It's been a long, cold, COVID-restricted winter(/year). Harder still for the Cafs that we love. Some haven't made it, sadly. Many haven't been able to open their doors and keep us warm and fed through the cold dark months. But change is afoot...
Just over a year ago, we launched the #LocafKnowledge Map. And then the country pretty much immediately went into lockdown. Through the past 12 months we've all been either unable or severely restricted in how we can support our awesome hospitality venues. We'd like to encourage the great recovery, or "Great ReCAFery" as we're calling it.
So here we go again. #LocafKnowledge relaunched.
But this time with an incentive for getting yourself and your groups around the amazing Cafs of the #ColdDarkNorth.
The Great ReCAFery Ride
As we roll past 29 March in England, we are no longer instructed to Stay at Home and it's possible to ride in slightly larger groups too. The Caf stop is back in play.
So why not start planning your routes to include these Cafs and if you follow these simple steps, we'll send you a coveted "ReCAFery Ride" pin badge to wear with pride.
How to claim your badge:
1. Ride a route that takes in one of the Cafs on the #LocafKnowledge Map.
2. Post a photo of your ride to Instagram, Twitter or Facebook tagging us, and using the hashtag #LocafKnowledge.
3. That's it.
And then we'll post you out a badge (whilst stocks last!).
To start with, we're sticking to the Cafs on the Map, but we might loosen this restriction over time. Bit like the blasted regulations we're finally escaping. The Map evolves over time as new Cafs open and perhaps some old ones sadly don't come back. If you're massively aggrieved about a missing Caf, let us know - no promises, but we might add them in.
Oh - and if you own or run one of the Cafs on the Map - holla - there's a free badge for you. ;)
Here's a few of the Cafs on the Map:
Post Box Pantry in Dufton
Melmerby Village Bakery
Goat Gap Cafe near Clapham
Wolf & Us in Silverdale
The Churchmouse in Barbon
Chesters by the River in Skelwith Bridge
The Three Hares in Sedbergh
Four Season Bakery in Ingleton
Penny Garth Cafe in Hawes
Apple Store in Scorton
The Barn in Scorton
Puddleducks in Dunsop Bridge
Riverbank Tearooms in Slaidburn
Cobbled Corner in Chipping
The Bridge Cafe Wray
Orton Scar Cafe
Granny Dowbekins Tearooms in Pooley Bridge
Little Chamonix in Keswick
Siskins Caf at Whinlatter
Method in Kendal
Home Ground in Windermere
Inglesport Cafe in Ingleton
The Swan at Newby Bridge
Broughton Village Bakery
Fairydust Emporium in Silloth on Solway
The Gin Case in Wigton
The Chalet at Portinscale
Priests Mill Cafe in Caldbeck
Syke Farm Tea Room in Buttermere
The Gather by Ennerdale
The Pot Place near Plumpton
Sizergh Barn, Sizergh
Mallard Café, Cartmel
Kitridding Farm Shop, Old Town
Clearwater Fisheries in Borwick
Light Ash in Myrescough
Roots Cafe in Preston
Little Town Dairy in Longridge
Town End Farm Shop at Airton
Country Kitchen near Waddingon
Bashall Barn
Ye Olde Naked Man Café in Settle
More? Bakery in Staveley
Wilf’s Caf in Staveley
The White Hare in Kirkby Stephen
Post Office Tea Room in Hornby
Wallings Ice Cream Parlour
I applaud the Locafknowledge map but I would urge you to add the Threlkeld Village Hall Cafe to your list. It is cycling friendly with bike storage and slate floors so you can keep your shoes on and the food is fabulous. All made on site and great coffee. It’s a huge favourite among local riders.