Businesses in Cumbria that need your support this Christmas

Luckily for us, there are some fantastic local businesses to choose from in Cumbria.

Most of them have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and would be appreciative of your support and custom at during the festive season.

From local butchers, to quaint gift shops, here are some independent retailers you should consider purchasing from this festive season:

Christmas Meat

While you could get your Christmas turkey from the nearest Aldi or Tesco, there are plenty of local butchers who would appreciate your custom this year.

Not only will you be supporting a local business, you will also be purchasing top-quality meat.

One fantastic butchers to consider is Chopping Block in Penrith and are the ideal place to go if you are on the hunt for ‘alternative’ Christmas meats.

(Facebook/ ChoppingBlockPenrith)

They have some great options for Christmas, including turkey (£15.50 per kg), ham and “well-aged” rib of beef (£23.50 per kg), Goose (£18.95 per kg) and even duck (£11.95 per kg).

If you want to order from here, you have to submit it by Friday 11 December.

Festive decorations

We have already outlined the best places to get a real Christmas tree in Cumbria

Once the tree is up and the pine scent fills your house, it’s time to get decorating.

Keswick business, Cherrydidi can help you find unique and handmade items
from up and coming artists.

While they also sell a range of gifts, they have some beautiful Christmas decorations available too.

Their Christmas Animal Bauble can be purchased for £7.50 and their adorable Robin on a branch is being sold for £8.99.

Christmas Gifts

Have you considered getting your Christmas gifts from a local business this year?

Once you delve into the world of Cumbria’s Independent Retailers, you might be surprised at just how many unique and fantastic gifts there are on the market.

We have already looked at the unique products being sold by local Etsy sellers- but there are plenty of other independent online and high street shops that could use your custom.

If your loved ones have a sweet tooth, then consider purchasing a chocolate gift from Castle Chocolates in Carlisle.

Castle Chocolates

Keith Tattersall is the owner and Chocolatier at the company.

Luckily, the company has been allowed to remain open during the second lockdown- but Keith has noticed a drop in trade and could use support from locals this Christmas.

He said: “We have a great range of chocolate products here.

“Our desserts collection is proving very popular this year as are our hot chocolate bombs.

“We make all our chocolates fresh in the last few months leading up to Christmas which makes a huge difference when it comes to chocolates... the fresher the better.”

Speaking of food-related gifts, while you are shopping for your Christmas meat, you can pick up a few gifts from The Chopping Block in Penrith too.

(Facebook/ ChoppingBlockPenrith)

They have some great gift for the biggest foodies in your life, including an Avocado Growing Kit, Indian Spice Tin and the best selling Cumbrian Breakfast Hamper.

Looking for a gift for the bool-lover in your life? The Hedgehog Bookshop is an family-run business in Penrith that specialises in adults and children’s books.

Before you head to Waterstones or Amazon, consider purchasing a book from their shop instead; they can be found on Little Dockray.

Still trying to get some toys for the kids? The Toy Shop in Cockermouth has plenty of options available.

They stock more traditional toys that have been around for decades- but they also sell more modern toys too.

If you just can’t decide what to get and want a few options, Ashbridge & Brown in Carlisle has some beautiful gifts.

(Facebook/AshbridgeAndBrown)

Some of the gifts are quirkier and handpicked from local artisans, while others are more classic brands that people will recognise.

From scented candles, to quirky homeware items, this shop really does have it all.

Leave your favourite local independent shops in the comment section below.