THIS popular cafe and bistro has been a hit with residents and tourists alike for a while and is fully deserving of The Mail’s ‘Trader of the Week’ award.

Poppies Cafe and Bistro was taken over by Steve Hartley about 18 months ago but has been going for around 14 years in Ulverston.

The Union Street based cafe offers customers hot drinks, breakfast, and lunch which is made in house fresh.

The cafe also offers bistro services on Friday and Saturday evenings as well.

The menu caters for all and offers an affordable price with great quality.

Manager and chef Steve Hartley is really passionate about the food industry and has been working in the business since he started at the age of 14, when he worked as a kitchen assistant at Lakeside Hotel.

The 35-year-old jumped at the chance of running his own place to fulfil a long-term ambition.

“I have always been a chef and I wanted to do this as it is my dream to open my own place," he said.

“It is a tough time currently but we are doing takeaway services and that has taken up more recently obviously.

“This is a trying time for us with the coronavirus outbreak but our customers have shown us support.

“It is fantastic to be nominated for an award.

"It is strange going from seeing these awards being given out to getting one yourself really.

“It is a nod of respect to us and it means we are doing something right. It has really made my day.

“I would like to say thanks to Michael and Amy Bleasdale for giving me the opportunity to be able to run this, and thanks to my wife Becky and my daughter Lizzie who have helped me out.

“I want to give a shout out to my staff as well as this would not be possible without them.”

The Ulverston resident has worked all over the country after gaining a competitive apprenticeship over a decade ago, being one of 15 from more than 500 applicants to gain a place on the course. He has been working in Ulverston ever since returning to the area 10 years ago.

When we visited, the cafe and bistro was visibly busy with many people popping in to get a takeaway and hopefully can rebound from the government directive for cafes to close in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus.

If you believe you know a business that is deserving of being ‘Trader of the Week’ then do not hesitate to send in your nomination. This can be done by emailing george.lythgoe@newsquest.co.uk or by ringing 07764657139.