One More Bite Food Festival!
One More Bite Fest is on for the whole Bank Holiday weekend and it looks like it’s going to be amazing. I can’t wait to go and see all the different vendors who are attending!
Category: Food
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Welcome to Brew with Luiza Woods
Every Lancastrian knows Brew. Or if they somehow don’t (there must be some very large rocks in the area if this is the case), they absolutely should. It’s the favourite coffee shop & café of at least one of your local friends, I can promise you that. As for myself, I can probably be found in Brew at least once a week, as I often use it as a meeting place, or as a place to work (in fact, I’m sitting in there right now as I write this… fittingly). The business opened in December 2018, and seemingly going from strength to strength, Brew has become a staple of local café culture.
Owned by Luiza Woods, you can find Brew at 18A Brock Street, nestled next to another female-owned independent business; the Northern Dye House (which encourages reusing clothing and giving pieces a new life), and opposite Arteria (a gallery and gift shop (also female owned)). From a personal perspective, one of the things that has always impressed me about Brew is the excellent service I have always had there – for example, the other day I was in with my mum and she wanted a shortbread of some kind, but it had been sitting next to a blondie with peanuts in it in the cabinet. My mum is allergic to peanuts; not to the point where if she breathes the same air a peanut has a wafted through it’ll be a problem, but if she eats one it definitely will be. Steven remembered this without me even thinking about it, and immediately found some of the shortbreads that had been in an airtight box and therefore not near the peanuts on display. It hadn’t even crossed my mind when I’d ordered it, but it had his, and he’d cared enough to do something about it. I was very impressed. It might only be something “small” but that sort of care makes a very positive impression.
Speaking to Luiza, she said that whilst Brew is thriving, running it hasn’t been without it’s difficulties to get it that way – within fifteen months of opening, the world went into lockdown with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the fledgling business had to find (like so many others) new ways to reach customers, and to continue to offer their delicious products to Lancastrians who suddenly found their worlds an awful lot smaller, centered around their homes or essential places of work if they were still going out to. That was how Baked by Brew was born; with her mum, Luiza started making cakes and bakes so people could have delicious treats at home, or for special occasions, whilst unable to venture further afield to celebrate. It was the era of the viral cinnamon roll (ask anyone who lives on TikTok!), so the popularity of Baked by Brew soared as people sought tasty treats to enjoy.
The main café itself was also one of the first to open back up for coffee, as customers were able to queue whilst socially distancing outside and then take their coffees to Dalton Square, or to other public spaces, to enjoy it. This was a lucky draw due to the way Brew is laid out, with their coffee making/till facilities right near the door, so they were able to operate a sort of kiosk, without having customers enter the shop at a time when that was prohibited. This meant foot traffic to the café soared, as Lancastrians sought somewhere to go for a little change of scene, or that perk that had been part of daily life before lockdown changed everything.
Sadly, Baked by Brew ended as public offering in 2023 as more places opened back up and Luiza realised she wanted to concentrate more on the delicious food offering from the café itself, rather than stretching herself thin developing both. That’s not to say it disappeared entirely as the outfit still provides all the cakes for the café. The public facing side evolved, and Brew now offers catering for local businesses and bespoke events, baking and cooking at their offsite kitchen to provide tasty food (definitely not just cakes!) for lunches, conferences, and celebrations. This is definitely a growing side of the business, with new menus being introduced both in store, and for ordering, by chefs Maisie and Mark. On that note, an exciting new menu was launched on the 8th August 2025 which includes items such as Steak Eggs and Chimichurri, or the new Peach Pistachio Pavlova French Toast (sounds very yummy and I can’t wait to try!).
Other positive points about how Brew is run is they operate a “no managers” staff system. Yes, Luiza owns it, but you’ll see her putting in a shift in the kitchen/pot wash etc. as necessary, no one team member is set above the others, everyone has a role and responsibilities. As a result, they have a slow staff turnover, which is think is a positive marker of any business/team – do the staff actually like working there, and do they stay? They also serve North Star Coffee from Leeds, a brand that centres ethical sourcing and distribution of coffee beans as part of their business model (you can buy whole or ground coffee beans from Brew if you want their blend to make at home!).
