About Lakeside Picnic
Small beginnings. Big heart. Timeless quality.
Our Story
Located on the shores of Lake Windermere in Waterhead, Ambleside, Lakeside Picnic is a small, independent shop built from the ground up with hard work, resilience, and a true passion for quality.
When we first opened our doors in March 2015, we started with just a coffee machine, an ice cream freezer, and a dream: to create a welcoming space where visitors and locals could relax, enjoy beautiful surroundings, and discover some of the Lake District’s finest local treats.
We didn’t start with much — no big investment, no fancy setup — just a commitment to doing things the right way. Every bit of profit in those early years was carefully reinvested, not to chase quick success, but to build a place that genuinely served the needs of the community.
Listening and Growing
Rather than guessing what people might want, we listened carefully.
When customers asked for postcards, we found the best ones.
When they needed maps or local specialties like
Romney’s Kendal Mint Cake, we brought them in.
Slowly and thoughtfully, Lakeside Picnic became a true reflection of what people were looking for:
authentic local products, honest service, and a warm, friendly experience.
Resilience at the Heart
Like many businesses in the Lake District, we faced
hard challenges along the way.
In our first year, Storm Desmond devastated the area and our shop was flooded.
We lost almost everything — but not our determination.
Having started from scratch once before, we rolled up our sleeves and did it again.
Long working hours, multiple jobs, and unwavering commitment allowed us to rebuild stronger than ever.
Today
Today, Lakeside Picnic stands as a testament to
resilience and dedication.
We are a small seasonal business but we have endured where many others have not.
Shops, hotels, and businesses around us have changed ownership or disappeared, but we have remained a
steady presence in the heart of the Lake District.
Our success is not measured by size but by our ability to stay true to our
values and community.
We have worked hard to stay personal, focused, and
committed to the people who matter most — our customers.
In an industry where businesses come and go, we have built a reputation for
quality, honesty, and
care that we are proud to pass on for generations.
We are not here to chase profit or become a bigger name.
We are here to remain a trusted part of the Lake District for years to come,
built to last with heart at our core.
The Lakeside Picnic Promise
We are extremely selective about what goes into our small shop.
With limited space, only the best deserves a place here — products chosen
not because they are easy to sell, but because they truly reflect the
spirit and quality of the Lake District.
At Lakeside Picnic, you’ll find:
- Award-winning Luxury Lakes Ice Cream made in Kendal, using fresh, local ingredients
- Freshly brewed coffee and light bites
- A carefully chosen selection of Lake District gifts and local treats
- A refreshing range of soft drinks, including Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and more – perfect for quenching your thirst
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff providing expert service with a personal touch – no pressure, just great advice
The Man Behind the Counter
Visitors often notice the person serving them behind the counter —
Mo, the founder of
Lakeside Picnic (and now The Black Sheep Shop, also in Ambleside).
Mo’s journey is one of
resilience,
hard work, and
dedication to honest business.
After years of working in local shops, restaurants, hotels, and even Michelin-starred kitchens, he poured everything he learned into building
Lakeside Picnic — one small, careful step at a time.
Drawing on his academic background in business management, accounting, and IT—skills honed while owning & running internet cafés and computer service businesses - Mo manages every aspect of his ventures with precision and care.
His deep knowledge of food service, retail operations, and customer care—shaped by years of hands-on work with leading UK brands like Tesco, Greggs, and BP—further strengthens the foundation of his shops.
He prefers not to make the business about personal stories. For Mo, what matters most is the experience you have:
The quality of what you taste,
the honesty of the service you receive, and
the welcome you feel. It’s not about where someone came from — it’s about what they stand for today.
And here at Lakeside Picnic, we stand for
quality,
fairness, and
genuine care.
Mo holds the following up-to-date certifications, renewed regularly:
Welcome
Whether you’re strolling along Lake Windermere,
exploring Waterhead Pier, or simply
in search of a treat and a warm welcome,
Lakeside Picnic is here for you.
Please note, we are a shop, not a cafe.
If you’re looking to dine, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby.
We offer a unique shopping experience with a twist —
feel free to come in and take a look around!
Thank you for supporting small, independent businesses.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
5 stars since day one, and still going strong!
The Lakeside Picnic Team
(Proudly serving Ambleside with Lakeside Picnic and The Black Sheep Shop)
