Maria Whitehead MBE is the co-founder of Hawkshead Relish Co Ltd – Hawkshead  

What does your job involve? 

My role has always been with people, so HR, finance and ambassadorial mainly. The latter is where I will be most beneficial to continue with as we transition into the next generation in the coming years. 

I drive a…. 

Range Rover Evoque hybrid.  

Who would you invite to your dream meal? (Six people, alive or dead) 

The Dalai Lama  

Joanna Lumley  

Barack Obama  

Tom Hanks  

My late great aunt Maruca and her father, my great grandfather Emilio Sanchez Talavera 

My favourite TV programme is...

Any travel programme  especially with  Simon Reeve.

Most memorable meal or favourite food? 

An anniversary meal at La Chuisa in Montefollonico, Italy, in 1986 – I can still remember each dish now.  

My idea of a great weekend involves… 

At home in the summer - walks, sunshine and eating outdoors with family and friends. 

Biggest inspiration 

My late Dad – a great innovator, entrepreneur and businessman. I miss his guidance, encouragement and support greatly. 

Best advice you’ve ever been given  

Employ people who are better at what they do than you are.  

Which sport do you follow and who do you support?  

Not really a sports follower, although I do like watching Wimbledon once a year. 

Favourite pub, café or restaurant in Cumbria

The Red Lion in Hawkshead, great local with fab food.  

Café- we are so lucky with the choices we have in the county – Bluebird at Coniston is a favourite.

Restaurant – The Yan at Broadrayne in Grasmere.   

Favourite walk in Cumbria  

The route along the western shore of Windermere from Wray Castle and around Blelham Tarn.  

Best view in Cumbria  

That one as you come over Bannerigg looking down Windermere when you have been away and know you are nearly home. We are very lucky to have an amazing view from home and I never tire of hearing people walking past our house and just saying – oh wow! 

What was the first piece of music you ever bought?  

I honestly don’t know, the one song I will always remember being played at home and I loved was the Beatles' Hey Jude.  

Tell us something you’ve learnt in the past fortnight  

A few words in Japanese for a forthcoming trip. 

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know  

 A younger me wanted to be an actress and I even got an interview for RADA. 

Early riser or enjoy a lie-in?  

Definitely an early riser. 

How important is social media to you and what channels do you use? 

Not as much these days. I don’t like the nastiness that is around with so much of it now so use it less and less personally. LinkedIn and  X mainly for work and Instagram for when we are travelling, but usually of sights and nature. Facebook for seeing what is happening locally and keeping in touch with friends.  

The book or film which has had a lasting impact on you  

I loved the French film Jean de Florette , very dated now but I could watch it over and over again. 

Apart from a mobile phone, which piece of technology has improved your life in the last couple of years?  

Alexa – I love being able to switch on the lamps before I get home and ask her for a recipe or the news headlines.