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

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

The cafe bar, located in Carlisle's Carlyle Court is owned by husband and wife duo Kevin and Claire McClintock. 

After being informed that Whytes had been chosen by News & Star readers to feature in the final ten of the 'Best Cafe 2024' award, Claire was on had to say thank you to all those who put Whytes forward. 

She said: "It means so much, we work our butts off because we love what we do and so to feel that you are appreciated is amazing, and our customers are really loyal and are part of the family.

"It means a huge amount, we are absolutely thrilled, we love our customers and we love our job and it is good to know that people feel the same about us as we do about them."

Claire also discussed what she believes has made Whytes so popular amongst local cafe-goers, with her highlighting the cafe bar's attention to detail and emphasis on quality when it comes to food and customer service.

She said: "We are not a big place but know our customers and we go the extra mile to deliver excellent customer service every single time.

"We do add a personal touch, my husband and I work in the cafe every day and people come in to see us and not just go to other cafes so it has got that family feel to it.

"The food is really good quality, we don't skimp, even though the cost of living has affected how people purchase their food we still think it is really important to have a really high quality of food and we don't compromise.