Lockdown Brits in search of a caffeine boost have sparked an unprecedented surge in subscriptions to a coffee and tea club.

Penningtons, in Kendal, recorded a 40 per cent increase in demand for their letterbox-friendly packages, as aficionados of bean and leaf scoured the internet.

With a vast majority of new members opting to continue their membership now lockdown has eased, the firm is celebrating the unexpected boost - and preparing for continued growth as word spreads.

Gina Pennington, a director of Penningtons, said: “Of course we were affected like most other businesses when the UK went into lockdown, but we were able to maintain our subscription and delivery service.

“It was pleasing to see the nation’s tea and coffee lovers seek us out and sign up to our monthly subscription service.

“We believe we are delivering a premium experience at a very reasonable price, and I suspect that was one of the key drivers behind the growth along, of course, with the fact that decent coffee and tea blends were far harder to come by during the lockdown period.”

Penningtons hand roast specially selected, ethically sourced coffee beans from around the world.