WE'RE highlighting the shortlisted cafes in our competition in the News & Star. Each of the establishments will be featured over ten issues.

LAING'S of Harker has been nominated by News & Star readers as one of the ten finalists in its 'Best Cafe 2024' award.

The cafe, which is located in the Old Harker Garden Centre, was opened in 2015 by the Laing family, with a combination of parents and children running the business. 

After being nominated for the News & Star's 'Best Cafe 2024' award, co-owner Sophie Laing was on hand to express her delight. 

She said: "We are completely over the moon with it, we are busy near enough every day so it kind of speaks for itself but seeing that we are one of the top ten in north Cumbria is amazing. 

"It shows that we are at least doing something right anyway.

"There is a lot of time and effort that goes into the business but it is good to know that it is paying off and everyone is enjoying our hard work."

Sophie also discussed the many different elements that make Laing's popular in the local community and have contributed to their nomination.

She said: "All of our cakes our home made.

"I grew up baking with my granny so she has had a massive influence in helping me get into baking so all of our cakes are handmade on-site and we have got three bakers that help us do that.

"We have got a great team in the kitchen that help us good dishes and try to come up with different specials weekly and we have got a massive menu with something for everyone. 

"We are dog friendly and we get a lot of babies coming in for their first outing which is always amazing.

"When our regulars come in we love having a chat with them and getting updated on what they're up to and when we get new people and they say they will come back that is the best feeling."