09/06/2026
Kendal Farmers Market – Meet the Producer
As summer arrives in Kendal and the sunshine starts to make a welcome appearance, the town begins to fill with visitors, families, friends and food lovers and the buzz around the market truly comes to life. Kendal Farmers Market becomes more than just a place to shop; it’s a place to slow down, catch up, and celebrate the very best of our local food and drink.
It’s about discovering something new, chatting with familiar faces, and enjoying the simple pleasure of buying directly from the people who grow, rear, bake, brew and create the things we love.
Summer is one of our favourite times at the market. The stalls are bursting with colour, flavour and beautiful seasonal produce that reflects the ever-changing Cumbrian landscape.
With this new series of newsletters, we’re diving into the magic behind it all sharing the stories, passion and people behind our wonderful producers. We hope you’ll enjoy getting to know them and perhaps even discovering a few new favourites along the way.
Ginger Bakers
Founded in 2006 by Lisa Smith, Ginger Bakers is a proudly female-led business creating beautiful handmade cakes and bakes over at the Food Park at Plumgarths. Their cakes and traybakes are all about quality ingredients, imaginative flavour combinations and true craft. From comforting classics to inventive seasonal treats, everything is made with care, skill and a whole lot of love.
That dedication certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed, with over 25 Great Taste stars, wins at the Great British Food Awards, and national recognition at the Baking Industry Awards where their team was crowned Team of the Year. Closer to home, Lisa was named Cumbrian Food & Drink Hero 2025, celebrating not just her incredible baking, but the heart and community spirit behind it too.
Dan’s Plants
Dan’s journey began as a little one planting flowers with his grandma and it’s a story that has continued to blossom ever since. In 2017, he started selling his home-grown plants at his grandma’s church, slowly growing his passion into the thriving business you see today.
Dan’s Plants specialises in sustainably grown plants that are perfectly suited to our local conditions, helping gardeners create beautiful spaces while caring for the environment. His dedication has earned him fantastic recognition too as an RHS
Gold Medallist and one of the UK’s youngest peat-free nursery owners. You might even have spotted him on BBC Gardeners’ World!
It’s no surprise his stall is always a popular stop, full of healthy plants, expert advice and genuine enthusiasm for growing.
Cross Apiary
Cross Apiary brings a real buzz to the market! Run by John, his three sons and daughter, this family team shares a genuine love for bees and the vital role they play in our world.
Their stall is a hive of activity, offering beautiful local honey, beeswax products and plenty of friendly knowledge built from hands-on experience. Whether you’re picking up a golden jar for your morning toast or learning a little more about these incredible pollinators, there’s always something to discover.
It’s a firm favourite with customers who love supporting local and who appreciate a little sweetness straight from nature.
Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese
A true Lancashire treasure, Mrs Kirkham’s is the kind of stall cheese lovers can’t resist. This award-winning, family-run cheesemaker has been crafting their famous Lancashire cheese since 1978, using milk from their own herd and time-honoured traditional methods.
The result is their much-loved “buttery crumble” rich, creamy and full of character, with every bite telling a story of heritage and care. As the last remaining farmhouse producer of raw milk Lancashire cheese, they’re keeping a wonderful tradition alive.
Thanks to a long-standing partnership with Neal’s Yard Dairy (spanning over 40 years), their cheese has made its way onto some of the finest cheeseboards in the country but there’s nothing quite like picking up a wedge straight from the market.
See you at the market on the 12 June, bring your bags, and enjoy a little taste of Cumbria!
