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Historic Hall to Regain Tourist Info Role
13 Mar
Summary
- A cafe opening in Moot Hall aims to bring back tourist services.
- The town's previous tourist office closed due to rising rent.
- Discussions are underway to re-establish a tourism presence.
A new cafe set to open in Keswick's historic Moot Hall is poised to bring back a vital tourism information service. The Lake District National Park Authority's (LDNPA) previous tourist office, located in Moot Hall for 25 years, ceased operations in January due to escalating rent and budget constraints, leaving Keswick without a dedicated visitor information point.
Cafe co-founder Scott Thain has indicated "positive conversations" are occurring regarding the possibility of a tourism presence within Moot Hall. This endeavor aims to preserve the building's historical role as a community hub and support the area's tourism sector. The LDNPA is actively seeking alternative locations for its services and is in discussions with the incoming cafe tenants and Cumberland council regarding potential information points.
Built in 1813, the Grade II listed Moot Hall has a rich history as a market, courthouse, and museum. The new cafe, relocating from Wigton, is described by co-founder Constantinos Theophanous as a "Cumbrian business" that feels intrinsically linked to the iconic venue. Both cafe owners expressed a commitment to promoting local businesses and assisting visitors, hoping to foster the continued vibrancy of Keswick.
