crust and a caramelised onion filling, so there’s something for everyone.
You can buy from Pie Demand here
Now we’ve covered the food, let's have a taste of the booze!
The Lake District is home to many breweries, microbreweries and distilleries offering handcrafted liquors. They're made in the heart of the county, using the crystal clear waters of the Lakes.
Lakeland Liqueurs
Today we're focusing on Lakeland Liqueurs, based in the ever-popular Windermere. Lakeland Liqueurs use local fruits, berries and botanicals to produce vodka, gin, rum and whiskey liqueurs that are delightfully sweet.
On sale they have some intriguing liqueur mixes you won’t find in your local supermarket.
Mixes such as: lemon and lime whiskey, honey vodka, strawberry and peppercorn rum and herbaceous strawberry gin. They're all bottled in sophisticated and sleek gold kilners.
You can buy from Lakeland Liqueurs here. [Disclaimer] you must be over 18 to purchase alcohol.