Many of us will be enjoying catch-ups with friends and loved ones in the coming weeks and months.

We asked readers what their favourite cafes and tea rooms were in the Copeland area and which ones they were looking forward to relaxing in, as most of lockdown restrictions have finally been lifted.

In no particular order, here are a number of the places you will be heading to...

1 CROSS’S CAFE, WHITEHAVEN

Situated on 59A Roper Street, this lovely cafe in Whitehaven has the “best toasties anywhere,” said Diane Aspinall.

She continued: “Lovely hot coffee and amazing cakes.”

Kurt Henney expressed his love for the place: “A lovely traditional cafe with real nice coffee.

"The real gem here is the home-baked cakes which are to die for.

"I highly recommend folk to visit this place.”

2 HARTLEY’S BEACH SHOP AND CAFE, ST. BEES

Along the seaside, this cafe is well known for its ice creams on a hot, sunny day.

Adrian Strand explained: “It is the best to visit after a walk on the beach.”

Gary Clark called it “the finest beach cafe in all Cumbria.”

He added: “Impressive food and warm staff.

"Ideal location for a summer drink.”

Quinn Spencer wrote that the “staff work so hard; excellent quality to the food and good value for money too.”

3 PUDDING LANE, SEASCALE

A personal favourite for many readers, this cafe is also near a long stretch of beach with an outside area for dogs. Luke Greggain called it “The friendliest place around, always smiling and has wonderful food to offer.”

Richard Yeary said: “Cosy, friendly little cafe, fabulous cake and coffee – even though I usually go for a bacon sandwich!”

Harriet Thompson gave a thumbs up when she said: “I miss this cafe so much. Lovely and friendly staff; very clean.”

4 CAFE WEST, WHITEHAVEN

Another one for Whitehaven readers who delight in this cafe near the harbour.

Harry Parker said: “I always used to get some chips here on my way back from work – miss it.”

Nichola Myers wrote in and said: “The cafe ground floor is spacious, wheelchair friendly and seats 32 people. Brilliant ambience.”

Lynn Sherwood agreed. She said: “Beautiful little cafe, serving home-made food served by lovely staff.”

5 DEJA BREW, CLEATOR MOOR

Last but not least and sporting the funniest name for our Copeland cafe list is Deja Brew in Cleator Moor.

Ann Sanderson said: “A lovely gem of a place. Staff are friendly and everything is so clean. I love the Ramen they do.”

She continued: “Definitely worth a visit if you haven’t done already.”

Nick Lee agreed with Ann’s opinions: “The best gyouza I’ve ever had, and I lived in Japan!”