IT’S nearly Christmas, and here at the News & Star, we’re getting into the festive spirit.

This week, we’ve asked where the best places are in north and west Cumbria for a mince pie.

The results didn’t disappoint, with more than 100 comments on our Facebook page.

Here - in no particular order - are our readers’ choice.

1 CENTRAL AVENUE BAKERY, CARLISLE

The bakery, based in Harraby, proved to be a popular choice among our readers, with many recommendations sent in.

It came under new ownership in November 2018.

Donna McCormick said: “Central Avenue Bakery in Harraby, the best in Carlisle.”

David Bell added: “Central Bakery, Harraby, without a doubt.”

The popular bakery was also suggested by several other News & Star readers, including Julia Burgess, David Bell, Fiona Twigg, Jemma Green, and Gemma Franks.

2: FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD, CARLISLE

Based on Crosby Street in Carlisle city centre, the food store was also recommended.

It is open six days a week, and closed on Sundays.

The grocery shop serves a range of vegan products, varying from cupboard essentials to chocolates.

Reader Dawn Thompson-Howard said: “Food, Glorious Food have mince pies with gin-laced icing.”

3: THE POSTING POT, WETHERAL

The coffee shop in Wetheral, just off the A69, was another firm festive favourite.

Alison Vaughan said: “The Posting Pot in Wetheral.”

Ima Morris added: “I would agree, The Posting Pot at Wetheral are delicious.”

4: COM-FOR-T, CARLISLE

The food shop, based in Denton Holme, also served up favourable reviews.

Wendy Boothman said: “Com-For-T, the mince pies, tray bakes and hobnobs are fantastic.”

The eatery was also recommended by Sammy Kidd.

5: BRUCE AND LUKE’S, CARLISLE

If you’re looking for a different take on a Christmas classic, Catherine McDarbyhas suggested trying Bruce and Luke’s coffee and doughnut shop on St Cuthbert’s Lane in Carlisle city centre.

Catherine McDarby said: “Bruce and Luke’s have a mince pie doughnut which is uncommonly good, (along with other original flavoured festive themed doughnuts) not to be missed.”

6: MAGGIE’S BAKERY, PENRITH

Rebecca Richard Dickinson recommended the bakery on Sandgate in Penrith town centre.

7: CLAIRE'S BAKERY, CARLISLE

Fiona Chlad suggested the Warwick Road-based bakery in Carlisle.

8: THE BAKEHOUSE, MARYPORT

Joanne Mattinson praised The Bakehouse on Senhouse Street in Maryport.Q what is the history behind mince pies?

Q: WHAT ARE MINCE PIES?

Mince pies were first known as ‘minched pie’ ‘mutton pie’, ‘shrid pie’ and ‘Christmas pie’ when they were introduced in the 13th century.

Now, mince pies tend to be eaten as a dessert or a sweet treat, but mince pies began as a main course dish with which contained minced meat and fruit.

The traditional meat filling was replaced with fruit, spices and suet in the late 1800s.