After the new menu launch there will be more Coffee Events for people to attend in the evening, as well as workshops with local artisans (these are advertised in the shop or on their social media). As for me, I’ll be heading down again soon as it’s a place to have a great cup of coffee and some very tasty food…
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This Week’s Recommendation
Brew have got a new French Toast on their specials menus and it’s seriously tasty! Apple and Sesame (although I had it without the Sesame Brittle as I can’t really eat that) French Toast. It wasn’t a problem to take that off and the remaining brioche with dried apple, toffee and apple sauce, and vanilla ice cream was DELICIOUS.
I should warn you though – get it before it’s gone as, speaking to the staff today, their words were “when it’s gone, it’s gone!” – and they expect that the special will be over after this weekend.
So get your runners on and get down to Brew to have a taste!
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Welcome to Cartmel
Famous for it’s racecourse, fine dining, and of course, its Sticky Toffee Pudding, this little village on the edge of the Lake District is punching well above it’s weight when it comes to things to see and do, as well as being in a gorgeous natural location. I often like to go to Cartmel when I’ve been to Holker Hall (which is just down the road), to have a wander around the independent shops and cafes, or to have a moment’s quiet in the priory before enjoying an ice cream.
On a logistical note, when there race days are scheduled Cartmel gets very busy, and even on regular days parking is a bit of a struggle. If you’re very lucky, you might get parked in the middle of the village, but it is very limited. As a general rule, parking is on the racecourse, and visitors then walk into the village.
So, without further ado, here’s my things to do in Cartmel…
Visit The Priory
Cartmel Priory is over eight hundred years old. It was founded by William Marshal (sometimes known by the moniker of “The Greatest Knight”) in 1190 following his return from Crusade in the Holy Land. He gifted the land around the Priory to the monks situated there to provide for it’s upkeep.
One of the interesting things found in Cartmel Priory, despite them being installed at a later date, is some of the stained glass windows on the left hand side of the nave clearly make reference to Islamic style architecture, depicting a building akin to the Hagia Sofia. Whoever commissioned or made these windows must have either seen, or being inspired by, Near-Eastern architecture, as the image is unlike any building found in England at that time.
There are a couple of other curiosities to find in the Priory if you visit. Can you find them? Have a bit of a treasure hunt with the following list!
- The gravestone with a “pirate ship-esque” skull-and-cross-bones inlaid on the surface.
- The musket shot holes, in the outside of one of the doors, supposedly fired by angry Parliamentarians during the civil war of the 17th century, when they were denied entry to The Priory for provisions.
- The knight’s tomb with the faded medieval image painted on the underside of the ceiling of the tomb (you have to crane your neck to see this one, this might give you a clue!).
- The “Anglo-Saxon” cross in the graveyard, which is a monument to those who served during WW1.
- The 16th century wooden misericords complete with 16th century graffiti carved in, assumedly left there by a bored choir boy centuries ago.
Have a pint in the Cavendish Arms
The Cavendish Arms sits next to the River Eea (how do you pronounce that? I tend to just go with “Uhhh” which is definitely not right!), and is a lovely spot to sit and have a drink on a warm summer’s day, and watch the water flow.
Personal aside – my grandfather had his retirement meal at the Cavendish Arms, back in the 1980s – as a joke his colleagues ordered him two of everything on the meat platter – two tomahawks, two racks of ribs, two sausages etc. etc. Not one to back down from a challenge, my grandad gamely ate it all. He thought it would be rude not too.
Now I wouldn’t try anything close to that, but the food at the pub is delicious, and a lovely place to sit and enjoy the day.
Check out the Independent Shops
Cartmel boasts several lovely independent shops, including a Vintage store (my favourite!), Unsworth Yard (a deli/wine shop/brewery), an antiquarian bookstore, and the Larch Tree (a gift/clothing/toy store).
I love going for a mooch around the Vintage store, because there’s some truly interesting things in there. It’s not just for vintage and preloved clothing, there’s also home goods, toys, antiques, and furniture, all higgledy-piggledy to have a rummage through and see what treasures can be found. In the past I’ve bought earrings and a 1940s dress from the store, and continue to love and use both!
Unsworth Yard deli does a lovely selection of local produce, including stocking all of the products of Cartmel Cheeses. Last time I was in there, a friend of mine bought some lovely relishes and sauces as a present.
