Even though I’ve still so much more to tell you about our recent trip to Copenhagen I wanted to share one of my favourite places in the UK where you can find hygge at home.
To help beat our Danish blues we were lucky enough to spend the last few days of our holiday at my in-laws cabin in the Lake District.
When my husband and I first met, and were commitment free, we would often chuck a few essentials in a bag and head up after work on a Friday afternoon. Cutting ourselves off from the world for a few days to get some much needed peace and quiet after a busy week in the office.
Now our visits are somewhat limited and planned with military precision. However, the pain of packing virtually everything we own – along with a toddler, dog and even the cat into an estate car for two hours on the motorway is always well worth it.
Another reason for me is just down the hill from where we stay is one of my favourite cafes and shop, Chesters By The River.
Sat on the banks of the River Brathay at Skelwith Bridge, Chesters first opened its doors in 1985 and over the years it has certainly established itself as a very popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
As its reputation has grown so too have the premises and the range of food tastes it caters for. Serving Yotam Ottolenghi style seasonal salads, home baked pastries, pizzas and cakes in a setting that looks straight out of Elle Decoration Country.
Nowadays we like to pop down early to have pancakes for breakfast, sitting on the decked area that hugs the riverbank, soaking up the sun and listening to the babbling water and birdsong.
This year however they’ve also extended out the back and created a gorgeous take away cafe too. The cream wood-burner, Ilse Crawford lights and grey enamelware give it that welcoming, hygge vibe. Plus it makes it now even easier to grab a delicious milky coffee, an amazing homemade loaf or a couple of their fantastic infamous scones.
With the rise in Nordic inspired living over the years I’ve seen the products for sale in the shop change too. Gone are the sleek Alessi pendant lights, Philippe Starck Ghost Chairs and Taschen coffee table blockbusters. Now they’ve been replaced with more stripped-back, functional homewares all with a quintessential Lakeland twist.
Chesters will not disappoint if you are looking for beautifully crafted rugs, cushions or tableware that’s been lovingly produced by very talented locals. The honesty and integrity of these pieces are however underpinned by some firm Nordic style favourites such as Jane Foster mugs, Skandinavisk candles and a range of lifestyle books including; Fika and Hygge, New Nordic Design and Nordicana.
So the next time you’re in this beautiful part of the world, leave the bags of mint cake, tea towels printed with Wainwright poems or Beatrix Potter figurines behind and get yourselves to Chesters for a true taste of Lakeland Nordic.
All images by Nicola Capper.
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