My husband Steve and I moved to the Lakes just over 14 years ago with our two children, Charlie and Olivia. We had previously emigrated to Australia, having lived in Cambridge for 12 years, but moved back to England after just one year as we felt we were too 'English' to live overseas. My husband, a professional hotelier, was soon offered a job in the Lakes which prompted our move North.

Whilst raising two small children I worked part time, but soon became restless sat behind a desk having previously worked all hours in the hospitality industry. I simply missed the buzz of that industry. One day in December 2008 Steve came home from work and announced he had found my next '10 year plan'. The following February we signed the paperwork and the adventure for "Laura in the Lakes" began. 

Whilst completing my hotel management degree, I worked in Switzerland and then Brussels learning all about chocolate and patisserie. The skills and techniques which I have learnt I have been able to bring to the cafe to create our delicious bakes. Since opening "Laura in the Lakes" we have created numerous bakes and we continue to learn our craft as a team and regularly try to master new skills and techniques. We now have an extensive recipe book of the cakes, bakes and creations we have made and it is still continuing to grow!