Have an Ice Cream at Hales of Cartmel
Claiming to have the “largest selection of scooping ice creams,” Hales of Cartmel certainly has plenty of different flavours to choose from. Last time I went, I had a double scoop of salted caramel and peach melba… delicious!
However will you choose?! You’ll notice – conspicuous by its absence – I haven’t mentioned L’Enclume or Rogan & Co. That isn’t for any reason other than that I’m going to do a separate post about the fine dining options in Cartmel.
What’s your favourite thing about Cartmel? Have you visited the beautiful village? What did you get up to?
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What’s On In July: Cultural Calendar
It’s July! It’s the summer holidays soon; and hopefully it’s warm and dry(ish). Wondering what there is to do around Lancaster & Cumbria in the coming month? Don’t worry… I’ve got you covered.
As you can see; there’s a lot to choose from to get up to throughout July! Note – this list is not exhaustive and simply provides a sample of events and shows in and around the Lancaster area. If you’d like to be featured in future lists, drop me a message – either here or on Instagram (@thenorthishlass) and let me know!
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Which Pub To Pick? (Part One of… Oh, Zillions)
Whilst the great British pub might be under threat (some 400 closed in 2024), of the 39,000 remaining, it seems like several of the really good ones can be found in Lancaster. In this piece, Alex Candlin explores some of his favourite Lancaster watering holes…
One of the many unassailable rights afforded to Brits — alongside queueing and mild, persistent weather complaints—is the sacred entitlement to a proper pint: drawn with reverence, served without fuss, and consumed like it might be your last.
If you should find yourself in Lancaster — an estimable place with plenty of character packed into it’s historic cobblestones — you’ll face not the problem of scarcity, but the frankly Herculean task of choosing from an array of establishments, each making a compelling claim to serve the best beer this side of the Tweed.
Louis XIV may have fancied himself the Sun King, imagining the whole of France revolved around his powdered dome and ornamental trousers, delusions of grandeur, certainly, but in Lancaster there’s no confusion: The Sun Inn reigns supreme, and with considerably more justification.
The Sun Inn bar, with a range from Lancaster Brewery It’s less a public house and more a civic cornerstone—a warm, golden-lit beacon to the weary, the thirsty, and the mildly overdramatic (I would know). I’ve conducted extensive fieldwork within its storied walls (in the interest of public knowledge, of course) and can confirm that it pours the full arsenal of Lancaster Brewery’s finest. These are ales of such calibre they could coax a blush from a cavalry officer, whiskies smoother than a politician’s promise, and lagers so sharp they’ve been known to revive the conversationally comatose.
Insert by Bryony (hello!): There are also notes of historic interest within the walls of The Sun Inn (Alex: this post was meant to be free of nerdiness), such as the Roman well that you can see underneath the floor, protected by a layer of thick glass. There is, of course, the slightly erroneous plaque on the wall that claims that some of the floorboards and/or panelling that make up the pub came from a “17th century ship used in the battle against the Spanish Armada”… now, this is either a typo or a bit of a fib, seeing as the Spanish Armada sailed into British waters in 1588, quite comfortable in the 16th Century. Ah well, it’s a nice urban legend, either way…
(Alex: That’s better, I’ve got my article back) If your plan is to drink well and face the consequences cheerfully, there are few finer places to lay down your tab. Many a pleasant evening has been spent in The Sun before gently ambling down the cobbled street opposite towards the bus station to catch the last bus home.
Bryony again: (Alex: Oh, for God’s sake) – The Sun Inn also does some pretty great food, some of the best “pub food” I’ve had in Lancaster. They also do sharing platters, which are great to split between friends while indulging from behind the bar. Bryony, out.
Strategically entrenched beneath Lancaster Castle—an ideal fallback should the evening take an ill-advised turn—The Merchants 1688 is the sort of pub that feels both defensible and deeply drinkable. A subterranean stronghold of stone and candlelight, it’s part wine-cellar, part drinking den, and entirely ideal for either a rendezvous or a strategic retreat.
Its location near the station makes it a natural first or last stop for any campaigner braving the railways. Inside, the beer list is a tactical triumph: rotating cask ales, precise lagers, and brooding stouts strong enough to give even the most seasoned drinker a moment’s pause. If you like your beverages full-bodied and your exit strategy clear, this is your pub.
