Bassenthwaite Lake Station has exceeded all original forecasts since it opened in 2021, bucking the trend for many hospitality businesses in Cumbria during difficult times for the industry.

Employing 18 full-time and an additional 12 part-time staff, the business has captured the imaginations of locals and tourists alike and prides itself on delivering the highest standards of customer service and quality whilst remaining profitable.

This is largely due to the day-to-day hands-on approach by the two owners of the business, Simon and Diana Parums, and a very strong management team who deliver a premium product and experience to visitors.

Future plans include the reconstruction of a derelict building on site into ancillary kitchen storage, offices, staff facilities and a meeting room.

There are also plans for the adjacent wild flower meadow to have its own bird hide for guests to sit in peace overlooking the large pond and further enhancing the short fully-accessible woodland walk along the platform and through the trees.

The business has strong green credentials; using local suppliers, plastic-free products and planting an additional 2500-plus trees and shrubs on the site.

The wellbeing of employees and their families are a major consideration in all the business’ decisions.

The in-Cumbria judges said: “Bassenthwaite Lake Station have had phenomenal success in such a short period of time which is a credit to the passion and drive of the owners behind the business.The growth of the company within the past 12 months has been phenomenal. I was particularly impressed with the environmental stance adopted and caring attitude towards the wellbeing of employers and their families. The support provided by the company for the local community is outstanding. The owners have a clear vision for the future, are highly motivated and passionate about the business and have a clear plan going forward.”

Diana Parums from Bassenthwaite Lake Station said: “It’s a heritage restoration, quite unusual as most of these become private dwellings. The place captures the imagination of everyone who visits. It’s the wow factor.” Her husband Simon Parums said customers also enjoyed their customer service. “Our staff bend over backwards,” he added.

Runners up:

The Blind Chocolatier

The Zero Pantry Limited