A colourful Lake District café and bistro bar decorated by a local artist has now closed its doors for good.

Ubuntu Café Bar in the Lowside area of Bowness, run by brother and sister Jonathan and Emma Macfarlane since April 2023, announced the news at the end of last month via its Facebook page.

A new venture is being launched however by staff member Debbie in the form of The Botanical Kitchen, which is reported to be opening soon as a plant-based café/deli.

READ MORE: Artist adds splash of colour to Ubuntu Cafe Bar in Bowness

Speaking on February 25 on its Facebook page, a member of the Ubuntu team said: "For those of you who don't already know, Ubuntu will be opening its doors for the final time this week.

"We've had the most amazing year and never imagined we would be leaving so soon, but new opportunities await.

"Thanks to everyone who has supported us this year, our incredible staff, suppliers and all our wonderful customers.

"We've really enjoyed getting to know all of you and we hope you will continue to support Debbie in her new venture, The Botanical Kitchen which will be opening soon as a plant-based cafe/deli."

'Ubuntu' is a Zulu word meaning 'I am because we are' and inclusivity has always been the ethos of the café bar.

This has been reflected in the warm and inviting atmosphere created in the café by its decor and music.

In the summer of last year, Ubuntu was given a make-over by artist Joseph Coupland Hartley, from Bowness, who brought his distinctive style to the café's chairs and tables.

The Mail:

The artist paints in a number of styles including cubism, abstraction, surrealism, impressionism
minimalism, realism and abstraction expressionism.

One unique feature was among the Cuban-inspired colours was Joseph's table painting of a map of the Lake District.

Joseph added his unique and colourful artwork to not only the furniture but also on the walls.