Bryony: I’ve also seen it used as the setting for an amateur play. A production of Journey’s End was performed here, using the barrel cellars to great effect as stand-ins for the underground feel of WW1 Trenches. Of course, the pub in it’s clean, uplit, and delightfully warm self, is nothing like a trench in reality, but it was quite clever to use the space this way.
It’s proven ground for social manoeuvres: I once launched a first date there that didn’t immediately dissolve into awkward silences and desperate glances at the door—a diplomatic miracle on par with the Treaty of Utrecht. And then there was the pub quiz: five pints in, fifty quid out. Not a bad night’s work for a man who can barely spell “Trafalgar.”
Every musician needs a stage, and every ale-seeker needs a haunt with just the right blend of chaos and charm. Enter Ye Olde John O’ Gaunt, a venerable tavern that doubles (sometimes) as Lancaster’s unofficial concert hall, confession booth, and living room.
Step inside and take your chances. It might be a raucous evening of foot-stomping folk tunes, where the ceiling trembles and the fiddles fly—or it might be a quiet night of murmured stories and pints gently kissed by the firelight. It’s a coin toss, really, but either way, you win.
The interior is long, narrow, and seasoned with age, like the barrel of a fine musket or the hallway of a ship about to be boarded. Acoustics are lively, proximity is guaranteed, and conversation flows as freely as the taps.
Speaking of which—the beer. There’s always a strong cast of real ales, with guest appearances from local brewers and just enough craft oddities to keep hop-forward types entertained. Whether you’re in the mood for something hoppy, roasty, or brewed by modern-day monks in an Alpine garage (probably), they’ve got you covered.
Food-wise, it’s honest fare—no frills, no nonsense, just something hot and satisfying to keep your second pint from ambushing your dignity. Pies, toasties, and the occasional rogue special. You won’t find foie gras, but you will find something that won’t let you down.
A cornerstone of Lancaster’s boozy ecosystem, Ye Olde John O’ Gaunt is as much a part of the town’s identity as rain and student loans. Whether you’re here for a spontaneous gig, a solitary moment with your pint, or a late-night laugh with old friends, it delivers exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
Until next time, and further exploration of my favourite places for excellent beer;
Alex
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Weekly Recommendation: 6th June 2025
To Do
Go see: Bad Girls at Lancaster Grand Theatre – the first week of shows kicks off on Friday 13th! Buy tickets here.
To Eat
Try Holm’s Chocolate Cronuts – very naughty, but very nice!
It’s Holm’s 5th Birthday celebration today and tomorrow and they’re doing some fun giveaways to celebrate!
Added Bonus
King Charles III is visiting Lancaster Castle on Monday June 9th. If that’s your kind of thing, you can go and see the royal party arrive/leave the castle, and part of the ceremony of the keys.
Even if it’s not your thing, be aware that there will be road closures/car park closures on the day and in the days leading up to the event, so if you’re planning to be in/around Lancaster 6th-10th June, make sure you check your route/parking/access etc.
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Weekly Recommendation: 30th May 2025
To Do
Go and see SIX: THE MUSICAL (LIVE) screened at The Dukes in Lancaster. (Link for tickets)
To Eat
Deep fried black pudding and potato stack (with added bacon if you wish), poached egg, and chilli jam @ The Quayside, Glasson Dock. Open Thur-Sun. Read about the café in my article here.
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Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding
One of the things I wanted to do when I started The North(ish) Lass was to highlight and promote small and medium companies that produce food and goods specifically made in the North. So, in that spirit, I thought I would start with one of my favourite items produced locally: Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding. I’m already drooling just thinking about it.
Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding started being made over thirty-five years ago in a family run restaurant, as well as being stocked in the village shop, and transformed overtime into the product known today. After customers to the village shop started asking “where can I find it local to where I live?” the family knew they had a very good thing on their hands, but had to figure out how to make the pudding and the sauce, package it, and have customers be able to create the taste they loved at home. Cartmel STP (Sticky Toffee Pudding) were the first company in the UK to try serving the pudding and sauce together in a foil tin, with the sauce already on top and cooling it after baking. This then allowed purchasers to reheat it at home, with the sauce already soaking into the pudding. Delicious.
