The Lake District's best kept vegan secret

26 June 2017

Grasmere is famous for its gingerbread- but who knew it was also vegan? I certainly didn’t! We caught up with Yasmine Hunter (4th Generation) to talk about the product and what other vegan delights there are in the area. But first- my review:

Grasmere Gingerbread

My thoughts...

The kind folks at Grasmere Gingerbread® sent me out a packet of six, so I simply have to share my review with you all.

When you open a packet of Grasmere Gingerbread® you know you are unfolding a piece of history.

The white and blue paper packaging is how I imagine it used to be sold years ago and there is something very satisfying about hearing the crinkle of the paper before you get that first hit of the mouth-watering spicy/sweet smell.

It is nothing like the gingerbread you will be used to- the hard, snappy kind. This bends under light pressure and is much softer on the palate.

I have to confess, I am not a fan of ginger in anything- this is the only ginger flavoured product I will eat. I think that it’s down to the way it’s made- the crumbly, chewy texture of each bar means there is so much more going on in each bite than just the ginger. So, if you normally don’t like ginger- give it a try and see.

It is satisfying crumbly and you can see the glisten of the little ginger pieces if you take a closer look. Prepare to get a little bit messy when you tuck in.

I used to like nothing more than breaking into a packet once we had returned to our static caravan after waking for the day. It felt like a well-earned treat. And six pieces between three of us never seemed quite enough.

We tend to buy a packet every time we go to Grasmere- it’s all part of the experience. I was worried when I discovered I had an allergy to cow’s milk that I wouldn’t be able to eat it anymore- but alas- I can still enjoy my dose every time I go to this wonderful little village.

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Why is Grasmere gingerbread the ideal gift for vegans?

Because it is dairy free. Grasmere Gingerbread® is a unique, spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake, its reputation quickly spread and it is now enjoyed by food lovers all over the world.

Can customers select vegan only products in your gift hampers?

Yes- by telephone – 015394 35428

Now there is more demand for vegan treats- have you found a rise in the number of vegans buying your gingerbread?

Not yet but more people seem to feel happier about it!

We know the gingerbread is vegan but are any of your other products vegan friendly?

Lots – too many to mention.

Why is a piece of your gingerbread ideal for the vegan who loves to ramble?

A cross between a biscuit and a cake – like low to high level rambles, chewy like some of the paths, crispy like the leaves you walk on/and crumbly like the Lakeland dry stone walls and very different and always wanting more… just like the Lakes!

Do you feel the Lake District is somewhere that’s synonymous with animals?

The fell sides are roamed by Herdwick sheep – our most iconic animal.

There are a few vegan friendly restaurants in Grasmere- any you would recommend?

Greens Café is so accommodating with all dietary requests including vegan! Vegetarian hotels- include Lancrigg hotel and Ambleside Manor. But for some of the best vegetarian food, there’s Zeffirellis and Fellinis in Ambleside.