Initially, the family were ferrying the product around to local delis and independent shops in a car, and then a trailer, then a horsebox, and finally… a van. Of course, with such a high demand, soon the under-the-counter oven in the village shop where this had all started couldn’t keep up with the orders. After several iterations in Cartmel itself, including a new kitchen being built, eventually a new site had to be fine. This was kept local, with a purpose built bakery being opened in 2004 in the village of Flookburgh, about three miles down the road from Cartmel village.
Nowadays, the company don’t just do Sticky Toffee Pudding, but several other desserts and other products as well, which can be found in Booths, Waitrose, and other shops including independent restaurants, delis, and cafes. You can find out more about the company, and their products, on their website.
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Café Culture in Lancaster: Part Two
Following on from last week’s post: Café Culture in Lancaster: Part One, this week it’s time for Part Two where I will look at four more independent (or smaller) coffee shops/cafés in Lancaster. The same pricing scale from last week still applies.
Journey Social
Features: Excellent Menu
Price: £££
Journey Social is a lovely café/restaurant to be found just behind the library in the town square. With a diverse menu and excellent coffee, it’s a great place to go for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, but you will need to take your appetites – plates are (in my experience!) quite large! Also be prepared to pay that little bit more for the great ingredients and the from-scratch cooking. Journey Social is one of the more expensive on this list, but definitely worth it as a treat or a special breakfast out. I particularly like the avocado and pea puree they add to various dishes, and from the cake display I’m a fan of their pastel del nata.
Holm
Features: Scandinavian Cuisine, Great Cakes (Fika!)
Price: £
A small café that is now looking to expand because it’s done so well, Holm is a café/bakery that specialises in Scandinavian food and fika. Fika is the Swedish name for cake and a hot drink taken in the afternoon, and Holm offers a deal on this Swedish tradition. The café is also in a moment of exciting expansion, as they’re about to expand to the empty shop next door, taking their capacity up from only three tables, to quite a few more!
Last time I was there, mum had a dish with Salmon, pickled cucumber, rocket, cream cheese, and dill, with a lemon flavour. She enjoyed it, but she did say the portion was very large (she has quite a small appetite!). I had a bagel with cheese and salami.
They also home bake all their cakes, and we took home a tart with berries and crème anglaise, which was delicious with a cup of tea later that afternoon!
Atkinson’s Coffee House
Features: Great Coffee (own blend), Social Tables/Space, Dog Friendly
Price: ££
Atkinson’s has been coffee blenders and tea sellers in Lancaster for nearly two hundred years. Thomas Atkinson opened his tea warehouse in Lancaster in 1837, at which time his shop was one of six.
There are also three different locations of Atkinson’s in Lancaster. There’s The Hall, which is the original café next to the coffee roasting shop; The Music Room on Sun Street; and The Castle Courtyard which can be found (unsurprisingly) in Lancaster Castle Courtyard. The Hall is a huge space on the main road heading towards Sainsburys out of town with smaller tables to work at, or bigger communal tables for chatting with friends or other coffee lovers. I like going into the hall and seeing all the coffee making experiments that they have going on – it looks like an alchemist’s lab in there!
The Music Room is a smaller venue with an outdoor courtyard space which is gorgeous to sit in the spring and summer. The Castle Courtyard is a lovely café in an amazing historical location, but it’s worth noting that whilst it is all flat or ramped, it is a bit of a trek from the road up to the castle and it might be a challenge to someone with accessibility issues.
The Storey
Features: Social Space/Laptop Space, Garden Seating
Price: £
The Storey is a council owned building dedicated to the arts and learning. There are always exhibitions, classes, workshops, and other things going on within the building. There is also a little accessible café space with plenty of comfortable seating and tables for either enjoying a coffee with friends, or plugging in a laptop and catching up on some work. My old singing teacher used to have a classroom and singing space in the Storey, so I would often have a coffee and cake before going to my lesson. There is a little courtyard area where I sometimes sat outside in the late afternoon sunshine in the spring and summer.
The Storey Gardens are also worth a visit, perhaps with a takeaway coffee. The Gardens are perhaps one of Lancaster’s best kept secrets, and beautiful to take a walk around. I’ll be doing a whole piece about the Storey Gardens and the history of the place at a later date.
